Use Touch Typing to Type Faster

Get to know the keyboard. Most keyboards use the QWERTY layout, but AZERTY and QWERTZ are also common. Look at your keyboard to see what layout you have and where buttons like "Shift" and "Enter" are.^[1]

• Practice memorizing the positions of the letter keys and common punctuation marks. You need to know their location without looking down if you want to become a fast typist. However, some of this knowledge comes from time as you continuously type without looking at the keyboard.
• Shopping for a new keyboard? Check out our coupon site for Staples discounts or our coupon site for Office Depot.

Learn how to hold your hands. Hold your hands and fingers in the position shown. Let each finger return to its start position after each keystroke. Angle your right hand to the left at a 145-degree angle. Angle your left hand to the right at a 45-degree angle.^[2] In brief, your hands should arch up slightly from the wrists, and your fingers should rest lightly on the "home row" of the keyboard.^[3] The home row keys along with the fingers that you should hit each letter with are as follows:

• Your left index finger rests on the letter F and hits the characters: F, C, V, G, T, and 6.
• Your left middle finger rests on the letter D and hits the characters: D, R, 5, and X.
• Your left ring finger rests on the letter S and hits the characters: Z, E, 4, and 3.
• Your left pinkie rests on the letter A and hits the characters: A, \, Caps Lock, 2, 1, W, Q, Tab, Shift, and Ctrl.
• Your right index finger rests on the letter J and hits the characters: 6, 7, U, J, N, M, H, Y, and B.
• Your right middle finger rests on the letter K and hits the characters: K, I, 8, and the comma key.
• Your right ring finger rests on the letter L and hits the characters: L, the full stop key, O, and 9.
• Your right pinkie finger rests on the semi-colon (;) key and hits the characters: semi-colon, P, /, 0, ', -, =, [, ], #, Shift, Enter, Backspace, and the Ctrl key.
• Your left and right thumb rests on and presses the space bar.

Create a proper typing and working space. Set up somewhere comfortable, well-lit, and ventilated. Never type on your lap, but use a desk or table. Being comfortable is vital when typing for long periods. Get these right before going any further.^[4]

Use correct posture. You should be seated with a straight back, feet planted flat on the floor, and feet shoulder-width apart. Your wrists should be at the same level as the keyboard so that your fingers can arch over the keys easily. You should tilt your head down slightly when looking at the screen. Your eyes should be around 45–70 centimetres (18–28 in) from the screen.^[5]

• Most office chairs are adjustable. Tinker with your setup until you find the right seat height.
• Your elbows should not touch the desk, but should instead be by your side and bent at a right angle.

Do not slump. It is important not to let your form slip as you go. Keep your posture and body position correct to avoid aching wrists, which will only slow you down and upset your rhythm!^[6] Do not let your shoulders and back hunch up. Try to keep relaxed but upright.