10 Best OCR Software that Allows You to Convert Picture to Text

This article will give some tips on choosing the right OCR software for you and provide a list of 10 OCR tools you can use.

10 best ocr software

Have you ever wondered how to turn printed or handwritten words into digital text? That's where OCR software comes in! It's like magic - it reads text from pictures or scans and turns it into words you can copy, edit, and search. This innovative technology revolutionizes data accessibility and usability by enabling the conversion of printed or handwritten text into machine-encoded text, streamlining information retrieval processes.

In this article, you'll learn why OCR software is super helpful. It makes papers and photos easier to work with, saving time typing stuff out. Read through to discover how this cool tech can change how you handle documents and images. Get ready to explore the top 10 best OCR software and how they bring printed words into the digital world.

In this article
  1. How We Have Chosen the Software
  2. Top 10 OCR Software
    1. Wondershare EdrawMind - Diagramming Tool With Integrated OCR Capabilities
    2. Nanonets - AI-Powered OCR Solution for Businesses
    3. Readiris - Versatile OCR Software for PDFs and Images
    4. ABBYY FineReader - Exceptional PDF and OCR Tool
    5. Kofax Omnipage - AI-Enhanced OCR for Efficient Processing
    6. Rossum - AI-Driven OCR for Intelligent Data Extraction
    7. Adobe Acrobat - Comprehensive OCR-Equipped Suite for PDFs
    8. CamScanner - Mobile OCR App With Cloud Integration
    9. DocuPhase - CFO Document Management System With OCR
    10. Amazon Textract - AWS-Powered OCR Service
  3. Conclusion

How We Have Chosen the Software

When selecting the top 10 OCR software, several crucial standards are considered to ensure their reliability and efficiency.

  • Each software is assessed in its capabilities to convert images into text without or at least minimal errors. There's never perfect software, so some mistakes may occur.
  • User-friendliness. Above all, it's important to have user-friendly software, ensuring easy operation for all users. Even if a tool is super powerful, it will be frustrating if it's hard to use.
  • Another consideration is speed. Having a tool that can do stuff reliably and quickly is essential. Time is of the essence in many industries, after all.
  • It is essential to choose software, especially if they're free. Of course, this has to be balanced with reliability. It's okay to pay a bit more than to lose reliability. However, despite being free, some apps listed in this article are sure to be reliable.

Remember, these criteria offer general guidelines. Certain software may excel in specific aspects while lacking in others. Users should consider their preferences and needs to determine which software best fits their requirements.

Some prioritize accuracy, while others value advanced features or compatibility with specific devices. Comparing these standards against personal needs can assist in selecting the most suitable OCR software.

Top 10 OCR Software

Without further ado, here's a list of the Top 10 OCR software prepared just for you.

1. Wondershare EdrawMind - Diagramming Tool With Integrated OCR Capabilities

interface of edrawmind

EdrawMind's OCR function is a powerful tool designed to convert images accurately and scanned documents into editable and searchable formats. It employs cutting-edge optical character recognition technology to simplify digitizing text from various sources, aiding in efficient data extraction and analysis. This proves EdrawMind's capabilities beyond only mind mapping and brainstorming.

Here are some of its key features related to its OCR:

  • High accuracy OCR. EdrawMind offers high-precision OCR capabilities, ensuring accurate text recognition from images and scanned documents.
  • Multi-language support. It supports multiple languages, allowing users to extract text from diverse language sources effortlessly.
  • Versatile output formats. The software enables conversion into various editable formats like Word, Excel, and searchable PDFs.
Pros
  • High accuracy in text recognition
  • Multi-language support for translation
  • Versatile export options
Cons
  • Limited advanced image editing capabilities
  • It's more of a dedicated diagramming software

🙌Learn More EdrawMind's AI OCR function to to help you extract text and business-ready insights.


2. Nanonets - AI-Powered OCR Solution for Businesses

nanonets webpage

Nanonets OCR software is an AI-powered solution tailored for businesses seeking reliable text extraction from several official documents like a Bill of Lading, Tables, and more. With machine learning algorithms at its core, Nanonets delivers precise results, boosting productivity by converting unstructured data into actionable insights.

