How to Use a Manual Typewriter

Manual typewriters have plenty of vintage charm, but there are practical reasons for using them, too. Typewriters can create neat type on oddly-shaped envelopes or papers, and they can be fun to tinker with. If you’ve never used a manual typewriter before, there are a few things you need to know before you can begin.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Setting the Margins

  1. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 1
    1
    Slide the margin set on the right-hand side of the typewriter. Before you start typing, you’ll want to make sure that your margins are set correctly. The right-hand margin set is usually located next to the larger carriage release lever at the top right of the typewriter. The margin sets usually look like metal brackets at the very top of the typewriter. They may have a button you have to press before you can move them.[1]
  2. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 2
    2
    Move the margin set on the carriage until it is located at your desired right margin. Some typewriters have a ruler built in for measuring an exact margin. If yours doesn’t, you may want to use a tape measure or a ruler to get accurate margins. Standard margins for a typewriter are 1 inch (2.5 cm) all the way around the paper, although some people prefer 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) on the sides.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 3
    3
    Repeat the process for the left-hand side. Once you get your right margin, set the left-hand margins to match by sliding the left margin set along the carriage. The margins should remain set until the next time you press the margin-set levers.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Typing

  1. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 4
    1
    Flip up the paper guide and place a piece of paper behind the cylinder. When you’re ready to type, you’ll need to put paper in your typewriter. You can use regular copy paper in your typewriter, although some writers prefer a heavier stock. Look for the paper lock (or paper guide), a bar located above the keyboard. Flip it up and slide your paper behind the roller, or cylinder.[4]
  2. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 5
    2
    Turn either cylinder knob until the paper comes up under the guide, then secure it. Once the paper appears, keep rolling until the carriage is located where you want to start typing. Remember that for most papers, your top margin should be 1 inch (2.5 cm). When the paper is where you want it to be, push the paper lock back into place.[5]
  3. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 6
    3
    Adjust the paper, if necessary, by pressing the paper release lever. If you need to make a small adjustment to the alignment of your paper, pull the paper lock forward again and press the paper release lever. Fix the paper, then push back the paper lock and the paper release lever.[6]
  4. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 7
    4
    Push the carriage to the right as far as it will go to begin typing. To start typing, use the carriage-return lever to push the carriage all the way to the right. When you have finished typing your first line, you should hear a bell.
  5. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 8
    5
    Return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever. This will automatically drop you down to a new line. The line space lever is generally on the left side of the carriage.[7]
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Changing the Ribbon

  1. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 9
    1
    Change the ribbon when the type begins to fade. The ribbon is what transfers the ink to the paper when you strike a key. If you notice that your typing is starting to fade, it’s probably time to change the ribbon.
  2. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 10
    2
    Press the shift-lock key and move the color control lever to the red dot. For most typewriters, engaging the shift-lock key, shifting the color control lever, then depressing 2 central keys at the same time will release the type bars and raise the ribbon carrier. If this doesn’t work for yours, you may need to consult your user manual.
    • If your typewriter didn’t come with a user manual, look online to see if you can find a copy. There are websites designed by typewriter enthusiasts containing manuals for almost every typewriter model that has been produced.
  3. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 11
    3
    Pay careful attention to how the ribbon is threaded through the carrier. Once your ribbon carrier is raised, look carefully to see how the ribbon is threaded so you’ll be able to put it back in the same way. If you need to, draw a diagram to help you remember.
  4. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 12
    4
    Lift the spools straight up or press the release lever for a cartridge. Most vintage typewriters use ribbon spools. If this is the case, you will lift the spools straight up to remove the old ribbon. Some later models, however, used cartridges. If this is the case, you should see a cartridge release lever. Press this, then remove the old cartridge and discard it.
  5. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 13
    5
    Slide the new ribbon spools into place or snap in the new cartridge. Once you’ve discarded the old ribbon, carefully place the new ribbon in the ribbon carrier exactly how the old one sat. If you’re using spools, the ribbon should wind from the back of the spools. A cartridge should easily snap into place.
  6. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 14
    6
    Remove slack from the ribbon. Once your ribbon is correctly installed, you’ll re-engage the type bars to hold it in place. Release the shift-lock key, then carefully turn either spool to take up any slack in the ribbon.
    7. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Maintaining Your Typewriter

