A visualization method for monitoring minor metal crack propagation is presented in this paper. Through CdS@ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) enhanced emission of photoluminescence (PL), this crack detection method provides a visualization signal in real time and through a noncontact fashion. The crack of the CdS@ZnS core-shell QDs-epoxy resin kept a synchronous propagation with the metal crack. Detection of the tip growth in the film layers demonstrated that the actual crack propagation on the metal surface could be deduced from the tips in the film layers. The fluorescence peak tended to increase along the crack from the initial opening to the tip. Crack width as small as 10 μm can be detected with a precision of 0.1 μm and the minimum crack tip width of the QDs-epoxy resin was measured as 0.72 μm.