Steno Pad Paper: What It Is, Uses & Free Printable
What is steno pad paper? Narrow format with center margin for shorthand. Free printable steno pad template. Download PDF.
Steno pad paper (or stenographer pad) is a narrow, ruled notepad with a vertical center line dividing the page into two columns. The steno pad format is designed for shorthand writing—court reporters and note-takers use it to capture speech quickly. The center margin keeps notes organized and easy to scan.
What is steno pad paper?
A steno pad has:
- Narrow page width—typically 6×9 inches or similar
- Horizontal ruled lines for writing
- Vertical center line dividing the page into two columns
- Spiral or top binding for flipping pages quickly
What is steno pad paper best for? Shorthand, meeting minutes, quick interviews, and any situation that needs fast capture.
Steno pad vs regular notebook
| Feature | Steno pad | Regular notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Narrow (6 in) | Full (Letter/A4) |
| Center line | Yes | Usually no |
| Binding | Spiral/top | Varies |
| Use | Shorthand, quick notes | General notes |
The pad steno format prioritizes speed and compactness over space.
How to use a steno pad
- Shorthand—write phonetically or use a system (e.g. Gregg, Pittman)
- Two-column notes—use left for cues, right for details
- Meeting minutes—one column per speaker or topic
- Quick capture—jot ideas, then transcribe later
Free printable steno pad template
- Steno pad paper—narrow format with center margin
Download the PDF and print on steno-sized paper if available, or scale to Letter/A4. Print at Actual Size / 100% so the center line aligns correctly.
Printing tip
Steno pads use a non-standard size. If your printer only handles Letter or A4, you can:
- Print two steno pages per Letter sheet and cut
- Use the printable template at 100% on the largest paper that fits