The transcriptions of Greek and Coptic texts employ the following system of symbols (the so-called Leidener Klammersystem):1
| ̣ ̣ ̣ | dots under letters ( |
| ( ) | indicates the solution to an abbreviation or symbol |
| [ ] | indicates a lacuna in the original |
| ⟨ ⟩ | indicates an omission by the ancient scribe |
| { } | indicates a cancellation by the editor of the text |
| ⟦ ⟧ | indicates a deletion by the ancient scribe |
| ⸌ ⸍ | indicates an interlinear addition |
| v | indicates a vacat of 1 letter |
The transcriptions of demotic script employ a similar system of symbols (except for the use of dots under letters, which indicate special consonants rather than uncertain letters):
| ⸢ ⸣ | indicates a partial restoration or words or signs of uncertain reading |
| ? | indicates an uncertain reading |
| ( ) | indicates an addition made by the editor for the sake of greater clarity and/or a word not written but assumed in speech |
Cf. B.A. van Groningen, ‘Projet d’unification des systèmes de signes critiques’, CdÉ 7 (1932), pp. 262–269.