diff --git a/docs/user/guide.md b/docs/user/guide.md
index 6004418..749489e 100644
--- a/docs/user/guide.md
+++ b/docs/user/guide.md
@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@ You will need:
 
 Before running `create` for a real wallet, have your blank cards, a pen, and
 wallet record ready, and choose separate trusted places for shared cards.
+When handwriting recovery text, follow the card legend: stroke S, slash 0, cross Z and 7, and give 5 a flat top; O, I, and B are not codex32 characters.
 If you want to try the process first, use the signet practice setup below.
 
 Run Bitcoin Core before starting. If practical, disconnect the computer from
diff --git a/docs/user/recovery-card.html b/docs/user/recovery-card.html
index 361e153..b5230f3 100644
--- a/docs/user/recovery-card.html
+++ b/docs/user/recovery-card.html
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ <h2>Protected codex32 text — copy exactly in four-character groups</h2>
     <span class="group"></span><span class="group"></span><span class="group"></span><span class="group"></span>
   </div>
   <p class="small">Leave unused boxes blank.</p>
+  <p class="small"><strong>Handwriting legend:</strong> draw S with a vertical stroke ($), slash 0, cross Z and 7, and give 5 a flat top. O, I, and B are not codex32 characters; a written O can only mean 0.</p>
 
   <h2>Offline recovery</h2>
   <ol>