A method and apparatus for securing a printing plate on a plate cylinder is disclosed. A tensioning bar is moved by an actuating device toward an entrance slot defined by an outer circumferential edge of the cylinder to engage a rear end of the printing plate. The tensioning bar is disposed on a profile body disposed within a channel defined by the cylinder and extending parallel to an axis of the cylinder. The actuating device is disposed in the profile body. The tensioning bar is then moved away from the entrance slot by the actuating device to exert a tensioning force on the rear end of the printing plate.