Tianzige vs Mi-Zi-Ge: what's the difference?
Tianzige has one horizontal and one vertical centre line. Mi-Zi-Ge adds both diagonals. Beginners start with Tianzige and move to Mi-Zi-Ge once structure matters.
The structural difference
Tianzige divides the square into four equal parts and is used to place the character's centre of gravity and its left-right proportion.
Mi-Zi-Ge adds two diagonals, giving eight directional references — useful for the angle of a falling stroke and the outer silhouette.
When to switch
Grade 1, first term: Tianzige. The goal is getting the character inside the box with the centre right; diagonals only distract.
From grade 2, when radicals and stroke intent matter, switch to Mi-Zi-Ge. The template can also switch to nine-grid or framed variants.
