Writing on Chol Hamoed:

Introduction: It is forbidden to write [or draw pictures or designs] on Chol Hamoed. However, the Poskim differentiate regarding the type of script that is forbidden to be written, its purposes that it may be written for, and the form of writing it.

Professional script: It is forbidden to write on Chol Hamoed in a professional  script [Maaseh Uman], such as the scribal letters of the Torah, unless it is needed for the sake of the festival and is a need of the public, or is a Davar Haved  [a matter that will incur loss].

Regular script: Some Poskim rule that it is only forbidden to write in a professional script, known as Maaseh Uman, which is the scribal lettering used for writing a Sefer Torah, Mezuzah and Tefillin [i.e. Ksav Ashuris]. It is however, permitted to write in a commonly known script [i.e. Maaseh Hedyot] on Chol Hamoed [so long as it has a need for the Moed]. However, other Poskim imply that even amateur writing is forbidden to be done during the Moed, as all script was considered by the Sages to be professional. Practically, we rule like the former opinion that it is permitted to write regular script [Maaseh Hedyot] on Chol Hamoed so long as it has a need for the Moed.

Writing with a slant/Shinuiy: From the letter of the law, this script may be written even without an irregularity/Shinuiy, however, the widespread custom is to write it with a Shinuiy, such as to make the first line slanted. However, it is permitted to write in regular script even without a Shinuiy in a case that involves loss. Likewise, it is permitted to write regular script for the need of the public even if it does not have a need for the Moed, and even without a Shinuiy. In all cases it is forbidden to write even regular script if it does not have a need for the Moed, [and is not a case of loss, or a public need, or the need of a Mitzvah].

Definition of professional script versus regular script: Professional script is defined as the Hebrew scribal font written in a Torah scroll and other parchment. Rashi font script of the Hebrew letters is customarily viewed as regular script [Maaseh Hedyot]. The script of all other languages is viewed as Maaseh Hedyot. Nevertheless, it is proper not to write any of the above fonts in a careful and meticulous manner, hence beautifying the letters, as doing so can perhaps consider it Maaseh Uman.

Is the writing of numbers considered Maaseh Uman or Maaseh Hedyot? It is a considered Maaseh Hedyot.

Is the drawing of pictures considered Maaseh Uman or Maaseh Hedyot? It is permitted for children or adults to draw amateur pictures, drawings, and paintings on Chol Hamoed as a fun activity for recreational and entertainment purposes. However, a professional picture or painting may not be done.

Divrei Torah: If one heard a [Torah] novelty, it is permitted to write it down in order so he does not forget it. [The same applies if one came up on his own with a Torah novelty, that it is permitted to write it on Chol Hamoed in order so he does not forget the subject.]

It is permitted to even initially study Torah during the Moed with intent of novelizing Torah thoughts and then writing it down. There were Gedolei Yisrael who continued writing their Torah novelties on Chol Hamoed.  The Torah novelties are to be written in regular script “Meshita” and not in boxed script used for Stam.

Copying a Sefer: If one happened upon a new Sefer during the Moed, it is permitted to write a copy of it [in order so he does not forget the information ] if he will be unable to do so after the Moed. [It goes without saying that one may photo copy it by machine.]

Accounting: It is permitted to write an accounting form that describes one’s financial situation, income and expenditure.

Kesuba: It is permitted to write a Kesuba on Chol Hamoed, however there are opinions that are stringent. Practically one is to write it in regular script.

Letter to friend: It is permitted to write a friendly letter to an acquaintance on Chol Hamoed. Nevertheless, one is to write the first line slightly slanted.

May one write a loan document on Chol Hamoed? If one is unable to borrow the money after the Holiday, and is unable to borrow without writing a loan document, then it is permitted for him to do so even if he does not need the money for use during the Holiday.

May one type on a computer during Chol Hamoed? Some Poskim rule it is permitted to do so without restriction. Others however rule it may only be done for Holiday needs. Others rule it is completely forbidden with exception to those cases of which even skilled work [Maaseh Uman] is permitted. According to all one should not perform a very long and strenuous job of typing.

Is it permitted to take pictures? It is forbidden to take film pictures at random during Chol Hamoed. However, a rare shot that one will not be able to take after the Moed, like by a family gathering, etc may be taken. However, there are opinions which allow it without limitations. 

Digital camera? Digital cameras are allowed to be used without restriction on Chol Hamoed.

Is it permitted to do video Skype during Chol Hamoed? Yes.

Is it permitted to sign with a stamp on Chol Hamoed? Some opinions rule that this is forbidden [Maaseh Uman]. Others hold that it is permitted [Masseh Hedyot]. Seemingly when done for a Chol Hamoed need one may be lenient.

May one sign a check on Chol Hamoed? If the matter is needed for the sake of the Moed, then it is permitted.

May one write a shopping list on Chol Hamoed? Yes.

May children draw pictures and write on Chol Hamoed? Yes.

May children do arts and crafts, such as cut, band, glue things on Chol Hamoed? Yes.

May one print papers on Chol Hamoed? No.

May one print flyers of Simchas Beis Hashoeiva that are needed for the Moed? Yes.

May one print flyers of a Levaya that is taking place during the Moed? Yes.

May one print invitations or words of Torah that are needed for the Moed? Yes.

May one print Sefarim on Chol Hamoed? No.

May one use cake and cookie molds to make pictures and designs on bakery goods? Some Poskim rule it is forbidden to do so. However, from other Poskim it is evident that it is permitted.