It is not used in other countries that also use Chinese characters (such as China, Korea, and Japan) but rather is unique to Vietnam.

[7] The writing script is defined by its distinct sharp upward hooks.

In the essay Vũ trung tùy bút (雨中隨筆), Phạm Đình Hổ wrote that the edict script mimics the style of cursive script (chữ thảo, 𡨸草), which is described as imitating the motion of a sword dance.

[8] But the edict script underwent changes where strokes were written fluidly with distinctive hooks.

During the reign of Quang Hưng (光興, Lê Thế Tông), Phạm Đình Hổ also describes the writing of that time period (1599) to be more flamboyant with characters taking on the appearance of 'curved heads and twisted legs'.