What is Shorthand Typing and Why is it Still Relevant?

What Shorthand Actually Is

Shorthand is a method of writing that uses abbreviated symbols, phonetic encoding, or chord combinations to record speech faster than standard writing. The core advantage: instead of writing one letter at a time, shorthand encodes syllables, common words, or phonetic sounds as single marks or key combinations.

There are two main types: pencil shorthand (writing-based systems like Pitman and Gregg) and machine shorthand (stenography, using a specialized steno machine). Pencil shorthand is largely obsolete for professional use. Machine stenography is very much alive in court reporting, captioning, and real-time transcription.

How Machine Stenography Works

A steno machine has 22 keys laid out in a phonetic arrangement. Rather than pressing one key at a time, a stenographer presses multiple keys simultaneously — called a chord. Each chord represents a sound or a complete word. Common words like "the", "of", and "and" are single chords. Common phrases can be single chords too.

The result: a skilled court reporter can type at 225–300 WPM — fast enough to keep up with normal speech. The United States requires court reporters to sustain at least 225 strokes per minute at 95% accuracy. The top professionals achieve 280+ WPM.

Is Steno Worth Learning in 2026?

For most knowledge workers, the answer is no. The learning time is 1–3 years of intensive daily practice, and the skill is highly specialized. You can't easily use steno in a general office environment — it requires a steno machine or a steno-enabled keyboard layout. Most office communication doesn't require the 200 WPM that steno enables.

For court reporters, captioners, and medical transcriptionists who need to keep up with live speech, steno is essential and the career investment makes sense. For developers, writers, and general office workers, getting to 80–100 WPM on a standard keyboard is a far better return on practice time.

Plover: Open-Source Steno for Curious People

If you're curious about stenography without committing to a full career pivot, Plover is a free, open-source steno software that lets you practice steno on a regular keyboard (most keyboard layouts don't support N-key rollover well, but it's a functional starting point). You can get a sense of how the chord system works without buying a steno machine.

For building your standard keyboard speed as far as it can go, read the step-by-step WPM increase plan. For context on where 80–100 WPM sits in the professional landscape, see what WPM employers require.