Digital Keyboarding Standards

Important Concepts 

em dashes	A computer generated character, approximately the width of a capital letter M. Em dashes are used in place of the two hyphens used in typewriting. An em dash mark is used to introduce a sentence break or a parenthetical statement. The em dash is stronger than a comma but not as strong as a period. Example: sample text – sample text
en dash	A computer generated character, approximately the width of a capital letter N. An en dash is often used to separate ranges, durations or compound words. Note: spaces are not used before or after an en dash. Example: sample text-sample text
paragraph indents	Traditional typewriting used 1/2 inch tab sets to indent the first line of a paragraph. In modern word processing, the user should use the first-line indent to set this space. The first line indent should be two to three characters in width. Example: instead of
one space  after endmarks	Modern word processors automatically place extra spacing after punctuation. Traditional typing instruction required two spaces after punctuation but this is no longer necessary. Example: ` instead of
smart marks	Typewriters use substitutions for apostrophes and quotation marks. The typewriter inserts the symbol for foot and inch. These marks are straight as opposed to "curly" marks of digital standards. Smart marks clearly show whether the quoted section is beginning or ending.  Example:  instead of
monospaced type	Conventional  typewriters give the same amount of space to each letter. Monospaced  type is defined by equal spacing for each letter. Example:  A A A A i i i i
proportional type	Word processing, desktop publishing, and other modern technology applications use proportional type to increase readability. Proportional type allots a different amount of space to each letter. Example:  AAAA iiii
unnecessary spacing	Three locations where appearance and readability of your document can be improved: a)Use kerning to reduce space between periods and commas following overhanging lowercase letters such as r's and t's.  b)Do not insert a space between currency symbols and the money amount. c)Do not use spaces following periods in acronyms such as A.M. or M.D.
special characters	Many characters unavailable on traditional typewriters are available through word processing. These symbols are available through the Insert Symbol or Key Caps.
underlining	Before the days of personal computers and printers, underlining was used to indicated to the printer (a person) that the text was to be italicized. Underlining cuts off letters which extend below the line, making text more difficult to read. Instead of using underlining, choose a different method to emphasize text.    Example: Sample instead of Sample

 

Print Materials

Yoder, S. & Smith, I. (1995). Lookin' good!—The elements of document design for beginners. Eugene, OR: ISTE.

Williams, R. (1996). Beyond the Mac is not a typewriter. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press.

Williams, R. (1990). The Mac is not a typewriter. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. 

Williams, R. (1992). The PC is not a typewriter. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. 

Web Sites

Are You Still Typing?
By Irene Smith and Sharon Yoder 
Hints for transitioning from typing to desktop publishing.

Style Guide: Writing with Computers
Creating emphasis, E-mail, hyphens and dashes, quotation marks and apostrophes, spacing, spell checking, typefaces, and serif type examples.

Word Processing Style Tips
Short article with 6 tips distinguishing typing and keyboarding.

Writing Tips: Spacing (1) 
Writing Tips: Spacing (2)
Writing Tips: Spacing (3) 
Three articles on the proper spacing while keyboarding.

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