  1. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 15
    1
    Clean the machine each time you use it. Use a small brush or a can of air duster to remove any dust and other debris that might build up on your typewriter. Dirt can get down into the type mechanisms, clogging them up and causing your keys to stick.[8]
  2. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 16
    2
    Cover your typewriter when it’s not in use. Covering your typewriter will extend its life by protecting it from dust that’s in the air. If you don’t have a cover, try laying a pillowcase or a small blanket across your typewriter when you’re not using it.[9]
  3. Image titled Use a Manual Typewriter Step 17
    3
    Oil your typewriter occasionally. You don’t need to use much oil on your typewriter, but a little oil can help keep the parts functioning. How often you oil your typewriter depends on how often you use it — if you use it every day, oil it about once a week. Use the end of a pin or paper clip to apply a lightweight oil (such as gun oil) to the carriage rails.[10]
    4. Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Royalportables1930.pdf
  2. ↑ https://practicaltypography.com/page-margins.html
  3. ↑ http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Royalportables1930.pdf
  4. ↑ https://typewriters.ch/files/manuals/royal_portable_manual.pdf
  5. ↑ https://typewriters.ch/files/manuals/royal_portable_manual.pdf
  6. ↑ https://typewriters.ch/files/manuals/royal_portable_manual.pdf
  7. ↑ http://www.machinesoflovinggrace.com/manuals/Underwood3-5manual.pdf
  8. ↑ http://typewriterdatabase.com/1945-FWIP_Typewriter_Care.index.manual
  9. ↑ http://typewriterdatabase.com/1945-FWIP_Typewriter_Care.index.manual
  1. ↑ http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Do I have to put anything in before I get started besides the paper?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    As long as the typewriter has an ink ribbon in it, then the paper is all you need.
  • Question
    How do I load the typewriter ribbon?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Look online for precise directions regarding your exact model. Most have a top panel that lifts easily. You can then easily access the location of the ribbon.
  • Question
    Does a typewriter needs a technique to type?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The normal technique is to press down on the keys quickly, and with significant force.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Fax from a Computer
How to
Fax from a Computer
Fax
How to
Fax
Adjust Office Chair Height
How to
Adjust Office Chair Height
Use a Laminator
How to
Use a Laminator
Adjust an Office Chair
How to
Adjust an Office Chair
Find a Fax Number
How to
Find a Fax Number
Send a Fax
How to
Send a Fax
Refill a Laser Printer or Copier Toner Cartridge
How to
Refill a Laser Printer or Copier Toner Cartridge
Set Up an Ergonomically Correct Workstation
How to
Set Up an Ergonomically Correct Workstation
Use a Fax Machine
How to
Use a Fax Machine
Fax over the Internet
How to
Fax over the Internet
Make Great Photocopies
How to
Make Great Photocopies
Stop Unwanted Faxes
How to
Stop Unwanted Faxes
Fax Without Using a Fax Machine
How to
Fax Without Using a Fax Machine
Advertisement

About This Article

Amy Bobinger
Co-authored by:
Amy Bobinger
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. Amy Bobinger has been a writer and editor at wikiHow since 2017. She especially enjoys writing articles that help people overcome interpersonal hurdles but frequently covers a variety of subjects, including health and wellness, spirituality, gardening, and more. Amy graduated with a B.A. in English Lit from Mississippi College in 2011 and now lives in her hometown with her husband and two young sons. This article has been viewed 138,316 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 18
Updated: January 21, 2023
Views: 138,316
Categories: Featured Articles | Office Equipment | Typing Skills
Article SummaryX

To use a manual typewriter, first move the margin set on the carriage to 1 inch, or your desired measure. Then, flip up the paper guide and feed your paper in, turning the cylinder knobs until your paper re-appears. Once the carriage is located where you want to start typing, push it as far right as it will go and begin typing. When you hear a bell, return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever to start a new line. For more tips, such as how to change the ribbon and maintain your typewriter, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement