Louise Harnby | Fiction Editor & Proofreader
  • Home
  • Resource library
  • Services
  • Courses
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Training login
  • Contact
The Editing Blog: for Editors, Proofreaders and Writers

FOR EDITORS, PROOFREADERS AND WRITERS

Roundup: PDF Proofreading Stamps (quick-access links)

26/8/2012

43 Comments

 
43 Comments
Alison Lees link
18/9/2012 05:56:30 am

These are really helpful, thanks!

Reply
pamela
6/3/2013 07:09:09 pm

I have downloaded these files because they looked really good, thank you for being willing to share them but I was disappointed when all that all that showed on the files was a single "delete mark". I have a mac, do you have any suggestions?

Reply
Alice Willoughby
12/1/2014 08:07:31 am

these are wonderful, thanks so much for sharing them

Reply
ellie daniels
10/2/2014 03:47:20 am

Hi. Is there a stamp for C10 - set line justified to specified measure?

Many thanks - these are great!

Reply
Louise Harnby
10/2/2014 04:07:20 am

Sorry, no, Ellie. Only what's there. I use this so infrequently that I didn't put in the time to create it when I started using these. Make your own one using the snip tool, perhaps. It should be quite easy to draw on the margins of a pdf.

Reply
Carol Lamble
18/6/2014 05:20:32 am

The proofreading stamps are excellent. Thanks so much.

Reply
Soffia
19/11/2014 07:12:18 am

Louise these look great and are fabulous for saving paper! I am currently trying to learn from scratch how to proofread using the BSI symbols. Is there any chance you could do a small description of what each of your symbols mean?

Reply
Louise Harnby
19/11/2014 07:24:45 am

I'd recommend you get hold of a copy of BSI Marks for Copy Preparation and Proof Correction BS 52461C: 2005 in the first instance, Soffia. The SfEP sells these. This will tell you what each mark is and where it should be placed. Alternatively, take a training course that teaches you how to use them appropriately.

Reply
Charlotte
17/3/2015 06:43:37 am

Just experimented with these for the first time - so brilliant, thank you!

Reply
Nick Hamar
30/4/2015 10:56:17 am

Downloading PDF-XChange Editor stamps - That was easy!

Thanks for all your hard work and thanks to the other contributors. Something that easy to use must have taken hours to sort out.

Reply
Teresa
7/5/2015 07:57:14 am

I must be stupid . You show me the symbols but not how to use them. Der.

Reply
Louise Harnby
7/5/2015 11:15:31 am

Hi Teresa.

Do you mean I haven't provided a demonstration of how to actually use the stamps tools on a PDF? One of the issues with this is that the details will vary depending on which PDF editing software you are using, e.g. PDF XChange, PDF Editor, Adobe Reader, Adobe Pro (though again it may vary depending on which version you have), Foxit or whatever. The best thing in this case would be for you to google for tutorials that demonstrate how to use stamps for your preferred piece of software. Then it should be quite simple for you, having downloaded my stamps, to apply what you've learned. Usually you'll be looking for some sort of stamp-tool icon in the menu that will allow you to select a stamp from the palette and imprint it on the PDF page. I may well do a tutorial for PDF XChange later this month, because that's the software that I use when marking up PDFs, then follow up later with Adobe Reader, perhaps, when I have the time (though this isn't my preferred piece of software). You'll have to keep a lookout here on the Parlour (perhaps you could subscribe), so that you can see when the tutorial is available.

Or do you mean that you need instruction on when it's appropriate to use which symbol? In that case, I'd recommend you do a proofreading course that will teach you the basics. Your national editorial society will be able to guide you on what the best options are.

Or if you mean you need help with how to actually download the symbols you can see, check out my installation instructions.

Hope that helps!

Reply
Katherine Cavendish link
6/2/2016 11:57:31 am

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for making these stamps available for one and all. I first read about them when I started out about 4 years ago, but never had any reason to use them until this week. They are brilliant, my production editor loves them too, and you are a wonderful human being!

Reply
Stephen Sefton link
26/3/2016 01:50:34 pm

Are the proofreading pdf stamps no longer available? None of the links take me to anywhere they can be downloaded.

