A method for entry and recognition of elements from a set of symbols, involving a template of line segments displayed on an electronic writing surface. A stylus is applied to the electronic writing surface so as to trace a desired symbol. A computing arrangement is used to "snap" the strokes made by the stylus onto the corresponding template line segments. Upon completion of a symbol, a code is made to represent the line segments and this code is used to reference entries in a data structure to identify the appropriate corresponding computer code. If there is no match, the code for the line segments and a corresponding set of computer codes can be added to the table. This method takes advantage of natural handwriting skills and can be used for a variety of symbol sets.