3 Ways To Change Your Handwriting - WikiHow

Home » How To Change Your Handwriting » 3 Ways To Change Your Handwriting - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Change Your Handwriting PDF download Download Article Get neater handwriting with these easy steps Co-authored by Swetha Shenoy

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Forming Letters
    • |
  • Developing a Different Style
    • |
  • Making Changes to Improve Handwriting
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Swetha Shenoy. Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 13 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 491,147 times.

If you always get comments on how sloppy your handwriting is, maybe you're ready to change it up. You can simply improve it with a few tips or by focusing on how you make your letters. Taking time while you write can immediately improve your hand writing. However, if you want a different style completely, that will take more practice, though it is still doable.

Tips to Improve Handwriting

  1. Look for good form in your letters.
  2. Watch out for uneven spacing and letter height.
  3. Print out a font you like and practice tracing over it.
  4. After tracing, try copying it while using it as a reference.
  5. Take your time.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Forming Letters

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Check out each letter. 1 Check out each letter. Do any of them look squished or not formed correctly? Practice writing that letter in good form by comparing it to an online chart.[1]
  2. Step 2 Use bigger letters. 2 Use bigger letters. For a period of time, try using bigger letters when you write. That way, you can see if you are making letters in the right way, and you can correct as you go.[2]
    • One way to encourage larger writing is to use wide-ruled paper.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Look at the heights of your letters. 3 Look at the heights of your letters. Your letters should all come up to about the same height, and any descenders should go about the same length below the line.[3]
    • For instance, your lowercase "g" and "y" should go down about the same length. Also, they shouldn't be cramping the line below.[4]
    • Use a ruler to check your height. If you lay it across the top of your uppercase and lowercase letters, you can see if you make certain letters shorter or taller.
  4. Step 4 Watch out for spacing. 4 Watch out for spacing. Make sure you aren't spacing your letters too far apart or too close together. Half of a lowercase "o" should fit between letters, no more.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Developing a Different Style

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Go back to school. 1 Go back to school. That is, if you want a new style of writing, you need to relearn the way you write, which won't be that different from the way you learned to write as a kid.[5]
  2. Step 2 Find a font you like. 2 Find a font you like. You can use font sites to find a font that you admire or even just use your word processing software.[6]
  3. Step 3 Print off the font in lowercase and uppercase letters. 3 Print off the font in lowercase and uppercase letters. You can also include pangrams such as "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." Pangrams are texts that contain every letter in the English language, so they are good for practice.[7]
    • Start out using a larger size for your font, such as 14 point.
  4. Step 4 Use tracing paper or other lightweight paper. 4 Use tracing paper or other lightweight paper. Place the paper over the page you printed. Trace over the letters with a pen or pencil.[8]
  5. Step 5 Move on to copying. 5 Move on to copying. Once you've traced the letters a few times, move on to copying the letters by looking at the letters and trying to write sentences. This forces you to look at how the letters are actually formed.
  6. Step 6 Try it on your own. 6 Try it on your own. Without looking at the font, try writing in the same style. Though it will not perfectly match the original, you will be using a different handwriting style.
  7. Step 7 Practice the font. 7 Practice the font. To make the font your own, you must practice it often. Try writing in a journal or writing out your grocery list in that style. Over time, it will feel more natural.[9]
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Making Changes to Improve Handwriting

