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Learn more At first glance, typewriters can seem confusing and frustrating. However, using a typewriter is easy once you know how.
To operate the typewriter, you'll need to feed the paper into the machine and push the carriage back in place as you type. You should also clean your typewriter regularly to keep it in working condition. Work on maintaining your typewriter by storing it correctly and protecting it from damage. Before you use your typewriter, keep in mind that every typewriter is slightly different, so try to find instructions for your personal typewriter if you can.
However, for most writers, you can load a piece of paper by placing it between the roller and paper table, which is the flat, angled piece of machinery that tilts back slightly to hold the piece of paper.
Then, turn the roller knob counter clockwise until the top of the paper is just behind the keys. Next, set the carriage as far to the left as possible to set the margins. Type until you hear a dinging noise, then, push the roller to the right to reset your margin, and continue typing. For detailed instructions on how to use a typewriter, like how to correct typos without an autocorrect feature, scroll down.
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Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Insert the paper. The first thing you want to do with a typewriter is insert the paper. Take two 8x11 inch, standard size sheets, of white paper. Place one atop the other. There should be a long, cylinder running across the typewriter. This is the roller; also known as the "platen".
Just behind the roller is a small, flat angled piece of machinery that tilts back slightly. This is the paper table. You want to place the top of your sheet of paper between the roller and paper table.
There should be a small knob on the side of the roller. This is the roller knob. Turn this knob counter clockwise. This should feed the paper into to the roller. You should keep turning the knob until the top of the paper is just behind the keys. Set the carriage. The carriage of a typewriter is a part of the typewriter that moves the roller across the page.
Each time you hit a key, the carriage moves the roller slightly to the left. You want to start off with the carriage as far to the left as the typewriter will allow. Slide the roller over to the left. The carriage should stop the roller at the appropriate place to set the margins.
Now you can begin typing. Typing on a typewriter is somewhat tricky. Each key causes a stamp to strike against the paper. You want to type hard enough to make the letters stamp on in a clear fashion. You should also type somewhat slowly if you've never used a typewriter before. Return the carriage as you type. Eventually, you will hear the typewriter make a dinging noise.
This means you have reached the end of the line you're currently writing on. You need to return the carriage to begin a new line. This is a metallic lever. Carriage level either move downward or to the side. Press your carriage level in the correct direction for your typewriter. This should get the paper to transfer to the next line. From here, push the roller to the right until the carriage stops it. Then, resume typing. Correct any mistakes.
You may make some typos when using a typewriter. Some typewriters feature backspace keys; this key often has an image of an arrow pointing to the left. Backspacing and typing over a mistake works. But this mars your text, and it is hard on the typewriter platen.
The last reason is why you are using two sheets of paper. T [5] X Research source You can use whiteout to remove the unwanted letter or phrase. Then, feed the paper back into the roller until you reach the line where the typo occurred. Adjust the roller until the paper is positioned in such a way that you can type the correct letter or sentence over the whited out portion of the page. Most electric typewriters have an autocorrect feature that functions somewhat like a backspace key.
If your typewriter has an autocorrect feature, you can use this to fix typos. You can usually only correct single letter typos, however. If you notice you typed the wrong letter, hit the autocorrect key. The typewriter will move back a space and imprint a whited out version of that letter over the black ink. You can then type the correct letter. Remove the paper. When you've finished a page, you can remove the paper.
Turn the knob near the roller clockwise until the paper comes out of the typewriter. Transfer data to a computer, if necessary. If you want an electronic backup of the work you did on a typewriter, use a scanner to scan all the pages you typed. If you do not have a scanner, you can go to a local print shop and use one there for a small fee.
You can then email the pages to yourself so you have a copy. Part 2. Gather the right supplies. Typewriters need to be kept clean in order to be functional. Before you start the process of cleaning your typewriter, gather the following supplies: [8] X Research source Cotton rags Gentle liquid cleanser Hard-bristled paint brushes A vacuum with a crevice tool.
Car wax Typewriter oil. Clean off the surface of your typewriter with a gentle cleanser. To start, clean the surface of the typewriter with a gentle cleanser. You do not want to use anything with too many chemicals, especially if your typewriter is older. Dilute the cleanser with water slightly before you begin the cleaning process.
Scrub the exterior of the typewriter until you've removed all dust and debris. Go slowly and use a light amount of force on the typewriter. Typewriters are often old machines, and you do not want to accidentally scratch the surface or damage the paint during the cleaning process.
From here, take your hard-bristled paint brushes. Dust your typewriter's keys, removing any loose paint or debris from the keys. Take the crevice tool of your vacuum and run it over the keyboards, gently inserting the tool between the spaces in the keys. This will suck up any debris or dust that fell inside the typewriter while you were dusting the keys. You have already flagged this document. Thank you, for helping us keep this platform clean.
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