Manuscript copyists are individuals who handwrite texts, often duplicating important documents, books, or manuscripts. This practice was especially common before the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. Copyists played a crucial role in preserving literature, religious texts, and historical records by creating multiple copies for distribution. These skilled artisans used various materials, such as parchment or paper, and tools like quills and ink. Their work required precision and attention to detail, as errors could lead to significant misunderstandings or loss of information. Today, the term may also refer to those who transcribe texts in modern contexts, such as academic or literary fields.