A method and system for automated identification of pre-printed forms (45), based on the location of a mark (230) made manually on the form (45). The method comprises the steps of receiving digitized ink image data (412), identifying the existence and location of a mark (230) and determining any misalignment between the received ink data and a stored image of the form, and shifting the ink data to correct the misalignment. The system comprises a digitizer (35) and a pre-printed form (45) comprising one or more pre-printed indicators unique to the form indicating where a user is to enter one or more identifying marks (221, 230). The digitizer (35) transmits image data to a computer processor (25), coupled to a database, including one or more digitized images of marks made on a form. The processor (25) identifies the existence and location of one or more identifying marks made by the user, and identifies the form based on the location of said one or more marks. |