Blog Post

Proofreading and marking-up a PDF

Kelly Owen • Aug 09, 2017

In this short video, Kelly Owen, Director of Ultimate Proof Ltd, explains a few essential aspects of proofreading PDFs, and why it's not always as straightforward as it seems!

An experienced PDF proofreader will ensure that any amends they mark on the file are clearly identifiable, so that the person reading the file can easily see what needs to be changed and make the amends to the source file.

We most often use the Callout Tool and Highlighter to mark-up PDFs, although there are numerous options available.

As the use of these tools adds more time to the job, we cost PDF proofreading slightly differently to other work. It is useful to see a sample of the PDF to be proofread in order for us to accurately quote you. A 20-page PDF may contain 500 words or 5,000. The 500-word PDF may require numerous edits and amends, the 5,000-word PDF may be fairly clean. There is so much to consider, so every job is costed accordingly.

It is better to supply PDF files to your proofreader as single pages, as we will need to print it out to proofread before we mark-up the amends on-screen, so having a single-page layout aids visibility.

Some clients different ways of marking up PDFs, which we are happy to work with; equally, we can advise you on the best mark-up method for your type of document.

Tip: For copy-heavy documents, it's usually more efficient to proofread in Word using Track Changes, or to have a copy of the original Word text file to refer to.

If you have any queries about using PDF proofreading tools, or would like some one-to-one training in applying PDF mark-ups, please leave a comment or email kelly@ultimateproof.co.uk

Hands working at a laptop with a notebook and mug on the desk
By Kelly Owen 20 Jan, 2024
In the fast-paced digital world, your website serves as the virtual face of your business. Ensuring that it is polished, error-free, and professional is essential for making a positive impression on your audience. Proofreading your website thoroughly is a critical step in maintaining a high level of credibility. Here are five key elements to focus on when proofreading your website: 1. Check spelling and grammar The importance of correct spelling and grammar cannot be overstated. These errors can significantly impact the perception of your professionalism. A website riddled with typos and grammatical mistakes may give the impression of carelessness, potentially turning away potential customers. Take the time to review all written content on your website, from product descriptions to blog posts, ensuring that it is clear, concise, and error-free, or better still, employ a freelance proofreader who can really look at it with expert and fresh eyes. 2. Use consistent branding and tone Consistency is key when it comes to branding and tone. Ensure that your messaging aligns with your brand identity across all pages. Inconsistencies can create confusion and dilute your brand's impact. Pay attention to the tone of your content as well – whether it's formal, casual, or informative, maintain a consistent voice throughout your website to establish a strong and recognisable brand personality. 3. Test the functionality and user experience Beyond textual content, the functionality and user experience of your website play a crucial role in its success. Check for broken links, missing images, or any other technical issues that might hinder the user experience. A seamless, user-friendly interface not only improves the overall perception of your website but also contributes to higher user engagement and satisfaction. 4. SEO optimisation Optimising your website for search engines is vital for attracting organic traffic. While proofreading, pay attention to your meta titles, meta descriptions and keyword usage. Ensure that your content is not only well-written but also includes relevant keywords to enhance its visibility in search engine results, but don't stuff them in! A well-optimised website is more likely to rank higher, increasing its chances of being discovered by a broader audience. 5. Ensure mobile responsiveness With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, it's crucial to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. Test your website's responsiveness on various devices to guarantee a seamless experience for users regardless of the platform they are using. Mobile responsiveness not only improves user satisfaction but also contributes to better search engine rankings, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites. Proofreading your website is an ongoing process that directly impacts your online presence. By meticulously reviewing these five elements –spelling and grammar, consistent branding, functionality, SEO optimisation and mobile responsiveness – you can ensure that your website reflects the level of professionalism and attention to detail that your audience expects. A well-proofread website not only enhances your credibility but also contributes to a positive user experience, ultimately driving the success of your online presence. Find out more about outsourcing to a professional proofreader at ultimateproof.co.uk
hands on a keyboard
By Kelly Owen 20 Feb, 2023
How ChatGPT produced an article in less time than it takes to think about boiling the kettle
More Posts
Share by: