A method and an apparatus for automated application of paint film to bodywork parts (1) and to a paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation. A paint film composite (5) which is suitable for automation is created and adhesively bonded onto the bodywork part (1) in an accurate position and without any bubbles or creases by means of a robot-controlled application tool that is appropriate for this purpose. To securely hold the film composite (5), which has been picked up from a substrate, the suction grippers (30, 31) which grip the ends are angled in mirror-image form, in order in this way to prevent the ends from becoming detached from the suction grippers. The lower protective strip (9) is then at least partially pulled off, thus exposing the adhesive face of the useful part (6) of the paint film. The film composite (5) is aligned in the correct orientation at a short distance from the bodywork part (1) and the useful part (6) of the paint film is wiped onto the bodywork surface (1).