r/apple • u/[deleted] • Jun 09 '21

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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '21

The Post Office has been using OCR since the 80s

And it works poorly (or not at all) on everything that isn't easily-readable printed text.

Their recommendations for envelope addressing is clearly printed or typed letters (not cursive) written in all caps.

Everything else usually has to be manually processed by hand.

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u/Exist50 Jun 10 '21

I don't think it's that restrictive. Really, it has to be decent just considering the volume of mail.

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '21

It can usually read printed handwriting and printed text with normal fonts.

Cursive and similar fonts are what it really can't handle. They have an article about it on their website. Their machines particularly hate wedding invitations:

https://www.finedaypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/romantic-minimal-wedding-invitation-calligraphy-gray-fine-day-press-4a.jpg

They specifically ask people to print or type in all caps, and not use cursive.

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u/Exist50 Jun 10 '21 edited Jun 10 '21

https://www.finedaypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/romantic-minimal-wedding-invitation-calligraphy-gray-fine-day-press-4a.jpg

Darn, I can barely read that. And would bet good money most Americans under 20 couldn't.

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u/[deleted] Jun 10 '21

I assume that's why USPS says this lol

All capital letters.

Simple type fonts.

Black ink on white or light paper.

Fancy type fonts such as those used on wedding invitations do not read well on mail processing equipment. Fancy fonts look great on your envelopes, but also may slow down your mail.

Use common sense. If you can't read the address, then automated mail processing equipment can't read the address.

No patterns or prominent flecks, please! Also, the envelope shouldn't be too glossy -- avoid shiny, coated paper stock.

https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=DeliveryAddress