Reply
Stephen Sefton link
27/3/2016 06:37:03 am

Ok Got it. Silly me. The moral of this is 'look below the fold!" When I clicked on the quick access links, then the first bullet, I came to a page that above the fold again said "quick access links" and it looked like I was just going round in circles. Look below the fold and yes, you find the pdf's. Thanks.
PS not sure I can use them though. I am on linux using PDF Studio so I have the challenge of importing them as stamps. I may not bother. I was just using them whilst I am doing a proofreading course. Saves on ink printing out pages and using a pen. Hey, but great work on your part.

Reply
Louise Harnby
26/3/2016 02:07:01 pm

All the links seem to be working on my PC, Stephen. The files for download are here. http://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/blog-the-proofreaders-parlour/free-downloadable-pdf-proofreading-stamps.

Which particular page are you having problems with?

Reply
Rebecca link
29/4/2016 09:53:33 am

It's awesome, thank for your post.

Reply
Hazel Blumberg-McKee
12/7/2016 04:36:26 pm

Wow! A fellow proofreader referred me to your page. I am awed. Thank you so much for making proofreading online so much easier!

Reply
David Lloyd-Johnson
27/10/2016 11:29:59 am

Louise

I note that you have said that you renamed the indiviual marks to enable you to then reorder them to facilitate their efficient use by you.

Was this something that needs to be done before importing into PDF Xchange, or is it something that can be done afterwards?

With thanks in anticipation of your reply.

Regards

David

Reply
Louise Harnby
27/10/2016 01:12:15 pm

Hi David.

See http://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/blog-the-proofreaders-parlour/onscreen-proofreading-tips-reorganizing-your-stamps-palette-in-pdf-xchange for how to do this.

Hope that helps!

Louise

Reply
David Lloyd-Johnson
1/11/2016 10:19:45 am

Thanks Louise.

All sorted now.

David

David Lloyd-Johnson
2/11/2016 04:29:04 pm

Hi Louise

One further question if I may, as to how to use the transposition marks practically.

Obviously, using the margin mark isn't problematical. However, in a situation where it is, say, two words that have been transposed, presumably the text mark cannot be used given its relatively small size.

Is the solution to draw the larger mark-up symbol required or would you just write a note indicating the correct order or the two words concerned?

Apologies for posing a further question.

Regards

David

Louise Harnby
22/2/2017 02:49:54 pm

I use the line tool in the onboard editing tools of Acrobat or XChange to draw the transpose mark in the text. Sorry for the delay in replying. Some of my comments have ended up in a 'Pending' box for some reason!

Jessica Spencer
25/1/2017 12:06:49 pm

Thank you for making these available. The stamps will make life working on PDFs much easier!

Reply
Rod Crews
1/2/2017 11:49:52 am

Louise, I'm having the same problem as Stephen had. In my case, the Free proofreading stamps button doesn't work. Clicking it simply brings up the same page again. Happens on all my laptops.

Reply
Louise Harnby
1/2/2017 11:59:22 am

This page that you've commented on has the link to the stamps. Can you not see it at the top? There's a picture of a few of them. However, to avoid confusion, I've now redirected the button to the actual post with all the files on. I'd not done that before because some people weren't reading the information about the installation instructions! Anyway, I hope it's clearer now!

Reply
Louise Harnby
1/2/2017 12:01:23 pm

You do have to scroll down the page a little! It's not possible to include all this information above the fold.

Louise Harnby
1/2/2017 11:52:08 am

I'll take a look right now, Rod.

Reply
Carolyn Bell
7/9/2017 07:15:33 pm

Thank you so much for these Louise. It took a while to install every one of the stamps but was worth every minute!

I am just starting out studying proofreading so these will be extremely useful as I progress.

Reply
Ellen
17/10/2018 03:31:28 pm

Hi Louise,
Thanks so much for these stamps! They're really helpful. I can see that you have created stamps for the marginal marks for moving text to the right/left, but I can't see the corresponding textual marks? I also can't see either the marginal or textual marks for justifying text to the right/left. Would it be possible to add these? Or could you advise where I could download these stamps from?
Many thanks!

