How To Use A Fountain Pen: Writing Tips For Beginners - WikiHow

Home » How To Use A Fountain Pen » How To Use A Fountain Pen: Writing Tips For Beginners - 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 Use a Fountain Pen PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Swetha Shenoy

Last Updated: March 14, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Writing With a Fountain Pen
    • |
  • Refilling the Ink
    • |
  • Using Fountain Pen Nibs
    • |
  • 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. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 354,169 times.

Many people tend to use disposable ballpoint pens these days, but there are those who still prefer the grace, precision, and personality of fountain pens. Fountain pens have pointed nibs rather than circular tips, so they can be used to create strokes of different widths depending on the pressure, speed, and direction of the strokes. You can also refill the ink cartridges in a fountain pen, meaning one pen could last you a lifetime. However, using a fountain pen requires a bit of a different technique than a ballpoint pen, and learning this will help you write with a fountain pen much easier.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Writing With a Fountain Pen

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hold the pen properly. 1 Hold the pen properly. Remove the lid from the pen and hold it in your dominant hand, pinching it gently between your thumb and index finger. The barrel should rest against your middle finger. Rest your other fingers on the paper to stabilize your hand.
    • It’s important to hold a fountain pen properly, because this will prevent your hands from getting tired as you write, and it will facilitate the writing process.
    • When you write, you can either post the cap on the back of the pen, or remove it completely if you have small hands.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 2 Place the nib on the paper. This may sound simple, but because of the construction of a fountain pen, this is more complicated than with a ballpoint pen. Because a fountain pen has a pointed nib rather than a rounded end, you must position the nib on the paper properly in order to write, and this is called the sweet spot.
    • Angle the pen at a 45-degree angle and place the nib against the paper.
    • Make a few strokes with the pen, rotating the pen slightly in your hand as necessary until you find the spot where the pen writes smoothly and without scratching or skipping.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 3 Keep your hand rigid to write. When writing, there are two ways you can control the pen: with your fingers or with your hand. With a ballpoint pen, you can get away with controlling the pen with your fingers rather than your hand, because the rounded tip means you'll always be able to write. But with a fountain pen, you need to control the pen with your hand so you don’t lose the sweet spot. To do this:
    • Hold the pen in your hand and keep your fingers and wrist rigid as you move your arm and shoulder to move the pen. Practice a few strokes in the air first, and then start making a few strokes against a piece of paper until you get the feel for writing with your hand.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 4 Apply gentle pressure. You don’t need to press hard with a fountain pen, but you do need to apply the nib to the paper with some pressure in order to draw up the ink. Gently press the pen into the paper and begin practicing writing with the fountain pen.
    • Use light strokes as you write, because pressing too hard can damage the nib and disrupt the ink flow.
    • Writing with your hand instead of your fingers will also help ensure that you don’t apply too much pressure.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Refilling the Ink

