TTRS provides an option to adjust or remove the on-screen hand guides that help beginners learn how to place their fingers correctly on the keyboard.
We typically recommend students remove the hand guides by Level 3, but you can customize your approach to fit your student's learning style.
Advantages of adjusting the hand guides
Gives learners a chance to show what they know.
Build confidence in typing without relying on visuals.
Reduces on-screen distractions for more advanced learners.
How to change the hand guides in settings
Go to the Settings page and select Typing settings.
Locate the Hand guides dropdown menu.
Choose the option that works best for you or your students:
Moving hands and letters – This is the default option showing both hands and letter keys on the keyboard.
Moving hands but no letters – Hands move on a blank keyboard.
Just a keyboard – Shows only the keyboard, no hand guides.
Blank, half – Both the hand guides and the keyboard are removed but the remaining text box stays the same size.
Blank, full – Both the hand guides and the keyboard are removed and the text box is expanded to fill more of the screen.
Additional support for beginner typists
Try turning on the "Transparent hands" option under the Appearance tab in Settings. This will make it easier to see the letter name that falls under each finger of the hand guide.
If your student is new to typing and you would like to give them more practice, in addition to the Main TTRS Course, try these two TTRS subjects: Touch-typing: Technique, Touch-typing: Best Practices. Both appear under the Typing category in the subjects tab.
