Beginner's Guide - Revision history

BTackt: /* Write your first strokes with Plover */

2026-03-20T16:41:20Z

Write your first strokes with Plover

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:41, 20 March 2026
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	\| hell		\| hell
	\| <code>HEL</code>		\| <code>HEL</code>
	\| <code>r</code> (left index index) <br> <code>n</code> (right thumb) <br> <code>o</code> (right ring finger )		\| <code>r</code> (left index index) <br> <code>n</code> (right thumb) <br> <code>o</code> (right ring finger)
	\|-		\|-
	\| o		\| o

BTackt at 05:23, 20 March 2026

2026-03-20T05:23:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:23, 20 March 2026
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	<languages />		<languages />
			<translate>
	This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.		This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.

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	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->
	== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine == ~~<!--T:11-->~~		== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine ==

	<!--T:12-->		<!--T:12-->
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	[[Category:Plover]]		[[Category:Plover]]
			</translate>

BTackt at 05:20, 20 March 2026

2026-03-20T05:20:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:20, 20 March 2026
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			<languages />
	This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.		This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.

BTackt: major rework

2026-03-20T05:20:21Z

major rework

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:20, 20 March 2026
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	~~<languages />~~
	~~<translate>~~
	~~<!--T:6-->~~
	This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.		This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.

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	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->
	~~<span id="connect-a-compatible-keyboard-or-stenography-machine"></span>~~

	== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine == <!--T:11-->		== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine == <!--T:11-->

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	Steno involves pressing down groups of keys (called “strokes” or “chords") all at once. Standard QWERTY keyboards can usually only recognize up to six simultaneous key presses, while a dedicated steno writer has no limit to how many simultaneous key presses it can register.		Steno involves pressing down groups of keys (called “strokes” or “chords") all at once. Standard QWERTY keyboards can usually only recognize up to six simultaneous key presses, while a dedicated steno writer has no limit to how many simultaneous key presses it can register.

			===Compatible hardware===
			{{See also\|Supported hardware}}
	Among other hardware, Plover is compatible with:		Among other hardware, Plover is compatible with:
	# '''Standard keyboards''' - Requires no additional investment from the average computer user. It is possible to overcome the six simultaneous key presses limitation using [[Arpeggiating\|arpeggiation]]. Recommended for those who are ''unsure whether you want to learn steno''. Read the page on [[using a standard keyboard with Plover]].		# '''Standard keyboards''' - Requires no additional investment from the average computer user. It is possible to overcome the six simultaneous key presses limitation using [[Arpeggiating\|arpeggiation]]. Recommended for those who are ''unsure whether you want to learn steno''. Read the page on [[using a standard keyboard with Plover]].
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	With the help of a plugin, it is also possible to use a [[Video_game_controllers\|video game controller]] with Plover.		With the help of a plugin, it is also possible to use a [[Video_game_controllers\|video game controller]] with Plover.

			===Connecting your hardware===
			[[File:Plover-connected.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Plover connected to a standard keyboard and with Output enabled.]]

	<!--T:43-->		<!--T:43-->
	~~Initially,~~ Plover is set up to use your computer’s typing keyboard by default. ~~If you are using a regular~~ keyboard, ~~proceed~~ to ~~Enable Plover below~~. ~~Otherwise, if you have~~ a ~~dedicated steno~~ writer, see the page on [[setting up your writer with Plover]] to connect your hardware to the Plover software.		To use a '''standard keyboard''': Plover is set up to use your computer’s typing keyboard by default. You can connect your keyboard by selecting "Keyboard" in the Machine dropdown, and the status message underneath should update to "Connected".

			To use a '''hobbyist''' or '''professional writer''': see the page on [[setting up your writer with Plover]] to connect your hardware to the Plover software. If you're having trouble achieving "Connected" after following the instructions, [[Troubleshooting issues\|troubleshoot]].