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Determine what kind of fountain pen you have. 1 Determine what kind of fountain pen you have. There are three types of fountain pens on the market today: cartridge, converter, and piston. The different types refer to the different ink delivery methods, and the method will determine how you refill your pen when the ink runs out.
    • Cartridge pens are the most common today, and they are the easiest to refill. To write with this type of pen, you simply purchase pre-filled ink cartridges, so when one runs out, all you do is replace the cartridge.
    • Converter cartridges are reusable cartridges that get inserted into a cartridge pen. These are great for people who don’t mind refilling the ink and don’t want to throw away a cartridge every time the ink runs out.
    • Piston pens are similar to converter cartridges, but the pen comes with its own built-in refilling system, so you don’t have to replace the reusable cartridge with a separately purchased converter.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 2 Change the cartridge on a cartridge pen. Unscrew the cap from the pen, and then unscrew the barrel (the body) from the nib. Remove the empty ink cartridge. With your new ink cartridge:[2]
    • Insert the small end inside the nib.
    • Push the cartridge onto the nipple until it clicks, which occurs when the inside of the nib punctures the cartridge to access the ink.
    • If the pen won’t write immediately, sit it in a vertical position to allow gravity to pull the ink down into the nib. This can take about an hour.[3]
  3. Step 3 Refill ink in a piston pen. 3 Refill ink in a piston pen. Remove the cap from the nib, and, if necessary, the cap off the back of the pen that covers the end knob. Twist the knob (most likely in a counter-clockwise direction) to extend the piston toward the front of the pen. When that’s done:[4]
    • Dip the entire nib into an ink jar, making sure to cover the hole on the back of the nib.
    • Turn the piston knob in a clockwise direction to draw ink into the chamber.
    • When the chamber is full, pull the pen out of the ink. Turn the piston in a counter-clockwise direction again and let a few drops of ink back into the bottle. This will help remove air bubbles.
    • Clean the nib with a cloth to remove any excess ink.
  4. Step 4 Refill the ink in a converter cartridge. 4 Refill the ink in a converter cartridge. Converters work in one of two ways, either with a piston mechanism or an air-bladder mechanism (also called squeeze converters). To refill an air-bladder pen, dip the nib into the ink bottle and: [5]
    • Slowly press the converter at the back of the pen, and wait for air bubbles to appear in the ink.
    • Slowly release the converter and wait for the ink to be drawn into the chamber.
    • Repeat until the chamber is full.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Using Fountain Pen Nibs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Choose the right nib for everyday writing. 1 Choose the right nib for everyday writing. There are many different types of fountain pen nibs, and they are appropriate for different situations and to create different effects. For everyday writing, opt for:
    • A round nib, which is great for making uniform lines
    • A small nib, which will create thinner lines
    • A firm nib that doesn’t have a lot of flex between the two tines, so the tines won’t spread out under pressure to create a broader stroke
  2. Step 2 Choose nibs for decorative writing. 2 Choose nibs for decorative writing. To write in cursive, italics, or calligraphy, you won’t use the same nib as you would for everyday writing. Instead, look for:
    • Stub and italic nibs, which are wider and flatter than round nibs. These are able to create both wide and narrow strokes, because vertical strokes will be as wide as the nib and horizontal strokes will be as thin.
    • A wider nib, which will create wider strokes. Nibs typically come in five sizes: extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, and double broad.
    • A flexible or semi-flexible nib, which allows you to control how narrow or broad a stroke will be by applying more or less pressure.
  3. Step 3 Understand the different nib materials. 3 Understand the different nib materials. Fountain pen nibs are also available in a variety of different metals, and each of these has unique properties. The most common metals for nibs are:
    • Gold, which has lots of flexibility, so you can control the width of the stroke
    • Steel, which has more spring, meaning you can press harder without separating the tines, so your stroke won’t get broader when you press harder
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 4 Flush the nib and feed. For the best performance from your fountain pen, you should flush the pen and nib every six weeks or so, or any time you change the ink type or color. To flush the pen:
    • Unscrew the cap, then unscrew the nib to remove it from the pen. Remove the ink cartridge. If there's still ink in there, put a piece of tape over the opening to keep the ink from drying out.
    • Hold the nib under room-temperature running water to flush out ink. Then place the nib in a bowl of clean water, nib-down. As the water becomes inky, replace it with clean water. Repeat until the water remains clear.
    • Wrap the nib in a piece of soft and lint-free cloth, such as microfiber cloth. Place it nib-down in a cup and let it dry for 12 to 24 hours. When it’s dry, reassemble the pen.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Use a Fountain Pen 5 Take care of the nib. To keep the nib from becoming clogged, always store the pen nib-up when you aren't using it. To prevent damage to the nip and scratching to the pen, store the pen in a protective case.
    6. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I not use a fountain pen if I am left-handed? Community Answer Community Answer You can use a fountain pen if you are left-handed. The author stated right hand since most people are right-handed. 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 10 Helpful 60
  • Question How do I write with a fountain pen in normal handwriting? Community Answer Community Answer Use a light touch with very little pressure on the tip. The nib just touches the paper and the ink flows. 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 9 Helpful 55
  • Question What if my cartridge isn't clicking in? Community Answer Community Answer Apply a little more pressure. Keep your pen vertical and push it with force. Then, a clicking sound will happen. 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 13 Helpful 33
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Reader Videos

