Abstract: The present invention features a system for recognizing a string of handwritten characters automatically using a graphic input. This invention is expected to have several applications, such as affecting postal ZIP codes and the dollar amount location on bank checks. For postal applications, the device includes an identification strip for identifying the sender, a receiver, a source or a destination of material such as packages or mail. The identification strip can be part of a postage stamp, label, envelope, etc., and has a reserved region with a plurality of entry guide outlines, each designating one alphanumeric character or digit of a ZIP code. Disposed on each entry guide outline surface is a pattern that is not machine-readable. The pattern includes line segments upon which a letter, number or symbol may be inscribed. The line segment in each entry guide outline acts as a trace-over guide for the inscriber, wherein the letter, number or symbol inscribed conforms to a machine-readable character.