One API for any text. Printed or handwritten.
The Transkribus API recognises printed text, handwriting, and everything in between — in 100+ languages. But it's more than an API endpoint. Behind it sits a complete ecosystem: a visual editor for training data, no-code model training, powerful out-of-the-box models, and 300+ community models for the long tail.
EU-hosted (Austria) · GDPR-compliant · Async & long polling · Enterprise plans available
import requests
resp = requests.post(
"https://transkribus.eu/processing/v2/processes",
headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {TOKEN}"},
json={
"config": {"modelId": 38230},
"image": {
"imageUrl": "https://your-archive.org/scan-001.jpg"
}
}
)
print(resp.json()["processId"])The ecosystem
Not just an endpoint — a complete text recognition platform
Most APIs give you a black box. Transkribus gives you the tools to make the box work for your documents.
Upload
Send documents via API or web editor
Recognise
Out-of-the-box or custom models
Train
Visual editor + no-code ML training
Integrate
Async, long polling, or batch
Export & Publish
PAGE XML, ALTO, TEI, plain text — or publish directly as a searchable site
What makes this different
An API backed by a full platform — not a standalone endpoint.
Out-of-the-box models
The Super Models handle the most common scenarios without any setup. Modern print, historical print, and general handwriting across major European languages — just pick a model ID and go. For less common scripts and languages, browse 300+ community-trained models covering everything from medieval Latin to Ottoman Turkish.
# Use a Super Model for general handwriting
curl -X POST .../processes \
-d '{"config": {"modelId": 38230}, ...}'
# Use a community model for Ottoman Turkish
curl -X POST .../processes \
-d '{"config": {"modelId": 47291}, ...}'
# Use your own custom-trained model
curl -X POST .../processes \
-d '{"config": {"modelId": 98012}, ...}'OCR + HTR
Printed text, handwriting, or both on the same page
Case study
FromThePage: AI-assisted crowdsourcing via API
Try it yourself
Upload a document — printed or handwritten — and see the API response in real time.
Documentation
Everything you need to integrate the Transkribus API.
Authentication
The Transkribus API uses the OpenID Connect protocol for authentication. Obtain an access token, then include it as a Bearer token in all API requests.
OpenID Connect configuration: https://account.readcoop.eu/auth/realms/readcoop/.well-known/openid-configuration
EndpointsOpen Swagger UI →
Good to know
API credits cost 50% less than Transkribus UI credits. Pay-per-use billing is available upon request.
To use a private model, your API account must be added to the collection where the model is linked.
Accepted formats: JPEG, TIFF, PNG. Maximum file size: 20 MB per image.
Start building with the Transkribus API
Get API access with a free account. For enterprise workloads and volume pricing, talk to our team.