10 Easiest Ways to Convert Image to Text in 2024
Turning images or scanned documents, both will need huge effort. Doing it manually seems like a daunting task. However, we convey humble thanks to the fully-efficient technology named as OCR (OPtical Character Recognition), which is capable of extracting and converting text embedded within images and stored into editable digital text format. In this informational guide, we shortlisted ten of the easiest ways for converting image to text - they patently range from online tools to mobile apps as well as desktop software.
1. Online OCR Tools
Online OCR tools are referred to as one of the most useful and simplest ways for text-based extraction from images, screenshots, photos, scanned documents, and handwritten context. The best online converters include: imgtotext, cardscanner, nanonets, and more, they even require any installation on your device. All you need to do is upload your existing image file, and let one of these image-to-text converter tools extract the text for you.
How It Works: You just have to upload an image in formats such as JPG, PNG, JPEG, HEIC or BMP. And, let the image text extractor processes the image, recognizes the stored text, and entertains you with an editable and downloadable text file, even providing you with a simple copy-paste text output.
Pros:
No software or plug-in installation required
Multi-lingual support
Access anywhere and anytime, all you need a stable internet connection
Cons:
There are only few tools that restrict conversion with file size limitation or even for number of files conversions for free
2. Mobile OCR Apps
People who seeking a one-go solution, mobile OCR apps are the utilities that entertain them conveniently for converting images to text directly using their smartphone or tablet. You can find that these apps for OCR available for both iOS and Android platforms and even most often packed with additional features such as text sharing and editing.
How It Works: You just have to make a click of the photo using the app, or also directly upload an existing image using your device. Then, let the app process the uploaded image and extract the text.
Pros:
Handy way for mobile users
Easy to process
Few apps lets you process offline
Cons:
Not provides accurate results as compared to online tools
Free version comes with limited functionality
3. Desktop OCR Software
It is one of the best options for users needing to make frequent image to text conversions, especially if they are going to work with large volumes of files. You can find that these programs come with high accuracy and even help to manage complex layouts.
How It Works: You just have to make installation of this software on your device, then simply upload your files to start processing. The software most typically comes with some additional features including text editing, batch processing of files, and even the formatting retention.
Pros:
Provides outcomes with accuracy
Enables deal in batches as well as with large file sizes
Allow offline processing
Cons:
Resource-intensive and requires installation
Typically requires a cost
4. Google Drive
Google Drive offers a built-in OCR feature that works perfectly to export text embedded within images into editable copy. This is a perfect tool for those who are already using Google’s suite of applications, as it integrates effortlessly with Google Docs.
How It Works: You just need to upload your image or PDF to Google Drive, right click on the uploaded file, and choose the option named as “Open with Google Docs”. You will see that Google Docs will automatically make text extraction and store all data in a new document.
Free and easy to use
Integrates with other Google services
Cloud-based, so accessible from anywhere
Cons:
Google account required to process
There’s a limited formatting options available for the converted text
5. Microsoft OneNote
MS OneNote is indicated as another handy utility that provides you with OCR capabilities. If you people are using OneNote for note-taking, this handy method swiftly integrates into your workflow.
How It Works: You simply have to insert an image into a OneNote notebook, make a right-click on the image, and choose the “Copy Text from Picture.” Then, the text is copied to your clipboard, paste it to your desired location.
Pros:
Offers integration for the MS Office suite
Entertains you with the integration for the MS Office suite
Easy to process
Cons:
MS Office required or a subscription account required
OCR accuracy may comes with variations
6. Adobe Acrobat
This utility provides you with a professional OCR feature that is capable of turning scanned documents as well as images into actionable text.
How It Works: Simply open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, navigate to the “Tools” option, and the make the selection for the “Enhance Scans”. This source will start text recognition embedded within your image or PDF, and then enable editing directly.
Pros:
OCR-Precision
Keep the formatting original
Integration for the other Adobe tools
Cons:
Comes with subscription for Adobe Acrobat
Not a perfect utility for the images that are outside of PDFs
7. ABBYY FineReader
Indicated as a professional-grade OCR program that is mainly known due to its high precision and even the ability for retaining the original layout & formatting.
How It Works: First you have to install this program, then upload (import) your images or PDFs. Once done, it processes them, transforming the text into editable file formats such as WOrd, Excel, or plain text.
Pros:
Entertains you with superior results
Preseverse layout
Multi-lingual support
Handle complex documents
Cons:
Expensive source as compared to its counterparts
Requires installation
8. Tesseract OCR
This is an open-source program that works as an innovative OCR engine. The upside is that it is highly customizable and can be readily integrated into various applications. While technical how-know required to make text based extraction.
How It Works: You can use this source from the command line or simply integrate it into your applications. It swiftly processes your images and offers the recognized text.
Pros:
Open-source utility and fully free
Customization option available
Supports a wide array of languages
Cons:
Technical skill required to set-up and navigation
Lacks of ease of use interface
9. OCR in Photoshop
Although Adobe Photoshop is mainly best for graphic designers and photographers, still its built-in features combined with plug-ins or scripts to process the OCR conversions.
How It Works: Open your image into photoshop and navigate further with the “Text Recognition” plugin or script for extracting the text. Keep in mind that this method requires some manual intervention.
Pros:
Provides integration with powerful image editing tool
Enable image adjustments prior to OCR
Suitable choice for complex image formats
Cons:
Adobe Photoshop required to proceed
More time-consuming as compared to dedicated OCR tools
10. Free OCR to Word Software
There are innumerable free software available that dedicatedly works to change images to editable documents while preserving the original formatting.
How It Works: You people just need to download and install the desired software, add your image, and simply choose an option to convert it directly to a word document. Then, let the selected software process the image and open the embedded text in Word.
Pros:
Free to navigate and layout retention
Easy to process
Cons:
Limited features as compared to other paid options
May not capable to manage complex documents
Conclusion
Proceeding with the best method for converting image to text actually based on users specific needs that includes that volume of the files, the text complexity, and whether it is feasible to proceed with online image to text converter or OCR software. When it comes to occasional conversions, online OCR tools and mobile applications entertain you with easy and instant solutions. While for professional dealing, investing in desktop-based solutions is depicted as the best choice. Well, with the above ways, you can swiftly turn your images into quality text, they will saves you time and even improve productivity.