Overview
ISO 5776:2022 - Graphic technology - Symbols for text proof correction - is the third edition of the international standard that defines a unified set of proof-correction symbols for use in copy preparation and proofreading. Applicable to manuscripts, typescripts, printer’s proofs and electronic proofs (PDFs), the standard covers symbol sets for alphabetic languages, logographic languages (e.g., Chinese, Japanese) and an alphabetic + syllabary language (Korean). It excludes symbols for mathematical texts and colour illustrations. The 2022 edition updates previous editions (including ISO 5776:1983 and the 2016 edition) and adds Korean correction symbols and Annex D with examples.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Standardized symbol sets: Tables specify marks to be used in-text and corresponding marginal symbols for:
- Alphabetic languages (Table 1)
- Logographic languages (Table 2)
- Korean (alphabetic and syllabary) (Table 3)
- Usage guidance: Rules for placement of text marks and margin marks, circling text to identify corrections, and how some symbols may extend from text to margin.
- Grouped functions: Symbols are organized by general function (e.g., deletions, insertions, style changes, spacing and positioning).
- Examples and annexes: Informative annexes illustrate real-world applications:
- Annex A - alphabetic examples
- Annex B - logographic (Chinese) examples
- Annex C - logographic (Japanese) examples
- Annex D - Korean examples
- Annex E - relationship to older symbols (ISO 5776:1983)
- Electronic workflows: The standard anticipates use in fully electronic environments, allowing proofreaders to use electronic versions of the symbols on PDFs.
Practical applications
- Create clear, language-independent editorial annotations that save margin space compared with textual instructions.
- Standardize communication between proofreaders, editors, typesetters and prepress operators across different languages and regions.
- Improve accuracy in multilingual publishing, book production, newspapers, technical documentation, and localization projects.
- Facilitate consistent mark‑up in both traditional paper proofs and digital PDF workflows.
Who should use ISO 5776:2022
- Proofreaders and copy editors
- Publishers and production editors
- Prepress and typesetting teams
- Graphic designers and typographers
- Localization and translation teams working with multilingual layouts
- Organizations seeking consistent editorial mark-up across alphabets and logographic scripts
Related standards and context
- Developed by ISO/TC 130 (Graphic technology).
- Builds on earlier editions (ISO 5776:1983, ISO 5776:2016); see Annex E for the relationship to older symbols.
- Drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives and is intended for use with general graphic technology practices.
Keywords: ISO 5776:2022, text proof correction symbols, proofreading symbols, graphic technology, typographic symbols, alphabetic languages, logographic languages, Korean proofreading, editorial markup, PDF proofreading.