Tips

  • When you change the ink brand or ink color in a fountain pen, make sure that you flush and clean the fountain pen completely to prevent clogging. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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.
  • If you're a beginner, using cartridges or a vacuum converter may be easier than using a piston converter.
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

Fill Fountain PensHow toFill Fountain Pens Write With a Calligraphy PenHow to Use a Calligraphy Pen: Modern & Classic Styles Restart a Dry Ball Point PenHow toRestart a Dry Ball Point Pen Use a Dip PenHow toUse a Dip Pen Clean a Fountain PenHow toClean a Fountain Pen Fill a Mont Blanc Fountain PenHow toFill a Mont Blanc Fountain Pen Write With a Feather QuillHow toWrite With a Feather Quill Write in CalligraphyHow to Write Calligraphy for Cards, Letters, & Art Projects Have Beautiful WritingHow toHave Beautiful Writing Write in Gothic CalligraphyHow toWrite in Gothic Calligraphy Draw Fancy LettersHow toDraw Fancy Letters Use a Brush PenHow to Properly Hold and Use a Brush Pen Write BeautifullyHow toWrite Beautifully Have Elegant HandwritingHow toHave Elegant Handwriting Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.noj.si/uploads/File/fountain%20instruction.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.parkinsjordaans.nl/downloads/45_Writing_with_a_Fountain_Pen.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.noj.si/uploads/File/fountain%20instruction.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127522003616
  5. ↑ https://www.noj.si/uploads/File/fountain%20instruction.pdf

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 354,169 times. 23 votes - 80% Co-authors: 13 Updated: March 14, 2025 Views: 354,169 Categories: Pens Article SummaryX

To use a fountain pen, start by holding it in your dominant hand so it’s pinched between your thumb and forefinger with the barrel against your middle finger. Next, place the nib on the paper at a 45-degree angle so the ink can flow out smoothly. As you write, keep your hand rigid and move the pen with your arm and shoulder instead of your wrist. Then, apply gentle pressure as you write to draw out the ink, making sure you don’t press too hard and scratch the paper. To learn how to refill the ink in your fountain pen, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian French German Indonesian Dutch Chinese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 354,169 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Star Plantinum

    Star Plantinum

    Sep 24, 2020

    "I told my brother on how to use fountain pens. Now my brother is so good at it. Thanks wikiHow and the creator of..." 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 Co-authors: 13 Updated: March 14, 2025 Views: 354,169 80% of readers found this article helpful. 23 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote Star Plantinum

Star Plantinum

Sep 24, 2020

"I told my brother on how to use fountain pens. Now my brother is so good at it. Thanks wikiHow and the creator of..." more Mario Rozells

Mario Rozells

Jan 11, 2017

"It helped a lot with my fountain pen and I am happy that my pen is in good condition." Kamala Lakshminarayanan

Kamala Lakshminarayanan

Jan 5, 2017

"Useful tips for the new generation who are using fountain pens for the first time." TheCyanYoshi

TheCyanYoshi

Dec 4, 2017

"It answered all my questions about the use of fountain pens." Samantha Browne

Samantha Browne

Dec 13, 2016

"This helped me so much, thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Perfume Note Am I QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Fill Fountain PensHow toFill Fountain PensWrite With a Calligraphy PenHow to Use a Calligraphy Pen: Modern & Classic StylesRestart a Dry Ball Point PenHow toRestart a Dry Ball Point PenUse a Dip PenHow toUse a Dip Pen

Trending Articles

What Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Finish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Games Breaking Group Chats Right Now

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 Lines

Take a Quiz You Won't Stop Thinking About

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 Videos

Play Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)Persuade a Girl over TextHow toPersuade a Girl over TextGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentMake Hibiscus TeaHow toMake Hibiscus Tea

Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?

Your Daily Dose of Fun!

Am I a Bruh Girl?Am I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizWhich My Little Pony Am I QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhat Type of Girl Am I QuizWhat Type of Girl Am I Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • Stationery
  • Pens
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 --510

Tag » How To Use A Fountain Pen