			When the "Output" is toggled to disabled, your keyboard will operate as normal and your steno machine will not give any output. When "Output" is toggled to enabled, you will be in steno mode! Plover will type to any place you normally use your keyboard to type (browsers, documents, emails, chat apps, etc.)

	<!--T:42-->		<!--T:42-->
	== ~~Confirm it’s working~~ ==		== Learn and practice==
			{{See also\|Learning stenography}}

	<!--T:45-->		<!--T:70-->
	~~=== Enable~~ Plover ~~===~~		'''If you are new to stenography,''' you can now start [[learning stenography]] by [[memorizing the key layout]] and [[choosing a steno theory]].
	~~Once~~ your steno ~~writer is connected~~ with ~~Plover~~,
			[[Theory]] is the set of rules used to learn and write using stenography; a [[dictionary]] is an implementation of those rules which allows Plover to interpret your steno strokes and display them in English. Most theories come with a dictionary for you to plug into stenography software, but as your implementation and interpretation changes, [[Personalizing your dictionary\|so will your dictionary]].

	~~<!--T:46-->~~		'''If you are new to Plover but not to stenography,''' upload your dictionary to Plover, learn about Plover's [[dictionary format]], and read the [[FAQ]].
	~~# Run~~ Plover.
	~~# In the main window of~~ Plover, ~~set <code>Output</code> to <code>Enabled</code>~~

	~~<!--T:47-->~~		'''By default,''' [[Plover software\|Plover (the software)]] comes with the dictionary for [[Plover theory\|Plover (the steno theory)]] already installed.
	<~~span id="write-hello-world"~~></~~span~~>		* To use this dictionary, you can learn Plover theory.
	~~=== Write “Hello World” ===~~		* If you want to learn a different steno theory, you can upload their dictionary into Plover (or, in the case of [[Lapwing theory\|Lapwing]], install a plugin).
			* If you have already learned theory and are coming to Plover from a different steno software, you can upload your dictionary into Plover using <code>.rtf</code> format.

	~~<!--T:48-->~~		== Write your first strokes with Plover ==
	To confirm Plover is working correctly, ~~you may try~~ to write ~~“Hello~~, world.” into a text editor with Plover. Open a text editor and write the steno key strokes in the table below, one row at a time.		To confirm Plover is working correctly, follow this tutorial to write “hello, world.” into a text editor with Plover. Open a text editor and write the steno key strokes in the table below, one row at a time.

	<!--T:49-->		<!--T:49-->
	{{Info\|text=Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or increase the key press delay ~~shown below:~~		{{Info\|text=Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or [[Configuration#Output Tab\|increase the key press delay]].}}

	~~<!--T:50-->~~
	~~<br />~~
	~~[[File:Plover_key_delay.png~~]]}}

	<!--T:51-->		<!--T:51-->
	On a QWERTY keyboard, the steno keys are arranged ~~on the layout~~ as follows:		On a QWERTY keyboard, the steno keys are arranged as follows:
	[[File:Steno keys on QWERTY keyboard by Jen.png\|center\|thumb\|583x583px\|Steno keys on a QWERTY keyboard as understood by Plover.]]		[[File:Steno keys on QWERTY keyboard by Jen.png\|center\|thumb\|583x583px\|Steno keys on a QWERTY keyboard as understood by Plover.]]

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	* If you are using a QWERTY keyboard and are not getting the right keys/output, your keyboard may not have NKRO. Try rolling or [[arpeggiating]] your strokes.		* If you are using a QWERTY keyboard and are not getting the right keys/output, your keyboard may not have NKRO. Try rolling or [[arpeggiating]] your strokes.

	~~Read about the proper [[posture and finger placement for stenography]].~~

	~~<!--T:69-->~~
	~~<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>~~
	~~== Practice and learn ==~~
	~~{{See also\|Learning stenography}}~~

	~~<!--T:70-->~~
	Now that you have a working setup, you can start [[learning stenography]]. The best place to start is memorizing the key layout, and [[choosing a steno theory]]. This is the set of rules you need to know in order to convert words to steno strokes. There are a few freely available steno theories each with pros and cons, but the steno community's current recommendation for beginners is [[Lapwing theory]].

