How to Use a Manual Typewriter

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Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 References

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Setting the Margins

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Typing

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Changing the Ribbon

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Maintaining Your Typewriter

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Q&A

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.

Loading Paper in a Typewriter

Find the paper lock or paper guide located above the keyboard.
Flip it upwards.
Slide your paper behind the roller or cylinder.
Turn the cylinder knob until the paper comes underneath the guide.
Press the paper release lever to adjust the paper if necessary.

Part 1

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Setting the Margins

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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]
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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]
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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]
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Part 2

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Typing

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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]
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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]
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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]
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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.
This will automatically drop you down to a new line. The line space lever is generally on the left side of the carriage.^{[7]
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Part 3

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Changing the Ribbon

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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Maintaining Your Typewriter

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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]
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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]
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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]
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References

More References (1)

↑ http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-restoration.html

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Question

Do I have to put anything in before I get started besides the paper?

Community Answer

As long as the typewriter has an ink ribbon in it, then the paper is all you need.

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How do I load the typewriter ribbon?

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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.

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Does a typewriter needs a technique to type?

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The normal technique is to press down on the keys quickly, and with significant force.

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