Free printable generator
Handwriting paper generator
Make handwriting practice paper with a solid top line, dashed midline and clear baseline.
Quick starts
Page setup
Paper pattern
Export your sheet
Ready-made PDFs
Start with a familiar setup.
Good to know
Handwriting guides that match the learner
Large bands leave more room for early letter formation. Smaller bands help writers move towards more compact, everyday handwriting.
The dashed midpoint provides a clear x-height guide while the stronger baseline makes letter placement easy to see.
Handwriting practice
Setting up handwriting paper for a learner
Reading the lines
Each writing band has a solid baseline for letters to sit on, a dashed midline that marks the height of small letters such as a, c and o, and a top line for tall letters and capitals. Letters with descenders, like g, p and y, drop below the baseline into the gap before the next band.
Talking about the lines by name, for example 'sit on the grass, reach up to the dashes', helps younger children understand where each letter belongs.
Choosing a band height
Move down a size when letters fit the current bands neatly most of the time, rather than on a fixed timetable.
- 18–20 mm: for children just starting to form letters, when movements are big and pencil control is still developing.
- 12 mm: a comfortable middle size once letters are recognisable and fairly even.
- 8 mm: closer to ordinary lined paper, useful as a bridge before moving to exercise books.
Making practice sessions work
- Keep sessions short, a few lines at a time, and stop while the child is still trying.
- Write a model letter at the start of each row so there is something to copy.
- Practise letter families together: c, a, d, g share the same starting stroke.
- Use it for copying a name, a short sentence or a shopping list, not only single letters.
Printing handwriting sheets
Print at 100% so the band heights match what you selected. A light line weight keeps the child's writing clearly visible on top of the guides.
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Large bands, around 18–20 mm, usually work best when children are first forming letters. Move to smaller bands once their letters are consistently sized.
It marks the height of lower-case letters without ascenders, such as a, e, m and o. Tall letters and capitals reach the top line instead.
Yes. The smaller bands are useful for anyone improving the neatness of their writing, practising cursive or learning a new script.