	~~<!--T:71-->~~
	~~<span id="personalizing-your-dictionary"></span>~~

	~~== Personalize your dictionary ==~~

	~~{{See also\|Personalizing your dictionary}}~~

	~~<!--T:80-->~~
	Once you have learned a decent amount of theory, it is important to customize your steno dictionary. English steno uses dictionaries to translate the keys pressed on a steno machine to the outputted text. These dictionaries are essentially huge files that contain entries for most of the words in the English language and their respective steno strokes. Steno is highly personal, and it is difficult to gain speed by sticking to default mappings. No two stenographers' dictionaries are the same because of how complicated the English language is. Some steno concepts work well for some people, but not for others.

	~~<!--T:78-->~~
	[[Category:Plover]]		[[Category:Plover]]
	~~</translate>~~

BTackt: /* Personalize your dictionary */

2025-05-22T22:32:21Z

Personalize your dictionary

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 22 May 2025
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	== Personalize your dictionary ==		== Personalize your dictionary ==

	''See also~~: [[~~Personalizing your dictionary~~]]''~~		{{See also\|Personalizing your dictionary}}

	<!--T:80-->		<!--T:80-->

BTackt: /* Practice and learn */

2025-05-22T22:32:04Z

Practice and learn

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:32, 22 May 2025
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	<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>		<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>
	== Practice and learn ==		== Practice and learn ==
			{{See also\|Learning stenography}}
	''See also~~: [[~~Learning stenography~~]]''~~

	<!--T:70-->		<!--T:70-->
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	<!--T:71-->		<!--T:71-->
	<span id="personalizing-your-dictionary"></span>		<span id="personalizing-your-dictionary"></span>

	== Personalize your dictionary ==		== Personalize your dictionary ==

BTackt: Undo revision 3432 by BTackt

2025-05-22T22:14:42Z

Undo revision 3432 by BTackt

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 22 May 2025
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	<!--T:49-->		<!--T:49-->
	{{Info\|Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or increase the key press delay shown below:		{{Info\|text=Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or increase the key press delay shown below:

	<!--T:50-->		<!--T:50-->
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	<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>		<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>

	== Practice and learn ==		== Practice and learn ==

BTackt: /* Write “Hello World” */ I broke the template now fixed

2025-05-22T22:03:30Z

Write “Hello World”: I broke the template now fixed

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 22 May 2025
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	<!--T:49-->		<!--T:49-->
	{{Info\|~~text=~~Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or increase the key press delay shown below:		{{Info\|Notepad in Windows 11 is buggy with Plover's fast emulated output. Try a different program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in a browser, or increase the key press delay shown below:

	<!--T:50-->		<!--T:50-->
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	<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>		<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>

	== Practice and learn ==		== Practice and learn ==

BTackt: moved specific info to its own page, this page should be streamlined and concise as possible

2025-05-12T17:25:51Z

moved specific info to its own page, this page should be streamlined and concise as possible

@@ Line 102: / Line 102: @@
 * If you are using a QWERTY keyboard and are not getting the right keys/output, your keyboard may not have NKRO. Try rolling or [[arpeggiating]] your strokes.
-<!--T:56-->
+Read about the proper [[posture and finger placement for stenography]].
 <!--T:69-->

BTackt: rewrote hardware section to make choices clear to beginners, small edits throughout

2025-05-09T23:15:25Z

rewrote hardware section to make choices clear to beginners, small edits throughout

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:15, 9 May 2025
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	<!--T:6-->		<!--T:6-->
	This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.		This guide explains how to '''get started with Plover'''. Plover is free stenography software. All the learning resources listed below are free-of-charge.

