PaperSurvey offers multiple recognition modes for text fields, allowing you to balance accuracy, verification needs, and processing limits based on your specific requirements.

Text recognition modes

Full: Recognize text & flag to verify (Default)

The most comprehensive option for accurate text digitization.

How it works:

• Processes handwritten text through recognition software
• Flags majority of responses for manual verification
• Allows corrections during review

Best for:

• Critical text data requiring high accuracy
• Open-ended survey responses
• Name and address collection

Tips: Encourage respondents to WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS for better recognition accuracy.

Partial: Recognize text & skip verification

Balances automation with resource efficiency.

How it works:

• Runs handwriting recognition
• Skips manual verification step
• Provides automated results only

Best for:

• Large-scale surveys where perfect accuracy isn't critical
• Supplementary comments alongside quantitative data
• Quick preliminary analysis

Manual: Do not recognize & verify manually

Full manual control over text entry.

How it works:

• Skips automatic recognition
• Flags all fields for manual entry
• Preserves processing quota

Best for:

• Complex handwriting styles
• When you've exceeded monthly recognition limits
• Fields requiring human interpretation

None: Do not recognize & skip verification

Minimal processing for reference only.

How it works:

• No recognition performed
• No verification required
• Text visible in scanned images only

Best for:

• Optional comment fields
• When only quantitative data matters
• Archival purposes

OCR: Machine-printed text only

Specialized mode for printed text.

How it works:

• Recognizes only machine-printed characters
• Ignores handwritten content
• High accuracy for printed text

Best for:

• Pre-filled forms
• Date stamps and info-daters
• Label stickers on forms
• Barcode integration

ICR: Handwritten characters (Beta)

Character-by-character recognition technology.

How it works:

• Recognizes individual handwritten characters
• Currently in beta development
• May have limitations with certain writing styles

Best for:

• Single character fields
• Form codes
• Letter-number combinations

Number and date recognition

Number and Date question types use specialized ICR technology optimized for digits.

Key advantages:

• Much higher accuracy than general text recognition
• Doesn't count against handwriting recognition limits
• Automatic validation for dates
• Minimal verification needed

Best practices for number fields

Recommended: Fixed digit boxes

• Specify exact number of digits expected
• Provides individual boxes for each digit
• Highest recognition accuracy

Alternative: Free-form fields

• Use when digit count varies
• Ensure respondents space digits clearly
• May require more verification

Choosing the right mode

Consider these factors:

1. Data criticality - How important is 100% accuracy?
2. Volume - How many responses will you process?
3. Recognition limits - What's your monthly quota?
4. Time constraints - How quickly do you need results?
5. Response type - Handwritten, printed, or mixed?

Monthly recognition limits

• Text recognition counts against monthly limits
• Number/date recognition is unlimited
• Limits reset on your billing cycle
• Manual modes preserve quota

Choose recognition modes strategically to optimize accuracy, efficiency, and resource usage for your specific survey needs.