These are similar to the instructions da capo and dal segno.
[1]When a repeat calls for a different ending, numbered brackets above the bars indicate which to play the first time (1.
In Unicode, repeat signs are part of the Musical Symbols and they are coded as follows:[2] When only standard keyboard characters are available, the punctuation marks, vertical bar, and colon are used to represent repeat signs: |: ... :|[citation needed] In Gregorian chant, a repeat is indicated by a Roman numeral (or possibly an abbreviation for the Latin idem) following a section.
This is common particularly in a Kyrie, where the lines followed by iii or iij are to be sung three times (corresponding to the correct liturgical form).
[3] In shape-note singing, repeat signs usually have four dots, between each line of the staff.