Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods of printing location marking designs on various substrate surfaces for use in microscopic research. A preferable embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: designing a pattern of lines and symbols; transferring the pattern to a transparent film; placing the transparent film on a photopolymer plate; exposing the transparent film and the photopolymer plate to ultraviolet light wherein the pattern is transferred to the photopolymer plate; and using a pad printing machine to ink print the pattern from the photopolymer plate to a substrate. A preferable embodiment of the device is comprised of a substrate, an ink-printed pattern of lines and symbols on said substrate; and an orienting device that allows users to ascertain the directional orientation of the substrate without the use of magnification.