Reply
Louise Harnby
17/10/2018 04:00:14 pm

I draw with the polygon, Ellen. A stamp is problematic because one stamp might work for one or two lines but if you're marking up for 5, 6, or 10, it will be too small.

Reply
Tara
15/2/2019 10:24:46 pm

Hi Louise,

Thank you for providing these great stamps! I've downloaded the set for use in Acrobat Pro, and it shows up as a series of 113 pages, each displaying one proofreading mark in the upper left corner. I can't seems to figure out how to import these into the Stamp Tool. Is there perhaps an incompatibility issue here? I'm using Acrobat X. Any help would be appreciated.

Best,
Tara

Reply
Louise Harnby
16/2/2019 09:58:23 pm

Hi, Tara!

Did you follow the installation instructions? If not, the link is at the top of the post. Click on the link to the instructions, and scroll down the section on Acrobat X.

Reply
Alastair Naughton
4/1/2020 01:15:15 am

Hi Louise, your stamps look great! However, I am having great difficulty putting this all together on Office 365. The path on the C drive is not the same. That's the first problem. I managed to download pdf exchange from tracker software, although I already had a paid version of Acrobat on my desktop. When I try and create a new stamp palette, when I choose a path on C drive I am prompted to "open" it instead of "save" it. And so the problems go on. What can I do about this?!!! MTIA, Alastair

Reply
Louise Harnby
4/1/2020 08:10:04 pm

Hi, Alastair.

If you've downloaded the most recent version of PDF-XChange Editor from Tracker Software then I suspect you're not using the correct installation instructions. I've just reordered them so that the most recent ones are at the top. I've also added some for V8, though nothing seems to have changed since V6.

Reply
Michael Message
8/4/2020 01:41:38 pm

Good Morning,

Your 'stamps' look amazing and I would like to make use of them. However, I use FOXIT Reader (version 9.7.1.29511 at present).

So please how would I install them for that product?

Many thanks

Michael Message

Reply
Louise Harnby
8/4/2020 01:53:16 pm

Hi, Michael. So sorry but I don't use it so I couldn't tell you. Have you searched online for something like 'How to import custom stamps into Foxit' or 'How to create custom stamp in Foxit'? There's lots of help on YouTube. Foxit also has a customer support tool - maybe they could advise.

Reply
Raphael
1/5/2020 03:32:11 pm

Hi Louise, thank you so much for creating these stamps and making them available for everyone. I'm working through some proofreading training and these have been brilliant for me. I'm currently using your red stamps to mark up a PDF which is designed on a coloured background. When I add in some of the symbols (for example the 'insert space' stamp on pg 16 of your PDF download), it has a white box around the top of the stamp. Sorry if this is a silly question. Is there a way of removing the white box or that just how the stamps are designed? The reason I want to remove them is so they don't block out any text on the line above where I'm adding the mark (if that makes sense). I'm working on a mac and using Acrobat Pro DC, just in case that is relevant. If this is something you can help with, I would be very grateful. Thanks again for making these available.
Many thanks
Raphael

Reply
Louise Harnby
1/5/2020 03:49:55 pm

Hi, Raphael.
It's the way they're designed, alas, because they weren't free-drawn but created using shapes, parts of which needed to be whited out. If I ever think of a quick workaround I'll let you know, but at the moment this isn't something I can invest in changing because it would be an extraordinary amount of work. And since the stamps are free, I need to focus my time on what pays the bills! So sorry, but I'm sure you understand.
Lx

Reply
Raphael
1/5/2020 04:02:04 pm

I totally understand Louise :) I just wanted to check it wasn't happening because I did something wrong – that makes sense now. Thanks for coming back to me so quickly. Best wishes Raphael

Liz
4/6/2020 06:26:42 pm

I've been using your stamps for a few years now and they are brilliant, especially now, during these Covid times where proofreading on a pdf is essential.Thank you so much for creating them. Could you tell me one thing, though: how do you make half circles to close up letters within the text? If I use your stamp it blocks out part of the letters because of the way you had to set it up (see your reply to Raphael!). Is there an easy way to create half-circles? I'm using the free Pdf X-Change Editor. Thanks again.

