Interpreting welding symbols is a crucial skill for welders, though often overlooked in training. This basic guide breaks down the essential components of welding symbols, starting with the arrow and reference line, and explains how they convey vital information about weld type, size, length, and location. It highlights common symbols for fillet welds, including how to read length and pitch for intermittent welds, and emphasizes important notations like the "field weld" flag and "weld all around" circle.