Copperplate and Gothic Calligraphy: Guidelines and Proportions

Both styles depend on consistent proportions. Once your guidelines are right, your letters will look more professional immediately.

Copperplate (pointed pen)

• Ratio 3 : 2 : 3 for ascender, x-height and descender.
• A 55° slant from the baseline keeps downstrokes parallel.
• Pressure creates the swell; upstrokes stay hairline thin.
• An oblique pen holder helps right-handers keep the nib aligned with the slant.

Gothic / Blackletter (broad-edge pen)

• Set the x-height at about five nib widths, stacked as small squares in the margin.
• Hold the nib at roughly 35–40° and keep strokes upright.
• Space the vertical strokes as evenly as the white space inside letters.
• Ascenders and descenders are short, about two nib widths.

Keep going

Download all free practice sheets, or turn your words into calligraphy right now in the free generator.