12 Handwriting Characteristics

1. Line quality: Do the letters flow or are they written with very intent strokes.
   Look over the “line quality” of the paper you are examining. Make line quality observations about your sample.
2. Spacing of words and letters. What is the average space between words and letters? Make notes over the “spacing” of your evidence paper
3. Ratio of height, width, and size of letters: Are the letters consistent in height, width, and size?
   Observe your ratios and record your findings. Measure short and tall letters.
4. Lifting pen: Does the author lift his or her pen to stop writing a word and start a new word?
   Observe the “lifting pen” habits and record your findings.
5. Connecting strokes: How are capital letters connected to lower-case letters?
   Observe the “connecting strokes” habits and record your findings.
6.  Strokes to begin and end: Where does the letter begin and end on a page?
   Observe the “strokes” habits and record your findings.
7. Unusual letter formation: Are any letters written with unusual slants or angles? Are some letters printed rather than written in cursive?
   Observe your “unusual letter formation” habits and record your findings.
8. Pen pressure: How much pressure is applied on upward and downward strokes?
   Observe any “pen pressure” habits and record your findings.
9. Slant: Do letters slant to the left or right? If slant is pronounced, a protractor may be used to determine the degree.
   Observe the “slant” habits. Use a protractor to record your findings.
10. Baseline habits: Does the author write on the line or does the writing go above or below the line?
    Observe any “baseline” habits and record your findings.
11. Fancy writing habits: Are there any unusual curls or loops or unique styles.
    Observe any “fancy writing” habits and record your findings.
12. Placement of diacritics: How does the author cross the t’s or dot the i’s.
    Observe any “diacritics” habits and record your findings for the top and bottom samples.