Reply
Louise Harnby
5/6/2020 12:50:58 pm

I haven't found a solution to this, Liz. Sorry! You could try resizing the stamp so it only fits in the space and doesn't overlap the letters. Or does your PDF editor have a hand-drawing tool?

Reply
Liz
5/6/2020 12:57:10 pm

Ah well, thanks anyway. I'll try shrinking it massively. Yes, I've got the hand-drawing tool but I'm just not that good at steering a mouse in a small semicircle! It's a shame that although they've got a polygon tool, and a cloud tool, they haven't thought to combine the two. I may put it to the tracker bods...




Leave a Reply.

    BLOG ALERTS

    If you'd like me to email you when a new blog post is available, sign up for blog alerts!
    Proofreading stamps
    ALERT ME!

    WHAT DO YOU NEED?

    • Training courses
    • ​Books and guides
    • Editor resources
    • Author resources
    • ​Monthly newsletter
    Picture
    SIGN ME UP

    PDF MARKUP

    Proofreading stamps

    AUTHOR RESOURCES

    Proofreading stamps

    EDITOR RESOURCES

    Proofreading stamps

    BOOKS FOR EDITORS AND WRITERS

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    MORE BOOKS

    TRAINING COURSES FOR EDITORS

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Blogging for Business Growth course
    MORE COURSES

    TESTIMONIALS


    Dare Rogers

    'Louise uses her expertise to hone a story until it's razor sharp, while still allowing the author’s voice to remain dominant.'

    Jeff Carson

    'I wholeheartedly recommend her services ... Just don’t hire her when I need her.'

    J B Turner

    'Sincere thanks for a beautiful and elegant piece of work. First class.'

    Ayshe Gemedzhy

    'What makes her stand out and shine is her ability to immerse herself in your story.'

    Salt Publishing

    'A million thanks – your mark-up is perfect, as always.'
    TESTIMONIALS

    CATEGORIES

    All
    Around The World
    Audio Books
    Author Chat
    Author Interviews
    Author Platform
    Author Resources
    Blogging
    Book Marketing
    Books
    Branding
    Business Tips
    Choosing An Editor
    Client Talk
    Conscious Language
    Core Editorial Skills
    Crime Writing
    Design And Layout
    Dialogue
    Editing
    Editorial Tips
    Editorial Tools
    Editors On The Blog
    Erotica
    Fiction
    Fiction Editing
    Freelancing
    Free Stuff
    Getting Noticed
    Getting Work
    Grammar Links
    Guest Writers
    Indexing
    Indie Authors
    Lean Writing
    Line Craft
    Link Of The Week
    Macro Chat
    Marketing Tips
    Money Talk
    Mood And Rhythm
    More Macros And Add Ins
    Networking
    Online Courses
    PDF Markup
    Podcasting
    POV
    Proofreading
    Proofreading Marks
    Publishing
    Punctuation
    Q&A With Louise
    Resources
    Roundups
    Self Editing
    Self Publishing Authors
    Sentence Editing
    Showing And Telling
    Software
    Stamps
    Starting Out
    Story Craft
    The Editing Podcast
    Training
    Types Of Editing
    Using Word
    Website Tips
    Work Choices
    Working Onscreen
    Working Smart
    Writer Resources
    Writing
    Writing Tips
    Writing Tools

    ARCHIVES

    March 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    RSS Feed

Alliance of Independent Authors
Picture
Picture
CIEP Advanced Professional Member
The Publishing Training Centre
INFO ABOUT ME
Privacy policy
Terms and conditions
Contact form
Code of practice
Qualifications
​Portfolio ​ 
​Bio page
Louise's fiction
About Louise
INFO FOR INDIE AUTHORS
Editorial services
Contact form
Can you expect perfection?
Books and guides
Transform Your Fiction series
Free resources
​
Order form for books
Testimonials
Self-editing book

Want to sign up to my monthly newsletter, The Editorial Letter? 
INFO FOR EDITORS
Training courses​
Books and guides
​​Business Skills for Editors series
Transform Your Fiction series
Free resources
1:1 business consultations
Order books and courses
​The Editing Podcast
​The Editing Blog