A writer selectively operable in an alpha-numric symbol printing mode and a positioning mode. The writer includes a horizontally movable type head having a plurality of corresponding alphanumeric printing symbols, operable in response to printing signals to print the symbols and horizontally movable in response to horizontal spacing function signals; and a platen rotatable in response to vertical spacing function signals. Type head drive means are provided for incrementally horizontally moving the type head in fine increments, the alpha-numeric spacing increments being an integral multiple thereof, and platen drive means are provided for incrementally rotating the platen in fine increments. In general, this is done by control means for operating the type head comprising horizontal function signal generating means for incrementally horizontally moving the type head in fine increments, and platen drive means comprising vertical function signal generating means for incrementally rotating the platen in fine increments, the function keys providing function signals being connected to the function signal generating means for generating a plurality of fine increment signals equal to an alpha-numeric increment.