			In order to get started, the main steps are:
			# Install Plover (the application)
			# Acquire and connect a keyboard or steno writer
			# Learn stenography, starting with theory

	<!--T:7-->		<!--T:7-->
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	<!--T:10-->		<!--T:10-->
	<span id="connect-a-compatible-keyboard-or-stenography-machine"></span>		<span id="connect-a-compatible-keyboard-or-stenography-machine"></span>


	== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine == <!--T:11-->		== Connect a compatible keyboard or stenography machine == <!--T:11-->

	<!--T:12-->		<!--T:12-->
	Steno involves pressing down groups of keys (called “strokes” or “chords") all at once. Standard QWERTY keyboards can usually only recognize ~~one~~ to six simultaneous key presses~~. Owning~~ a dedicated steno writer ~~makes~~ it ~~easier to reach high speeds~~.		Steno involves pressing down groups of keys (called “strokes” or “chords") all at once. Standard QWERTY keyboards can usually only recognize up to six simultaneous key presses, while a dedicated steno writer has no limit to how many simultaneous key presses it can register.

	'''~~If you~~ are unsure whether you want to learn steno''~~', read~~ the page on [[using a standard keyboard with Plover]].		Among other hardware, Plover is compatible with:
			# '''Standard keyboards''' - Requires no additional investment from the average computer user. It is possible to overcome the six simultaneous key presses limitation using [[Arpeggiating\|arpeggiation]]. Recommended for those who are ''unsure whether you want to learn steno''. Read the page on [[using a standard keyboard with Plover]].
			# '''Hobbyist writers''' - Pre-built mechanical keyboards specialized for stenography which cost, on average, around $110 USD. Choose from the currently available [[Supported hardware#Commercially available hobbyist writers\|commercially available hobbyist writers]] or [[DIY_steno_writers\|DIY your own keyboard]].
			# '''Professional writers''' - Used by professional stenographers and court reporters, not typically used by the hobbyist community due to their $1000 (used) to $6000 (new) price tags. If you already own one, you can connect it to Plover as long as it uses one of the [[Supported_hardware#Supported_protocols\|supported protocols]].

	~~'''If you are sure you want~~ to ~~learn steno''', we recommend purchasing~~ a [[~~Supported hardware#Commercially available hobbyist writers~~\|~~commercially available hobbyist writer~~]].		With the help of a plugin, it is also possible to use a [[Video_game_controllers\|video game controller]] with Plover.

	<!--T:41-->		<!--T:43-->
	It is ~~also possible~~ to use a ~~professional stenography machine with~~ Plover. ~~See~~ the [[~~Supported Hardware#Stenotype machines\|supported Hardware~~]] ~~page for a list of compatible professional stenography machines~~.		Initially, Plover is set up to use your computer’s typing keyboard by default. If you are using a regular keyboard, proceed to Enable Plover below. Otherwise, if you have a dedicated steno writer, see the page on [[setting up your writer with Plover]] to connect your hardware to the Plover software.

	<!--T:42-->		<!--T:42-->
	== Confirm it’s working ==		== Confirm it’s working ==

	~~<!--T:43-->~~
	Initially, Plover is set up to use your computer’s typing keyboard by default. If you are using a regular keyboard, proceed to Enable Plover below. If you have a dedicated steno writer, see the page on [[setting up your writer with Plover]].

	<!--T:45-->		<!--T:45-->
	=== Enable Plover ===		=== Enable Plover ===
	Once ~~you have set up~~ your ~~machine~~ with Plover		Once your steno writer is connected with Plover,

	<!--T:46-->		<!--T:46-->
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	<!--T:51-->		<!--T:51-->
	~~If you are using~~ a QWERTY keyboard, the steno keys are arranged on the layout ~~like so~~:		On a QWERTY keyboard, the steno keys are arranged on the layout as follows:
	[[File:Steno keys on QWERTY keyboard by Jen.png\|center\|thumb\|583x583px\|Steno keys on a QWERTY keyboard as understood by Plover.]]		[[File:Steno keys on QWERTY keyboard by Jen.png\|center\|thumb\|583x583px\|Steno keys on a QWERTY keyboard as understood by Plover.]]

