2026-04-20

Tian Zi Ge vs Mi Zi Ge: Which Chinese Practice Grid?

Tian zi ge, mi zi ge, and empty boxes differ in the reference lines inside each square. The guides supply positions to compare; they do not supply model characters, stroke order, or correct handwriting automatically. Start with the format required by your teacher or copybook, if one is specified.

What the three grids provide

• Tian zi ge has a horizontal and vertical center line, dividing a square into four parts. Use them to compare overall placement and space around components.
• Mi zi ge adds two diagonals for additional position references. They are not paths that every slanted stroke must trace. Compare the start, finish, curve, and angle with your chosen model character.
• Empty boxes keep only the outline. They remove internal guides for less structured copying practice. They are not a standardized exam form; use the supplied form for formal assignments or exams.

A grid does not need to be assigned by age, and there is no required tian-to-mi-to-empty progression. If added guides make comparison harder, return to a simpler or more familiar layout.

Compare two sheets with the same settings

1. Open the Chinese writing paper generator. Select portrait A4, 10mm margins on every side, 20mm cells, and 8 cells per row. Start with tian zi ge.
2. Download the PDF, switch only the style to mi zi ge, and download another. Keep size and line color unchanged to isolate the difference in guides.
3. Print one of each at Actual size. Copy the same few characters from the same model. Compare overall placement, space between components, and stroke start and finish positions, rather than judging speed alone.
4. Switch to empty boxes if you want to try the same task with fewer guides. This tool does not insert model characters or stroke-order instructions; provide your own model separately.

20mm is a starting point, not an age standard. Try 25mm for more room or 15mm when smaller cells still allow clear writing. Follow a class worksheet when required. For Taiwan standard character forms and stroke order, the Ministry of Education learning site is a separate reference; conventions can differ by region.

Why fewer columns appear than requested

The rendered count is limited by cell width and usable paper width. Portrait A4 with 10mm left and right margins leaves 190mm. At 20mm per cell, at most 9 columns fit. Requesting 12 still produces 9; it does not shrink the cells. Try smaller cells or landscape paper if you need more columns, then check the preview and printable area again.

Check a test print

Measure a cell. If it is the wrong size, follow the Actual size checklist. For faint guides, first darken the line color, consider a heavier line, and check ink-saving mode, changing one item at a time. Check background printing separately if you need a page background color.

For mathematical grids use graph paper; for English letter placement use four-line paper. These are layout tools, not handwriting instruction.

Related tool:Open Chinese writing paper →