A method for marking a workpiece (6) uses a device, wherein the workpiece (6) is formed at least partially in a thermal master or forming process, comprises a surface (10) directed towards the workpiece (6), wherein a number of individually controllable heating elements (2) is distributed behind the surface (10) for a local heating of a workpiece surface portion. Each of the heating elements (2) comprises a solid material (11) having a surface structure and a heating structure (3), wherein the surface (10) directed towards the workpiece (6) encompassing the surface structures (40) has a uniform smooth surface allowing to dark, burn or foam the surface (7) of the workpiece (6) through heat introduction.