The art, skill, or manner of handwriting is called penmanship. The two main handwriting styles are print and cursive. These are separate from formal calligraphy or typeface. Because each person's handwriting is unique and evolves differently, handwriting can be used to verify a document's writer.

Although handwriting is unique to each different writer, there are three different styles that handwriting can be divided into. Children will be taught these at different stages of their primary levels of education. These include cursive, pre-cursive, and print handwriting styles.

Handwriting is a means of expressing language, just like speech, and it also leaves a lasting trace. Some call it 'Language by Hand'. It is a physical way of expressing thoughts and ideas and a means of communicating with others. Mark-making is basic to humans.