Handwriting OCR
Upload a photo or scan of handwriting and get clean, typed text back.
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Upgrade to Pro — $19/moYour Handwriting OCR results will appear here
You'll get clean markdown with tables, equations, and headings preserved — ready to paste or edit.
How to Use Handwriting OCR
- Upload a photo, scan, or PDF of the handwritten page.
- Wait a few seconds while the OCR engine reads the handwriting.
- Review the transcribed text against the original.
- Copy or download the clean typed text.
Use Cases
Digitize handwritten lecture or meeting notes into searchable text
Transcribe old family letters or historical archive documents
Capture brainstorm and planning content from a whiteboard photo
Convert handwritten journals or recipe cards into editable files
Extract text from filled-in handwritten forms for record-keeping
Tips for Best Results
- Use bright, even lighting and shoot straight-on to avoid shadows and skew.
- Scan at 300 DPI or higher for dense or faint handwriting.
- Crop out backgrounds so only the handwritten area is in frame.
- For long documents, split into clear single-page images for best accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Handwriting OCR do?
It extracts typed, editable text from images or PDFs of handwriting — cursive, print, mixed notes, letters, whiteboards, and historical documents — using a Mistral OCR engine tuned for handwritten script.
What file types and sizes can I upload?
Upload JPG, PNG, or PDF scans and photos of handwritten pages. Keep files reasonably sized (around 10 MB); a clear, well-lit photo or 300 DPI scan gives the best results.
How accurate is it on messy handwriting?
Neat print and clear cursive transcribe very well. Heavily stylized, faint, or overlapping handwriting may produce occasional errors, so review the output against the original for important documents.
Does it work on old or historical documents?
Yes. It handles aged letters and archival pages, though faded ink, ornate period scripts, and heavy bleed-through can reduce accuracy. A high-resolution scan helps considerably.
Can I use the extracted text commercially?
Yes. The transcribed text is yours to use in your work, research, or business. The free tier allows 5 uses per day with no signup; Pro is $19/month for higher limits.
What happens to my uploaded documents?
Your file is processed to produce the transcription and then discarded — uploads are not stored long-term or used to train models.
Can it read a whiteboard photo?
Yes. Snap a straight-on, glare-free photo of the whiteboard and it will transcribe the handwriting. Avoid steep angles and reflections for the cleanest read.
We don't store your text. Processing happens in real-time and your input is discarded immediately after generating the result.
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Free users: 5 uses per day | Pro users: Unlimited
