Printable copperplate calligraphy guide sheet (PDF)

Copperplate is written with a pointed pen, slanted at about 55 degrees, with a 3:2:3 ratio between ascenders, x-height and descenders.

Style

Tool

x-height

In mm

Ascenders

Times the x-height, above it

Descenders

Times the x-height, below the baseline

Capitals

Times the x-height from the baseline; 0, no line

Slant

Degrees from horizontal; 90, upright

Slant lines every

mm between slant lines

Line spacing

mm between lines

Paper

Orientation

Line tone

Shade the x-height QR code to come back to this guide bottom right

Model to trace

Font

What to write

Letters

Letter

With “A single letter”, the one that is repeated; with “Random words”, optionally, only words that contain it.

Regenerate

Text

In light grey, at the x-height of the guide; whatever doesn't fit continues on the next line.

Where

Reset values

Print it at actual size (100%, without “fit to page”) so the measurements are exact.

Model in Old Scientific Illustration, by boxbot6 · MIT · where to get it

This font's ascenders or descenders are longer than the guide's: the model is drawn smaller so it fits, and its x doesn't reach the x-height line.

10 lines per sheet · Copperplate · x: 5 mm · ascenders: 1.5 × x · descenders: 1.5 × x · slant: 55°

How to read the guide sheet

The strongest line is the baseline; the one above it is the x-height (the shaded band).
The dashed lines mark how far ascenders and descenders reach; the dotted one, the capitals.
The slant lines help you keep the same angle in every letter.
The QR code at the bottom opens this same guide on neografo, with all its values: to print it again or change something. If the model's font is no longer available, another one of the style is used.

Want to learn the style? Check the tutorials or share your practice in resources.