Read Me file for version 1.0.1 created by Dvorak International.
There are three keyboard layouts in the DI Dvorak layouts file.
1) DI Dvorak
This is the ANSI Standard Dvorak layout. It was designed for those who have the use of both hands, and is therefore often known as simply “the Dvorak layout”—even though there are three distinct Dvorak layouts. (See diagrams at the end of this file.)
2) DI Dvorak Left Hand
This layout is designed for those who have the use of their left hand only. It is a variation of the layout created by August Dvorak in the 1940’s. The changes from the original are minor, and reflect the fact that at the time the left hand layout was designed, typewriters (the machines of the day) did not have ten-key pads. The location of the ten-key pads on today’s computers create a long reach for left handed typists. Therefore, the modern Dvorak one hand layouts (both left and right) have the equivalent of a ten-key pad on the left side of the keyboard. (These are “telephone” ten-key arrangements, with the numbers starting at the upper left.) To achieve this with the left hand layout, the brackets [], semicolon ;, hyphen -, and equals = were shuffled around. Then the numbers were arranged in the telephone ten-key arrangement. The numbers were shifted from the right hand side of the keyboard to the left. All letters remain in their original locations relative to each other. (See diagrams at the end of this file.)
3) DI Dvorak Right Hand
This layout is designed for those who have the use of their right hand only. Again, it is a variation of the layout created by August Dvorak in the 1940’s, for the same reasons stated above. To achieve this with the right hand layout, the Q and Z keys were relocated. Then the numbers were placed in the telephone ten-key arrangement, remaining on the left side of the keyboard. All other keys remain in their original locations. (See diagrams at the end of this file.)
All layouts are “pure” Dvorak, in that when you wish to print using command-P, you actually press the P at its Dvorak location, rather than remembering the old QWERTY location for P. Likewise with all other command, option, and command-option combinations.
Why Dvorak?
Keep typing in QWERTY if you want to, but consider this—the letter arrangement of QWERTY was designed to help prevent the typewriters of the 1800’s from jamming. This is why the QWERTY layout makes typing as difficult as possible—that was its goal all along. The difference between typing with the worst possible layout and the best is incredible, and helps to explain why those who have tried Dvorak never want to go back.
Naturally, the difference for a one-handed typist is even more astounding, when using the Dvorak layouts designed for single hand use.
Installation and Use
Pick the layout or layouts you want to add to your computer and drag them over your closed System folder. The Mac will install them in the system file from there. To change layouts, open the Keyboard Control Panel. You will see a list of all available keyboard layouts. Point and click once on the one you want. It will then be highlighted in black. That’s it.
Dvorak International
Dvorak International is a nonprofit, international organization that exists to promote the Dvorak keyboard layouts. If you would like to know more about us and what we do, or you would like more information about the Dvorak keyboard layouts, you can contact us at:
Dvorak International
PO Box 44
Poultney VT 05764-0044
Phone: (802) 287-2343
e-mail: DvorakInt@aol.com
The DI Dvorak layouts are simply KCHR resources created with ResEdit. They are System 7 compatible and should create no problems or conflicts with any software. Version 1.0.1 fixes a few bugs present in version 1.0 These layouts are FREE. Copy, distribute, and post them to you hearts content. We do ask that all three layouts and this Read Me file be distributed together. Also, these layouts may not be sold, except that a reasonable distribution fee may be requested when necessary. Enjoy.
Steve Ingram
President
Dvorak International
July 1995
DI Dvorak layout
DI Dvorak Left Hand layout
DI Dvorak Right Hand layout
Thanks go out to Linda Lewis, Quinn the Eskimo, John Rethorst and David Pogue for making this project a pleasure instead of the headache it otherwise would have been.