Blue pencil (editing)
Encyclopedia
A blue pencil is a pencil
traditionally used by an editor
or sub-editor to show corrections to written copy
. The colour is used specifically because it will not show in some lithographic
or photographic
reproduction processes; these are known as non-photo blue
pencils. For similar reasons, sometimes red pencils are used since their pigment will not reproduce by xerography
.
With the introduction of electronic editing using word processor
s or desktop publishing
, literal blue pencils are seen more rarely, but still exist in metaphor.
The "blue pencil test" is used by courts of tort
law as a method for deciding whether contractual obligations can be partially enforced.
It is also used pejoratively to mean censorship
.
Pencil
A pencil is a writing implement or art medium usually constructed of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective casing. The case prevents the core from breaking, and also from marking the user’s hand during use....
traditionally used by an editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
or sub-editor to show corrections to written copy
Copy (written)
Copy refers to written material, in contrast to photographs or other elements of layout, in a large number of contexts, including magazines, advertising, and book publishing....
. The colour is used specifically because it will not show in some lithographic
Lithography
Lithography is a method for printing using a stone or a metal plate with a completely smooth surface...
or photographic
Phototypesetting
Phototypesetting was a method of setting type, rendered obsolete with the popularity of the personal computer and desktop publishing software, that uses a photographic process to generate columns of type on a scroll of photographic paper...
reproduction processes; these are known as non-photo blue
Non-photo blue
Non-photo blue is a common tool used in the graphic design and print industry. It is a particular shade of blue that can not be detected by graphic arts cameras. This allows layout editors to write notes to the printer on the print flat which will not show in the final form...
pencils. For similar reasons, sometimes red pencils are used since their pigment will not reproduce by xerography
Xerography
Xerography is a dry photocopying technique invented by Chester Carlson in 1938, for which he was awarded on October 6, 1942. Carlson originally called his invention electrophotography...
.
With the introduction of electronic editing using word processor
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
s or desktop publishing
Desktop publishing
Desktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer.The term has been used for publishing at all levels, from small-circulation documents such as local newsletters to books, magazines and newspapers...
, literal blue pencils are seen more rarely, but still exist in metaphor.
The "blue pencil test" is used by courts of tort
Tort
A tort, in common law jurisdictions, is a wrong that involves a breach of a civil duty owed to someone else. It is differentiated from a crime, which involves a breach of a duty owed to society in general...
law as a method for deciding whether contractual obligations can be partially enforced.
It is also used pejoratively to mean censorship
Censorship
thumb|[[Book burning]] following the [[1973 Chilean coup d'état|1973 coup]] that installed the [[Military government of Chile |Pinochet regime]] in Chile...
.