Methods and apparatus for providing markings on objects, such as optical media (420) which do not interfer with the functionality of the object. The optical media (420) may have a portion, such as a central clamping area (422) which does not contain information. A mark (432) is transferred into this area through the use of a photomask. The mark (432) may be viewed in several ways including by placement over a fluorescent background (414) and irradiation with a low intensity ultraviolet light (415). This technique increases the contrast of the image.