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Find the right pen. 1 Find the right pen. The right pen will be different for each person, but in general, you should look for one that flows well and that you won't grip too tightly. Larger grips can help you loosen your grip.[10]
  2. Step 2 Take your time. 2 Take your time. Most of the time with handwriting, it's just about patience.[11] Good handwriting takes time, and if you rush through it, your writing will be sloppy. If you catch yourself being sloppy, take a deep breath, slow down, and start again.[12]
  3. Step 3 Practice good posture. 3 Practice good posture.[13] Sit up at a table with your back and arm straight. Don't grip the pen or pencil too hard, as that can make your hand cramp.[14]
  4. Step 4 Try air writing. 4 Try air writing. This method teaches you to write with your arm instead of drawing the letters with your finger, making for better writing.[15]
    • Holding your hand in the air, mostly use your forearm and shoulder to write large letters in the air. This practice will help you feel what muscles you should be using when you write.
    • Move to smaller letters in the air.
    • Use paper. When you first move to paper, try simple strokes like circles and slashes. Keep them as evenly spaced as possible, while still using the muscles in your arm.
  5. Step 5 Don't press too hard. 5 Don't press too hard. Pressing too hard can lead to crooked letters.[16] Instead, lift up a bit and let the letters flow smoothly.[17]
  6. Step 6 Practice daily. 6 Practice daily. Take some time each day to actually use your handwriting.[18]
    • One easy way to get your practice in is to keep a daily journal. Write about what happens in your day or what you're feeling.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How many minutes should I practice a day? Community Answer Community Answer As much as you can. The more you practice, the quicker your handwriting will improve. But don't practice so much that your hand cramps! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 122
  • Question What are some sample sentences that I can write to improve it? Community Answer Community Answer "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog" and “Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow”. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 83
  • Question Should I start with pen or pencil first? Community Answer Community Answer Either is fine, though most people use a pen. A pen can be useful so that you don't feel a need to erase your mistakes and start over. You need to study your mistakes in order to know what to work on. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 119
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Slow down! It helps you to look at what you already wrote and think about what you’ll write next. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
  • Be patient. It can take time to learn a new writing style. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • I think it's super helpful to practice a new font on ruled paper first, before moving on to black paper. That way, I can get a better idea of how to space each letter.
  • Look at the fonts on Microsoft Word for inspiration. If you like one of their fonts, you can always print it out and trace over it with a pencil.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Improve Your HandwritingHow to Get Better Handwriting (For All Ages!) Develop Your Own Handwriting StyleHow toDevelop Your Own Handwriting Style Write NeatlyHow toWrite Neatly Have Consistent Handwriting10+ Simple Ways to Get Consistent, Controlled Handwriting Today Have Elegant HandwritingHow toHave Elegant Handwriting Have Better HandwritingHow to Improve Your Handwriting Write StraightHow toWrite Straight Improve Your CursiveHow toImprove Your Cursive Write BeautifullyHow toWrite Beautifully Have Girly HandwritingHow to Have More Feminine Handwriting Improve Your Handwriting in a MonthHow toImprove Your Handwriting in a Month Have Beautiful WritingHow toHave Beautiful Writing Write in CursiveHow toWrite in Cursive How Do I Improve My HandwritingDiscussionHow do I improve my handwriting? Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  2. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  3. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  4. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  5. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://lettering.org/hand-lettering/
  7. ↑ Swetha Shenoy. Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-letter-writing/
  9. ↑ https://lettering.org/hand-lettering/
More References (9)
  1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  2. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/may/11/how-improve-your-handwriting
  4. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://occupationaltherapy.com.au/the-importance-of-good-sitting-posture-for-handwriting/
  6. ↑ https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/writing/Pages/litfocushandwriting.aspx
  7. ↑ Swetha Shenoy. Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-teach-handwriting-and-why-it-matters
  9. ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/learning-ideas/handwriting

About This Article

Swetha Shenoy Co-authored by: Swetha Shenoy Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist This article was co-authored by Swetha Shenoy. Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago. This article has been viewed 491,147 times. 13 votes - 77% Co-authors: 49 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 491,147 Categories: Handwriting Article SummaryX

If you want to change your handwriting, start by finding a pen that fits comfortably in your hand. This will help you be able to guide the pen over the paper more smoothly. Take your time when you’re writing, and don’t press too hard with the pen, or you’ll end up writing crooked letters. While you’re writing, sit up at a table with your back and arm straight so you will have more control over the pen, and take time to practice your handwriting every day. Keep reading to learn tips on how to space your letters for the neatest possible handwriting! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian German Russian French Indonesian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 491,147 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Lucy Heartfilia

    Lucy Heartfilia

    Dec 8, 2016

    "I'm always jealous of the people at school who can write so smartly and so neatly that it puts me to shame...." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Swetha Shenoy Co-authored by: Swetha Shenoy Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist 13 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 49 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 491,147 Lucy Heartfilia

Lucy Heartfilia

Dec 8, 2016

"I'm always jealous of the people at school who can write so smartly and so neatly that it puts me to shame...." more Benah Victor

Benah Victor

Jun 21, 2022

"I tried it, all the steps, and it worked, At first my handwriting style was too bad, but with the steps and my..." more Freda Stone

Freda Stone

Apr 3, 2018

"My friends always laugh at my writing, but thanks to wikiHow, I am going to stun them!" Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 30, 2017

"Everyone else can write so much neater, now I've found this I will give it a try." Arezou Ayazia

Arezou Ayazia

May 21, 2017

"This really helped m. and I got an A on my test because of my handwriting." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Handwriting Analysis Test: What Does Your Writing Say About You?Handwriting Analysis Test: What Does Your Writing Say About You?AnalyzeWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Draw QuizWhat Should I Draw QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Improve Your HandwritingHow to Get Better Handwriting (For All Ages!)Develop Your Own Handwriting StyleHow toDevelop Your Own Handwriting StyleWrite NeatlyHow toWrite NeatlyHave Consistent Handwriting10+ Simple Ways to Get Consistent, Controlled Handwriting Today

Featured Articles

Make a Paper AirplaneHow toMake a Paper AirplaneLearn Morse CodeHow toLearn Morse CodeFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken) Fold and Use a Paper Fortune TellerHow to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller

Trending Articles

What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics Quiz

Featured Articles

What Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Articles

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members Play the Snaps Guessing GameHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things InterestingVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Watch Articles

Eat GuavaHow toEat Guava Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye TwitchingLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults) Put Jibbitz on CrocsHow to Put Jibbitz on Crocs

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes? Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat JJK Character Am I QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizDoes Your Handwriting Look Like A Serial Killer's? Discover Which OneDoes Your Handwriting Look Like A Serial Killer's? Discover Which OneAnalyzeHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake QuizWho Is My Perfect Boyfriend?Who Is My Perfect Boyfriend?Take QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Drawing
  • Drawing Text and Lettering
  • Handwriting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --536

Tag » How To Change Your Handwriting