Jargon File

  

· Precedent File · Related Links · Comics · Jargon File · Document Maker · About William H. Widen · About Site ·

Black-lined Copy

  1. A black-lined copy of an agreement or document is marked to show changes from a preceding version of the same document. This allows one to easily compare any changes from the prior draft without the need to re-read the entire agreement or document. It was typically made with a pencil or an ink pen and then photocopied for distribution. As most photocopiers only copied in black and white--and not in color--the recipient saw a "blackline" even if the mark up was made using a red pencil or red ink pen. Most electronic "blacklines" made today reflect deletions in "red" and additions in "blue".