Textbearbeitungsprogrammen

Text editing, or Textbearbeitung in German, is the process of revising written content to improve accuracy, readability, coherence, and suitability for a specific purpose. It covers a range of activities from initial self-editing by an author to professional copyediting and final proofreading. The primary goals are to clarify meaning, fix errors, ensure consistency, and align the text with a designated audience or house style. Text editing can occur at various stages of production, including drafting, revision, and publication. Common tasks include correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling; tightening wording; improving sentence structure and flow; checking factual accuracy and references; standardizing terminology and capitalization; and ensuring consistent tone and formatting.

In publishing, editors may apply different levels of intervention, such as substantive editing (development and structure), copy editing (language and style), and proofreading (surface errors). Tools range from manuscript-style notes to professional word processors, and editors often follow style guides (for example, Chicago, AP) and project-specific guidelines. In digital contexts, text editing also encompasses working with plain text or code, using text editors, version control, and diff tools to manage revisions. For localization and software documentation, editors adapt content for target languages and cultures, checking for translation accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

Text editing thus spans both humanities and technical domains, linking linguistic accuracy with clarity of expression. It supports writers, publishers, and organizations in delivering precise, well-structured content across formats and platforms.