Handwriting Digitization
From illegible manuscripts to searchable text. For researchers, genealogists and anyone who wants to make old documents accessible.
Why digitize handwriting?
Handwritten documents often contain irreplaceable information: family history, historical events, personal stories. But they are fragile, difficult to read and impossible to search. Digitization solves all these problems.
With modern HTR technology (Handwritten Text Recognition), we can automatically convert handwriting into digital text. You can then search by name, date and keyword. You can copy, share and safely store the text.
Whether you are a genealogist tracing ancestors, a researcher analyzing sources, or someone who wants to preserve grandfather’s wartime letters – we help you go from illegible to searchable. Learn more about our document processing approach.
How does handwriting digitization work?
From paper to searchable text in five steps
Scanning
You supply scans or photos. Minimum 300 dpi for optimal recognition. We are happy to advise.
Pre-processing
We improve image quality: contrast, skew correction, stains. This increases accuracy.
AI recognition
Our HTR software reads the text. For unique handwriting we first train a dedicated model.
Quality check
Optional: human verification of uncertain passages. Confidence scores indicate where review is needed.
Delivery
You receive the text in your desired format: searchable PDF, Word, Excel, or ALTO XML for archives.
What makes EasyData different?
25+ years of experience in European document processing
Personal approach
No one-size-fits-all. We look at your documents and advise the best approach.
Custom AI training
For difficult handwriting we train a model specifically on your collection.
Transparent quality
You receive a quality report with Character Error Rate and sample check.
Secure & private
Processing in Europe, TLS encryption, GDPR compliant. Your data stays yours.
All formats
Searchable PDF, Word, Excel, ALTO XML, TEI – whatever you need.
All languages
English, Dutch, German, French, Latin, Gothic script – 40+ languages supported.
Human-in-the-loop
Optional: human verification for passages where the AI is uncertain.
Scalable
From 50 letters to 50,000 deeds. Flexible capacity, volume discounts.
Who is handwriting digitization for?
From family research to academic projects
Researchers
Speed up source research with searchable transcriptions.
Genealogists
Find ancestors in baptism, marriage and burial registers.
Archives
Open up collections to a wider audience.
Families
Preserve letters, diaries and documents from ancestors.
Libraries
Make manuscripts and special collections digitally accessible.
Universities
Support research projects involving historical sources.
Religious Organizations
Digitize historical registers and minutes.
Notary Offices
Make old deeds searchable for legal research.
Options and pricing
Choose the approach that suits you
🔬 Do it yourself
- Software available
- Community models
- Work at your own pace
- Learning curve required
- Suitable for small projects
🤝 EasyData Pilot
- Feasibility test
- Custom model training
- Quality report (CER)
- Personal guidance
- No obligations
🚀 EasyData Bulk
- Price per page
- Volume discount
- Optional verification
- System integration possible
- Project management included
Tips for good scans
Resolution: Minimum 300 dpi, for fine handwriting 400 dpi. Higher resolution = better recognition.
Lighting: Even light, no shadows or reflections. Daylight or two lamps on either side works well.
Alignment: Document straight and fully in frame. Margins do not need to be cropped.
Color vs. black and white: Color usually gives better results, especially for faded ink or stains.
Format: TIFF or PNG for the highest quality, JPEG (quality 90+) is also fine.
Not sure? Send a few examples and we will advise you via our contact form.
Frequently asked questions
Handwriting digitization takes place in three main steps: first documents are scanned or photographed (minimum 300 dpi), then AI software (HTR) recognizes the handwritten text, and finally the text is checked and exported to a searchable format such as PDF, Word or XML.
Yes, with free tools like Transkribus you can get started yourself. You will need to learn the software and may need to train a model yourself. For larger projects or difficult handwriting, EasyData offers a managed service where we take care of the entire process, from scan to searchable archive.
Costs depend on volume and complexity. A pilot project starts from EUR 1,500 for 100-500 pages including model training and quality report. Volume discounts apply for larger quantities and we charge per page. Contact us for a custom quote.
Virtually all handwritten documents: old letters, diaries, notarial deeds, church registers (baptism, marriage, burial), family documents, manuscripts, land registry records, minutes, recipe books and more. Documents in other languages and historical scripts are also possible.
For clearly legible documents we achieve 95-97% character accuracy (3-5% Character Error Rate). For more difficult handwriting or damaged documents this may be lower. We always provide an honest estimate upfront based on sample pages.
We deliver in various formats: searchable PDF (text behind the image), plain text (.txt), Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx for tables), XML (ALTO, TEI, PAGE) or JSON. You can also receive the original scan with a text overlay.
A pilot of 100-500 pages typically takes 2-4 weeks, including model training and quality control. Larger projects are planned in phases. The exact timeline depends on complexity. We always provide a realistic schedule upfront.
Ready to digitize your handwritten documents?
Send us a few sample pages and receive advice on approach, feasibility and costs.
📜 What you can expect from us
No-obligation consultation – We review your samples and give honest advice on feasibility.
Pilot from 100 pages – Test with your own documents. Quality report with CER included.
European GDPR compliance – Processing on servers in European data centers. Data processing agreement included as standard.
Response within 48 hours – Personal contact, no chatbots. 25+ years of expertise.
