Variations
What prints with the starting settings
| Paper | A4 — 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 in) |
|---|---|
| Letter body height (headline to baseline) | 10 mm = 0.394″ |
| Writing sets on this page | 11 |
| Headline to baseline | 10 mm |
| Margins | 10 mm |
| Line weight | 0.2 mm (bold 0.35 mm) |
| Print setting | Scale 100% / Actual size |
A ruling built for Devanagari
Devanagari, the script for Hindi, Marathi, Nepali and Sanskrit, has a distinctive feature: a horizontal headline, the shirorekha, runs along the top of the letters and connects them into words. Handwriting practice paper therefore centres on that headline, with space above it for vowel signs and space below the letter body for signs that descend.
How to practise
Draw the headline first for each word, then form each letter hanging from it. Keep the letter body between the headline and the baseline, place matras above in the top zone, and write subscript forms in the lower zone. Repeating a single letter along a whole line, then common words, builds even proportions.
Printing tips
Print at 100% / Actual size. The headline is printed in red so it stands out from the blue guide lines.
More handwriting sheets
- First grade writing paper (3/4 inch lines)
- Kindergarten writing paper (1 inch lines)
- Cursive handwriting paper with slant lines
- Primary story paper
- Third grade handwriting paper (1/2 inch lines)
- Brush lettering practice sheets (28 mm lines)
- Tian zi ge (田字格) paper
- Copperplate calligraphy guide sheets (55° slant)
- Mi zi ge (米字格) paper
- Preschool writing paper (1 1/4 inch lines)
- Second grade writing paper (5/8 inch lines)
Frequently asked questions
Why does Devanagari need four lines?
Letters hang from a headline (the shirorekha) instead of sitting on a baseline. Vowel signs (matras) such as ि and े rise above the headline, and signs such as ु and ृ fall below the letter body, so there are zones above and below the main writing area.
Which line is the headline?
The bold red line. Letters are written below it and joined by it.
Can I use this for Marathi, Nepali or Sanskrit?
Yes. They all use Devanagari script with the same headline structure.
What size should children use?
A letter body of 10 to 15 mm gives early writers plenty of room; 6 to 8 mm suits older students.
Can I change the colours?
Yes, the headline and guide colours can be changed in the advanced options.
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