A register error detection method based on control strip was put forward to realize real time and online detection of register error. Firstly, the control strip was located to eliminate deviation. Then, the translations of the solid block's edge from the reference block's edge in horizontal and vertical direction were calculated based on the characteristics of the control strip. The register error of plates from reference plate can be obtained. The experimental result showed that the accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm satisfies the requirements of color printing.