Proofreader how-to

How to Proofread Without Missing Errors

Systems catch more than eyes alone.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Systems catch more than eyes alone. In short: read; read; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Read slowly.

  2. Read aloud.

  3. Check one thing per pass.

  4. Check numbers and names separately.

  5. Read backward for typos.

  6. Take breaks.

Safety reminders for proofreaders

  • Take eye breaks
  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Protect confidential documents
  • Back up files

Style guide · Proof · Layout · Typography · Print-ready · Proofreading marks: see the full proofreader glossary.

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