Proofreading Software and Tools
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A Complete Guide to Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word
A Complete Guide to Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word
Dec 04, 2022
Microsoft Word is a popular word processing software with a wide variety of features. As a freelance proofreader, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with its tools, as you’ll likely use them as part of your workflow. While proofreading doesn’t always include formatting, many proofreaders offer it as an additional service. Microsoft Word offers […]
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Proofreading Tips: How to Use the Compare Tool in Microsoft Word
Proofreading Tips: How to Use the Compare Tool in Microsoft Word
Dec 10, 2021
When proofreading your clients’ documents, keeping track of all your changes can be a chore. Thankfully, Microsoft Word has tools that can spare you the trouble. One is the Compare tool, a function used to highlight the differences between two documents. This function can be a lifesaver for proofreaders. In this post, we will walk […]
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Proofreading Tips: How to Annotate a PDF
Jul 22, 2021
As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to proofread a PDF at some point. And if you’re used to the tools in Microsoft Word, the process for marking up a different type of document can seem daunting. Once you get the hang of it, though, proofreading a PDF is simple. In this post, we’ll […]
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How to Create a Custom Shortcut in Microsoft Word
May 27, 2021
The keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word can be useful when proofreading, giving you quick access to common commands. But what about when a command you need doesn’t have a shortcut? The solution is to create a custom keyboard shortcut or two. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Next to Keyboard shortcuts, click Customize […]
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How to Use the Compare Tool in Google Docs for Proofreading
Apr 25, 2021
Google Docs includes a tool that lets you compare two documents. And this can be useful for proofreaders, especially if you forget to use the Suggest Edits function when working on a document. In this blog post, then, we’ll first set out how to use the compare tool in Google Docs, then we’ll look at […]
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5 Perfect Presents for Proofreaders
Dec 06, 2020
It’s that time of year again! And to help you with your Christmas shopping this festive season, we’ve compiled a list of perfect presents for the proofreaders in your life. 1. Technological Treats Proofreading can be hard work. And if you know a proofreader who is struggling with stress, why not get them a technological […]
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Is AI a Threat to Proofreading Jobs?
Aug 16, 2020
Is AI a threat to proofreading jobs? It is true that proofreading software is getting more sophisticated, now offering stylistic tips as well as flagging typos. But there are some things a human proofreader can do that a machine will always struggle with, including: Gauging whether the style and tone of a document are appropriate. […]
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What Computing Skills Does a Proofreader Need?
Mar 26, 2020
In the old days, a proofreader could get by with nothing but a red pen and a set of arcane symbols. Now, though, technology has changed everything. So, do you need to be a technical whizz-kid to proofread in the modern world? Not quite, but you may need some computing skills. For instance, a proofreader […]
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5 Brilliant Quotes About Editing
5 Brilliant Quotes About Editing
Mar 12, 2020
Compared to authors, proofreaders and editors rarely make any headlines. But proofreading and editing is essential to great writing! And we’ve found a few quotes we think capture this. 1. Russell Lynes – Editing Is Necessary The editor and publisher Russell Lynes is quoted as saying: No author dislikes to be edited as much as […]
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Shortcuts and Time-Savers to Avoid
Shortcuts and Time-Savers to Avoid
Sep 14, 2018
Proofreading can be a painstaking process. And when there’s a deadline looming or a frazzled client on your back, it’s very tempting to look for shortcuts. Some of these shortcuts are legitimate time-saving tips that proofreaders should learn to improve their efficiency. But some have no place in proofreading at all. And in this post, […]