Writing Manuscript Letters

  • • Make letters sit on the baseline, or bottom line. Make letters the same size.

    Photograph of girl writing on a piece of paper
    NOT OKOK
    Illustration of incorrect way to write manuscript letters on a baselineIllustration of correct way to write manuscript letters on a baseline

  • • Letters that go past the midline, or middle line, should all be the same height.

    NOT OKOK
    Illustration of incorrect way to write manuscript letters on a midlineIllustration of correct way to write manuscript letters on a midline

  • • Make your capital letters touch the headline, or top line.

  • Make half-size letters touch the midline.

    NOT OKOK
    Illustration of incorrect way to write manuscript letters on a headlineIllustration of correct way to write manuscript letters on a headline

  • • Letters should be vertical, or standing up straight.

    NOT OKOK
    Illustration of incorrect way to write vertical letters—slantedIllustration of correct way to write vertical letters—straight up and down