  • Machine learning algorithms. Nanonets utilizes advanced machine learning models for improved accuracy in recognizing text elements.
  • Customizable workflows. Users can customize OCR workflows to suit specific document types or industries.
  • API integration. Seamless integration via APIs allows easy incorporation into existing business systems.
Pros
  • Advanced machine learning algorithms
  • Supports several documents like Bill of Lading, Invoice Receipts, etc.
  • Easy API integration
Cons
  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
  • Limited support for uncommon languages
  • Initial setup and configuration may be complex

3. Readiris - Versatile OCR Software for PDFs and Images

readiris webpage

Readiris OCR software is a comprehensive tool designed for individuals and businesses aiming to convert various documents, including PDFs and images, into editable and searchable formats. It boasts high accuracy and efficiency in text recognition, streamlining document management tasks. It's specially designed for Windows and MacOS. Here are some of its key features:

  • Intuitive user interface. Readiris offers a user-friendly interface, making the OCR process easy and accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Document compression. It includes features to compress documents without compromising on the quality of text recognition.
  • Integration capabilities. Seamless integration with cloud storage platforms and document management systems enhances workflow efficiency.
Pros
  • Intuitive interface
  • Efficient document compression
  • Seamless cloud storage integration
Cons
  • Occasional issues with complex document layouts
  • A steeper learning curve for its more advanced tools

4. ABBYY FineReader – Exceptional PDF and OCR Tool

abbyy finereader ocr webpage

ABBYY FineReader is a leading OCR software known for its exceptional accuracy and robust document conversion capabilities. It serves as a comprehensive solution for digitizing paper documents, PDFs, and images into editable and searchable formats. It specializes in screenshot conversion, too.

Its key features include:

  • Exceptional accuracy. ABBYY FineReader excels in precise text recognition, retaining original document formatting.
  • Document comparison. It includes tools for comparing documents, enabling users to track changes and differences effectively.
  • PDF editing tools. Advanced PDF editing features facilitate seamless modifications and annotations within converted documents.
Pros
  • High accuracy in text recognition
  • Document comparison capabilities
  • Powerful PDF editing tools
Cons
  • Higher cost compared to some competitors
  • Resource-intensive for larger document batches

5. Kofax Omnipage - AI-Enhanced OCR for Efficient Processing

kofax omnipage webpage

Kofax Omnipage is an advanced OCR software designed to streamline business document conversion processes. Focusing on accuracy and efficiency, it offers a comprehensive solution for converting paper documents, PDFs, and images into editable and searchable formats.

Some key features include:

  • Adaptive learning. Kofax Omnipage employs AI-driven adaptive learning technology to enhance accuracy in text recognition with each use.
  • Batch processing. It supports batch processing, enabling users to process multiple documents simultaneously, saving time and effort.
  • Integration with productivity tools. Seamless integration with productivity tools and cloud services enhances workflow flexibility.
Pros
  • AI-driven adaptive learning
  • Powerful batch processing feature
  • Integrates with popular tools like Microsoft, Google, etc.
Cons
  • Several OCR products can be confusing to go through
  • Resource-intensive for batch processing

6. Rossum - AI-Driven OCR for Intelligent Data Extraction

rossum webpage

Rossum is an innovative OCR software leveraging AI and machine learning to revolutionize document data extraction. It specializes in intelligent data capture, automating tedious manual data entry tasks to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Take a look at some of its key features:

  • AI-powered data extraction. Rossum's AI technology intelligently efficiently extracts data fields from diverse document types.
  • Customizable workflows. Users can design and customize data capture workflows to meet specific business needs.
  • API integration. Seamless API integration allows Rossum to integrate with existing systems for streamlined data processing.
Pros
  • AI-powered accuracy in OCR processing
  • Customizable workflows and documentation formats
  • Easy API integration
Cons
  • Limited 14-day free trial

7. Adobe Acrobat - Comprehensive OCR-Equipped Suite for PDFs

adobe acrobat webpage

Adobe Acrobat is a renowned software suite offering comprehensive tools, including OCR capabilities, to create, edit, and manage PDF documents. Its OCR functionality facilitates the conversion of scanned documents into searchable and editable text. Plus, it's integrated with many Adobe apps, ensuring smooth transitions in your workspace.

Here are its key features:

  • OCR for multiple languages. Adobe Acrobat's OCR supports various languages, enabling text extraction from diverse sources.
  • