Steno Paper (Gregg Ruled)

Steno paper (also called stenographer's paper or Gregg-ruled paper) is a narrow-ruled paper format with a distinctive vertical center line that divides each page into two columns. The center rule allows reporters and stenographers to use both sides of the ruled area — left column first, then right — doubling the usable writing space on each page. The narrow 1/3-inch line spacing accommodates the compressed shorthand symbols used in Gregg and Pitman shorthand systems.

The center vertical rule divides the page into two writing columns. In traditional stenography, the writer fills the left column from top to bottom, then continues in the right column. This doubles the number of lines per page and allows faster page turns during high-speed dictation. Modern users sometimes use the two columns for different purposes — for example, notes on the left and review annotations on the right.

Yes. Many students and professionals use steno paper for rapid lecture notes, meeting minutes, and journalism interviews because the narrow lines encourage compressed, efficient writing. The two-column format also works well for Cornell-style notes (cues on the left, details on the right). Some people prefer steno pads simply because the vertical center line provides a visual anchor that keeps handwriting straight and organized.