Have you ever come across an image with valuable text that you need but can’t copy or edit? Whether it’s a scanned document, a screenshot, or a picture of a whiteboard, extracting the text manually can be time-consuming and frustrating. Fortunately, you can extract text from images using OCR tools to convert images with text into editable formats quickly and accurately.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to use OCR tools to extract text from images step-by-step. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, OCR can save you hours of work.
✅ What is OCR (Optical Character Recognition)?
OCR is a technology that enables computers to recognize text within images or scanned documents. It can convert text from a photo, screenshot, or scan into machine-readable text that can be edited, searched, and stored. OCR has become essential for digitizing printed documents, making them more accessible for editing or processing.
✅ Why Use OCR for Extracting Text from Images?
- Time Efficiency: Manually typing out text from images is slow. OCR automates this process.
- Accuracy: OCR can extract text more accurately than manual entry, especially with clear fonts.
- Convenience: It allows you to extract text from photos, documents, or screenshots anytime.
- Searchability: Once text is extracted, you can search and organize it digitally.
✅ How to Extract Text from Images Using OCR Tools
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to extract text from images using popular OCR tools.
Step 1: Choose an OCR Tool
There are many free and paid OCR tools available online. Here are some of the best options:
- Google Docs (Free, Web-based)
- Adobe Acrobat (Paid, Desktop)
- OnlineOCR (Free & Paid, Web-based)
- Tesseract OCR (Free, Open-source)
- ABBYY FineReader (Paid, Desktop)
We’ll cover the process for Google Docs (free and easy to use) and OnlineOCR (another popular free tool) for this guide.
Step 2: Upload the Image to the OCR Tool
- For Google Docs:
- Go to Google Docs.
- Click on “Blank” to create a new document.
- From the menu, click on “File” > “Open” > “Upload”.
- Select the image you want to extract text from.
- Google Docs automatically recognizes the text within the image once it’s uploaded.
- For OnlineOCR:
- Go to OnlineOCR.
- Click “Select file” and upload your image (JPEG, PNG, or PDF format).
- Select the output format (e.g., Word, Text, or Excel).
- Click “Convert” to extract the text from the image.
Step 3: Extract Text from Image
- For Google Docs:
- After uploading, the image will appear in the document.
- Google Docs will attempt to extract the text from the image and display it below the image within the document.
- You can now edit, copy, or format the extracted text as needed.
- For OnlineOCR:
- After clicking “Convert,” the extracted text will be shown in a downloadable format (Word, Text, etc.).
- You can now download the file or copy the text to paste wherever you need it.
Step 4: Edit and Save Your Extracted Text
Once the text is extracted, ensure you check for any errors. While OCR technology is highly accurate, it may make mistakes, especially with poor image quality, handwritten text, or unusual fonts.
- Proofread the extracted text for accuracy.
- Save the text as a document (e.g., Word or PDF) or in any other format.
✅ Tips for Improving OCR Accuracy
- Use High-Quality Images: Ensure the image is clear and high-resolution. Blurry images lead to inaccurate text extraction.
- Straighten Skewed Images: Make sure the image text is horizontal. Skewed text can confuse OCR algorithms.
- Use Standard Fonts: OCR works best with common fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Helvetica.
- Increase Contrast: If the text in the image blends with the background, increase the contrast for better results.
- Handwriting Limitations: Handwritten text may not be recognized correctly. For better results, use a printed document or a more legible handwriting style.
✅ OCR Tools Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of some popular OCR tools to help you decide which one fits your needs:
| Tool | Price | Best For | Output Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Docs | Free | Beginners, Google ecosystem users | Editable Google Docs |
| Adobe Acrobat | Paid | Professional use, high-quality scans | PDF, Word, Excel |
| OnlineOCR | Free (limited), Paid (premium features) | Simple, web-based OCR for any image file | Word, Text, Excel |
| Tesseract OCR | Free (Open Source) | Developers, advanced OCR users | Text, PDF, and more |
| ABBYY FineReader | Paid | Professional use with advanced OCR features | Word, Excel, PDF |
✅ Examples of Using OCR in Real Life
Example 1: Extracting Text from a Scanned Document
You have a scanned copy of a contract or receipt but need to edit or search for specific details. Use Google Docs or OnlineOCR to extract the text and make it searchable.
Example 2: Extracting Text from an Image for Blogging
You’ve taken a screenshot of a whiteboard with valuable notes or quotes. Instead of typing everything out, use an OCR tool to quickly extract the text and include it in your blog post.
Example 3: Transcribing Text from Books or Magazines
If you’re looking to digitize a book or magazine article, OCR can help you convert physical content into digital text for easier editing, sharing, or archiving.
✅ Conclusion
OCR technology is incredibly useful for extracting text from images, making it easier to digitize printed materials and create editable text. Whether you’re a student, professional, or content creator, knowing how to use OCR tools can save you time and effort.
By following this guide, you can easily extract text from any image and make the most of OCR tools like Google Docs, OnlineOCR, and more. Whether it’s for your blog, research, or personal projects, OCR technology is an essential tool in your digital toolkit