Proofreading Marks Reference
Visual reference of standard proofreading marks with symbols, meanings, and usage examples
| Symbol | Name | Meaning | Example |
|---|
In-Text Marks
Marks placed directly in the text show
WHERE a change should be made.
- Caret (^) under the line = insert here
- Line through text = delete
- Circle around text = change this
- Wavy underline = set in bold
- Straight underline = set in italic
Margin Marks
Marks in the margin clarify WHAT
change to make, matching in-text marks.
Write corrections in the nearest margin.
Use a line or arrow to connect margin
notes to their in-text locations.
Multiple corrections on one line:
separate with a vertical slash.
Digital Proofreading Tips
Modern equivalents of traditional marks:
- Track Changes in Word/Google Docs
- Comment bubbles for queries
- Strikethrough for deletions
- Highlight for attention needed
- PDF annotation tools replicate traditional marks
- Always use a consistent color (red is standard)
More Text & Content tools at toool.cc