or more of the sources can include computer generated samples the hpc snippet database 30 works in conjunction with field dictionaries 31 and or alternatively with subfield dictionaries which can be ascii files this dictionary 31 contains a table of valid entries for any given field on the blank form 20 when there is a complex linkage between fields in a form such as between the preparer 39 s gender and first name the dictionary can be subdivided into subfield directories this method creates the test deck used to qualify and test handprint recognition systems by preparing a handprint snippet database containing labeled handprint image snippets preparing a form description file and page description file to describe a form preparing a variable data database that describes the desired content of the simulated respondent entries using the handprint character snippets populating the form using the variable data database in conjunction with the form description file the page description file and the handprint snippet database and printing the completed form the test deck system uses a u201c hand u201d 32 defined as an u201c adequate u201d supply of characters or symbols preferably from the hpc snippets database 30 to create the set of handprint field snippets 33 which satisfy the field data requirements for the vddb file 26 the process is controlled by the variable data snippet maker vdsm software 34 the hand 32 can be a homogeneous hand which is a hand in which all.