Dvorak keyboard training

This is a free online typing course, that enables you to learn the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout rather quickly. There are five lessons, each of which most people can complete within two hours. After these lessons, you will be able to touch type the entire alphabet.

  ~  !  @  #  $  %  ^  &  *  (  )  {  }  ____
  `  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  0  [  ]   BS 
 ___  "  <  >                       ?  +  |  
 Tab  '  ,  .  P  Y  F  G  C  R  L  /  =  \  
 ____                                _  _____
 Caps  A  O  E  U  I  D  H  T  N  S  -  Enter
 _____  :                             _______
 Shift  ;  Q  J  K  X  B  M  W  V  Z   Shift 

Q & A

How does this tutor program work?

Put your fingers on the 8 base positions "AOEU HTNS" ("ASDF JKL;" on a QWERTY keyboard) and type the highlighted word. Press the spacebar after each word. Good luck!

Do you sell Dvorak keyboard stickers/labels?

Yes. With these, you can change any keyboard to the Dvorak layout in 10 minutes. The stickers will stay on for years on end (if you cleaned your keyboard before applying the labels). The following colors are available: white on black, black on white, yellow on transparent, red on transparent, orange on transparent, blue on transparent. Send an e-mail to aoeu@aoe.nl if you want to order. They're € 5 per sheet; shipping fees vary.

Verkoop je ook Dvorak-toetsenbordstickertjes?

Jazeker! Voor € 5 per velletje, inclusief verzendkosten binnen Nederland, stuur ik ze graag op. E-mail om te bestellen; geef aan welke kleur je wilt: wit op zwart, zwart op wit, geel op transparant, rood op transparant, oranje op transparant, of blauw op transparant. Met de transparante stickers blijven de bestaande letters op je toetsenbord zichtbaar.

Is modifying your keyboard the best way to learn a new layout?

Not really. The best way to learn a new layout is to use blank keys. If you want blanking stickers for your keyboard and don't mind spending € 5 plus shipping, just e-mail me. They're black, by the way.

What if I don't want to relabel my keyboard?

Just keep using your QWERTY labels then. It can be a bit confusing, but it's still a good way to learn Dvorak, because it encourages you not to look at the keys.

So labeling your keyboard with a Dvorak layout is a bad idea?

Yes, while you're still learning the layout it's better if your keyboard doesn't try to help you. To see the letters, you need to remove your hands, and that movement screws up the training scheme. When you've mastered the alphabet, though, proper key labels can help you to locate those nasty seldom used symbols. Besides that, it'll look really cool and be a great conversation starter.