Top 10 Tips to Type Faster
We are living in the internet age, where typing is an essential skill to master. You may find yourself struggling with the keyboard, or you might just be getting started with the touch-and-type method.Beginners often find typing more complicated than it should be, but that's not really the case. Not only can you type faster with practice, but you also save a significant amount of time when working.
Here are ten tips that are guaranteed to increase your words per minute (WPM).
Accuracy is perhaps the most important aspect to watch for when typing. If you focus on speed, you won't type well and will end up constantly backspacing to correct typos.
When you encounter a complicated or unfamiliar word, slow down and focus on the letters you tend to trip over. This way, you'll have more control over your fingers and the keys you're typing. The fewer mistakes you make, the less you need to backspace, saving time. This allows you to build up your WPM speed gradually.
Typing apps and games like Mavis Beacon and Typer Shark are helpful. If you don't have one of those typing apps, check out typing websites, as they are more easily accessible. Typing apps for beginners are a good alternative for younger kids.
Pangrams are usually short sentences that consist of all the unique letters in the alphabet. Examples include the iconic "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," "The five boxing wizards jump quickly," and "Two driven jocks help fax my big quiz."
Pangrams are a clever method for exercising and memorizing the keyboard when mastering touch typing.
You can't go from 20 WPM to 80 WPM in a single day, nor is there a shortcut to instantly boost your WPM. Constant practice is needed, and reaching a professional typing speed will be a long journey.
If you're a beginner and haven't learned touch-typing yet, it's recommended to start with the basics and develop muscle memory for each finger and key. In the long run, you'll be able to type much faster and easier than with two fingers.
For more experienced typists, learning and mastering combinations like "ea," "th," "ou," and "ing" is the most effective way to optimize your WPM and accuracy.
Touch typing involves not looking at the keyboard while you type. This method typically involves using each finger on specific keys and memorizing which finger to use for each key.
For example, your left pinky finger should press the Q, A, and Z keys, while your left ring finger should press the W, S, and X keys. Your middle finger should press the E, D, and C keys. Your index finger should press the R, F, V, T, G, and B keys, and both of your thumbs press the spacebar (though it's recommended to use the left thumb, but that depends on your preference).
You can see the image on the left for guidance on finger positions.
Bad posture, such as slouching, can affect how you type. It's best to straighten your back, ensure your feet are flat on the floor, and keep your wrists slightly elevated so your fingers can easily reach the keys.
Use a comfortable, adjustable chair to type effectively, and stay as relaxed as possible to avoid pain, especially back pain.
This is an effective method for those who tend to look at the keyboard while typing. While it can seem challenging at first, try whispering or saying the words aloud as you type them. This helps to memorize key positions and combinations.
This is optional, but if you are struggling with touch typing on the QWERTY layout and see little progress, you can switch to the DVORAK or COLEMAK layout, which are designed to make typing more comfortable.
It may take some time to adapt to the different key positions. However, switching may not be effective for everyone, as you may need to switch again to find what suits you best. It's not recommended to switch if you are already familiar with the QWERTY layout.
Once you switch to the touch-typing method, don't alter your finger positions or revert to your previous method. While the old method may seem more comfortable, it can make typing words awkward and may require more finger movement, impacting your accuracy.
It's best to stick to the formal method to ensure consistent efficiency and avoid developing bad typing habits.
If you've been using the touch-typing method, it's essential to track your progress. If your WPM is steadily increasing, you're on the right track.
You may be surprised by the results, but don't let this distract you. Continue prioritizing accuracy over speed to maintain comfort with the keyboard as you type faster over time.