Lindsay Babcock, Om Proofreading
“PerfectIt is the most robust consistency-checking software on the market.”
Read full review on OM Proofreading>
PerfectIt is a unique and valuable tool that ensures consistency across multiple elements in writing. I’ve been using PerfectIt for many years for proofreading work and wouldn’t want to be without it.
PerfectIt is a proofreading software for professionals that detects numerous inconsistencies. It’s especially useful for long documents where checking for consistency is time consuming and tedious. PerfectIt does not check for grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of PerfectIt and see who would benefit from it. I’ll let you know precisely how PerfectIt can help you so you can decide if it’s worthy of a place in your editing tools arsenal.
PerfectIt Review: Pros, Cons, and Key Takeaways
Pros
finds mistakes that grammar and spellcheckers miss
wide range of consistency checks
can check four English dialects (US, UK, CA, and AU)
easy to install and use
goes through a text fairly quickly
especially helpful for long documents (over 1,000 words)
enables user to retain control over any edits
allows for customization
valuable integration with The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
software is continually updated and improved
customer service is excellent
reasonable price
a free trial is available
Cons
occasionally misses an inconsistency
doesn’t identify grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistakes
doesn’t check for clarity or concision of writing
takes time to put in your own customizations
doesn’t work with Google Docs
not as useful for short documents (e.g., memos, agendas, brief emails)
doesn’t support any language other than English (but some of PerfectIt’s checks work in other languages)
Key Takeaways
PerfectIt is the most robust consistency-checking software on the market. It does not check for other writing-related mistakes, but it’s easy to use, finds errors that grammar and spelling checkers miss, and reduces the time needed to proofread and copyedit a text. It’s ideal for proofreaders, editors, and writers who want to produce more polished and professional documents.
You can start a free trial of PerfectIt here.
Who Is PerfectIt For?
PerfectIt is designed for anyone needing to proofread or edit writing for consistency or to produce consistent writing.
PerfectIt can benefit the following groups of people:
proofreaders
copy editors
editors
content writers
copywriters
authors
bloggers
translators
lawyers
paralegals
proposal managers
engineers
marketers
anyone concerned with producing or ensuring consistent copy
Louise Harnby—a well-known proofreader, editor, and writer—says the following about PerfectIt:
“I’ve been using PerfectIt since its first iteration and, for me, it’s a must-have. Not because the human brain isn’t able to handle the checks it carries out but because software can do it faster.”
What Is PerfectIt?
Soon we’ll talk about how PerfectIt can help you improve a document, but let’s briefly discuss the creator and company behind this software so you can understand its origins.
Daniel Heuman created PerfectIt after recognizing the need for software that would improve and expedite a time-consuming part of the editing and proofreading process: checking for consistency.
In 2009, Daniel started his business, Intelligent Editing, and launched the first iteration of PerfectIt.
Intelligent Editing is headquartered in London, and team members work throughout the US and UK.