	If you are using a QWERTY keyboard, you may find it helpful to follow the column on the right. Unless you are arpeggiating or rolling your strokes, make sure to press every single key all at once. Remember to release every key after each ~~row~~.		If you are using a QWERTY keyboard, you may find it helpful to follow the column on the right. Unless you are [[arpeggiating]] (rolling) your strokes, make sure to press every single key all at once. Remember to release every key after each stroke.

	<!--T:52-->		<!--T:52-->
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	If you see different output, open the paper tape (in Plover’s main window under <code>Tools → Paper Tape</code>) and try the steno strokes again. Verify that the right keys are being registered. If the steno keys shown in the paper tape are not the same as those in the middle column above, first make sure you are pressing the right physical keys. If you are still not getting the right output, have a look at the following:		If you see different output, open the paper tape (in Plover’s main window under <code>Tools → Paper Tape</code>) and try the steno strokes again. Verify that the right keys are being registered. If the steno keys shown in the paper tape are not the same as those in the middle column above, first make sure you are pressing the right physical keys. If you are still not getting the right output, have a look at the following:
	* If you are using a steno machine and are not getting the right keys/output, make sure you have set it up correctly.		* If you are using a steno machine and are not getting the right keys/output, make sure you have set it up correctly.
	* If you are using a QWERTY keyboard and are not getting the right keys/output, your keyboard may not have NKRO. Try rolling or arpeggiating your strokes.		* If you are using a QWERTY keyboard and are not getting the right keys/output, your keyboard may not have NKRO. Try rolling or [[arpeggiating]] your strokes.

	<!--T:56-->		<!--T:56-->
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	<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>		<span id="practice-and-learn"></span>
	== Practice and learn ==		== Practice and learn ==

			''See also: [[Learning stenography]]''

	<!--T:70-->		<!--T:70-->
	Now that you have a working setup, ~~it's time~~ to start ~~learning~~ a steno theory. This is the set of rules you need to know in order to convert words to steno strokes. There are a few freely available steno theories with ~~their own~~ pros and cons, but ~~we recommend learning [https://lapwing.aerick.ca Lapwing theory].~~		Now that you have a working setup, you can start [[learning stenography]]. The best place to start is memorizing the key layout, and [[choosing a steno theory]]. This is the set of rules you need to know in order to convert words to steno strokes. There are a few freely available steno theories each with pros and cons, but the steno community's current recommendation for beginners is [[Lapwing theory]].

	'~~'See also:~~ [[~~Choosing a steno~~ theory]]''

	<!--T:71-->		<!--T:71-->
	<span id="personalizing-your-dictionary"></span>		<span id="personalizing-your-dictionary"></span>
	== Personalize your dictionary ==		== Personalize your dictionary ==

			''See also: [[Personalizing your dictionary]]''

	<!--T:80-->		<!--T:80-->
	Once you have learned a decent amount of theory, it is important to customize your steno dictionary. English steno uses dictionaries to translate the keys pressed on a steno machine to the outputted text. These dictionaries are essentially huge files that contain entries for most of the words in the English language and their respective steno strokes. Steno is highly personal, and it is difficult to gain speed by sticking to default mappings. No two stenographers' dictionaries are the same because of how complicated the English language is. Some steno concepts work well for some people, but not for others.		Once you have learned a decent amount of theory, it is important to customize your steno dictionary. English steno uses dictionaries to translate the keys pressed on a steno machine to the outputted text. These dictionaries are essentially huge files that contain entries for most of the words in the English language and their respective steno strokes. Steno is highly personal, and it is difficult to gain speed by sticking to default mappings. No two stenographers' dictionaries are the same because of how complicated the English language is. Some steno concepts work well for some people, but not for others.

	~~''More information: [[Personalizing your dictionary]].''~~

	<!--T:78-->		<!--T:78-->
	[[Category:Plover]]		[[Category:Plover]]
	</translate>		</translate>