Beginner guide · Step 1

How to Start Your First Typing Lesson

You do not need typing experience. This walkthrough shows how to position your hands, open a lesson, follow the letters and choose what to practise next.

Start your first lessonView finger map
Home row finger placement showing both hands on the ASDF and JKL; keys of a QWERTY keyboard

1. Prepare your keyboard and hands

Sit comfortably with your screen in front of you and your shoulders relaxed. Keep your wrists neutral rather than pressing them firmly against the desk while typing. If you use a physical keyboard, locate the small raised guides on F and J. These marks help you find the starting position without looking down.

Rest your left fingers on A S D F and right fingers on J K L ;. Let your thumbs hover near the space bar. If you use a different keyboard layout, follow the layout and finger guidance available in the tutor.

2. Open the beginner typing course

Visit the lessons overview to see the available learning paths, then open the guided typing lesson. The tutor highlights the current character and can show keyboard and hand guidance. The typing lesson begins with your first keystroke; you do not need to race against another user.

3. Type one character at a time

Look at the on-screen text, press the indicated key, and allow your finger to return to the home row after a reach. When you type an incorrect character, slow down and notice which finger or position was difficult. Aim for relaxed, accurate movement instead of memorizing a single passage by speed alone.

Illustrative TypingTutor.Online beginner typing lesson with highlighted keys and typing feedback
Illustrative beginner typing lesson showing the text prompt, finger cues and progress. Exact controls can vary by device.

4. Read your result and choose the next step

At the end of a lesson, review the speed and accuracy feedback. A slow but accurate session is a useful beginning. If you made many mistakes, repeat the same lesson before moving forward. If the keys now feel familiar, continue with the next lesson. You can also use Today’s Practice for a simple daily routine.

5. Establish a sustainable practice habit

Try a short lesson each day, then add a quick review of the keys you missed. Avoid forcing long sessions or pushing through discomfort. Once you can type a short passage smoothly, take a typing test to establish your baseline and compare later results.

First-week advice

Start with accuracy. Learn just enough new keys to stay comfortable, revisit mistakes, and use typing games as a fun extra—not a substitute for learning where your fingers belong.

Beginner checklist

Next: learn how to read your typing progress →

Printable learning plans

Practice with a plan

Use a free learning checklist, record your results, and print or export your progress. No login required.

7-Day Starter PlanGuided daily tasks for your first week of touch typing. Printable PDF included.Open plan →30-Day Progress TrackerRecord WPM, accuracy and practice time, and view a simple progress trend.Open tracker →
Frequently asked

Questions and answers

What is the home row on a keyboard?

On a standard English QWERTY keyboard, the home row includes A S D F for the left hand and J K L ; for the right. F and J usually have tactile guide marks.

Do I have to type fast in my first lesson?

No. Focus on accurate keystrokes and comfortable finger movement. Add speed gradually after errors become less frequent.

How long should a beginner practise?

Try a manageable short session, such as 10 to 15 minutes, with breaks when needed. Consistent practice is more useful than an exhausting single session.