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Handwriting Styles Explained: Print, Cursive, Calligraphy

Tap a style to see its character.

Print (Manuscript)

Writing each letter separately and clearly β€” the style children typically learn first since it's easy to read.

Cursive

A flowing style where letters connect to each other, written quickly β€” it speeds up writing but can be relatively harder to read.

Italic

A style where letters slant slightly to the right, giving an elegant, polished impression.

Calligraphy

A style that artistically expresses the writing itself using a brush or specialty pen, emphasizing stroke weight and flow for decorative effect.

Block Letters

A style where every letter is written like a bold, angular capital letter β€” often used on signs or for emphasis.

Bubble Letters

A decorative style where letter outlines are drawn round and puffy β€” commonly seen in doodles or poster design.

Handwriting Remains a Tool for Expressing Individuality

Even in the digital age, handwriting remains a special way to convey personal feeling and care, whether decorating a journal, writing a letter, or creating calligraphy art. Choosing the right style for the occasion can give the same sentence a completely different feel.

Curious About Writing Instruments Too?

If you're deciding which pen to use, our guide to types of writing instruments is worth a look as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special pen to learn calligraphy?

You can get started perfectly well with a brush pen or a flexible-tip brush pen, and expand to other tools as you get more comfortable.

Why isn't cursive taught as much these days?

As digital device use has increased, some countries' curricula have reduced emphasis on teaching cursive, though it's still used for personal signatures and decorative purposes.