Explore Stenography Basics
STENOWORKS EDUCATION CENTER
Explore stenography basics
New to steno? Learn what a stenographer does, how the writer works, and a practical way to try it before enrolling in school.
How steno works ↓ Try it for yourself ↓ Education homeWhat is stenography?
Stenography is a method of capturing speech with a specialized keyboard. Instead of typing every letter separately, a stenographer presses several keys at once to make a shorthand stroke. Computer-aided transcription (CAT) software translates those strokes into readable text.
LEGAL RECORD
Court reporting
Reporters create the record in depositions, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings.
LIVE MEDIA
Captioning
Captioners turn live speech into text for broadcasts, events, and online content.
ACCESSIBILITY
CART services
Communication Access Realtime Translation provides live text access in settings such as classes and meetings.
How does a steno writer work?
A steno writer has fewer keys than a standard computer keyboard. Students learn a shorthand system called a theory, press combinations of keys called strokes, and use CAT software to translate what they write. With training and practice, the translation can appear in realtime.
A simplified steno keyboard
The left-hand consonants, center asterisk, and right-hand consonants sit above four vowel keys. A stroke can press several of these at once.
| S | T | P | H | * | F | P | L | T | D |
| S | K | W | R | * | R | B | G | S | Z |
| A | O | E | U | ||||||
This is a learning diagram. Key shapes and placement vary by writer.
Get comfortable with the keys, hand position, and combinations.
Write sounds, words, phrases, punctuation, and speaker changes.
Practice dictation to improve accuracy, endurance, and speed.
A few beginner terms
The machine used to write shorthand strokes.
Keys pressed together as a unit.
A short outline for a longer word or phrase.
Translation appearing as the writer works.
Try stenography before you commit
An introductory course can help you see whether you enjoy writing on a steno machine. NCRA offers a free A to Z online introduction, and Project Steno offers beginner programs. Check each program's current schedule and machine requirements.
Explore NCRA A to Z → Explore Project Steno → Basic training rentals →When should you choose a writer?
If you are just exploring, ask whether the introductory program has a machine option or accepts a rental. If you are enrolling in school, request its current equipment list first. Confirm the theory, CAT software, realtime connection, and accessories before buying.
Your next step
Browse schools and student equipment, or tell us your program and budget so we can help you compare options.
Find a school → Student writers → Ask StenoWorks →