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the highest possible recognition quality is achieved;
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form processing is faster as there is usually no need to “clean” the form after scanning;
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the requirements for the location of explanatory information are less strict (information may be placed next to
fields or even in field boxes themselves.) This naturally makes additional form space available.
fields or even in field boxes themselves.) This naturally makes additional form space available.
The form type you choose not only depends on the scanner you use, but also on the way you print your forms (either
using a professional printing house or an office printer). Editing costs are also likely to vary considerably depending
on the printing method chosen.
using a professional printing house or an office printer). Editing costs are also likely to vary considerably depending
on the printing method chosen.
Volume, printing method, and form printing cost
If you intend to use your form in-house or the number of forms to be printed is not very large, you may wish to
choose to have a black&white raster form or a form with raster field borders.
A black&white raster form:
If you intend to use your form in-house or the number of forms to be printed is not very large, you may wish to
choose to have a black&white raster form or a form with raster field borders.
A black&white raster form:
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will provide you with a reasonable level of recognition quality (higher than in the case of black&white linear
forms);
forms);
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may be printed using your office printer (i.e. printing costs are low).
If a large number of forms are to be processed, both black&white raster forms and dropout forms may be used. In
this case, however, we recommend that the forms be printed professionally, thus ensuring that all the technical
requirements for form printing (see: “Print quality requirements“, page 15) are met. This is particularly important in
the case of dropout forms, as the average color printer is unable to provide the necessary color quality, resulting in
the appearance of garbage after scanning and lower recognition quality.
Keep in mind that the cost of printing a color form professionally is higher than in the case of a black&white form.
However, if the volumes are sufficient, the expenditure will prove worthwhile. This is because the quality of
recognition in the case of dropout forms is significantly higher, and hence the reason why, for example, both the
Russian State Tax Service and the Russian State Pension Fund use “orange” and “red” color background forms (see
below):
this case, however, we recommend that the forms be printed professionally, thus ensuring that all the technical
requirements for form printing (see: “Print quality requirements“, page 15) are met. This is particularly important in
the case of dropout forms, as the average color printer is unable to provide the necessary color quality, resulting in
the appearance of garbage after scanning and lower recognition quality.
Keep in mind that the cost of printing a color form professionally is higher than in the case of a black&white form.
However, if the volumes are sufficient, the expenditure will prove worthwhile. This is because the quality of
recognition in the case of dropout forms is significantly higher, and hence the reason why, for example, both the
Russian State Tax Service and the Russian State Pension Fund use “orange” and “red” color background forms (see
below):
(a) “Orange” tax return forms
(b) “Red” pension forms
Image size and average form processing speed
Keep in mind that for forms with the same number of fields
Keep in mind that for forms with the same number of fields
•
the image size in the case of a black&white form will be greater than in the case of a dropout form,
•
the average dropout form processing speed is higher in the case of a black&white form, as there is no need for
despeckling before recognition.
despeckling before recognition.
Editors for form creation
As already mentioned, not every word processor or graphics editor features an extensive range of tools for form
creation. Sometimes a black&white form will be the only type of form, which can be created, and the limitations,
which apply to its use, simply accepted.
Note. Before making a final decision regarding form type, try to take into consideration more than just the
straightforward cost or technical aspects of the form to be created. Just as important are the scale of the
projects/contracts to be undertaken, the company image, and any standard document layout style normally used by
the company.
As already mentioned, not every word processor or graphics editor features an extensive range of tools for form
creation. Sometimes a black&white form will be the only type of form, which can be created, and the limitations,
which apply to its use, simply accepted.
Note. Before making a final decision regarding form type, try to take into consideration more than just the
straightforward cost or technical aspects of the form to be created. Just as important are the scale of the
projects/contracts to be undertaken, the company image, and any standard document layout style normally used by
the company.
Table: Summary of form types - advantages and disadvantages
The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each form type:
The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each form type:
Criteria
Dropout forms
Black&white raster forms