Abstract: An adapter permits replaceable inked ribbons to be used in a typewriter that is constructed to receive ribbon cartridges. Such a typewriter has means to removably retain a cartridge in place, and the adapter has a base plate that is engaged by said means. A transparent cover member which is spaced above the baseplate is hinged close to the plane of the baseplate so it swings forwardly as it is opened. A manually rotatable ribbon advance knob is rotatably mounted in the cover member and drivingly engages a ribbon take-up spool, preferably through a one-way clutch that prevents reverse rotation of the spool. For those typewriters which have a vertically movable control member to adjust the ribbon advance for total release ribbon or plastic matrix ribbon, the base plate carries a manually pivotable control member actuator.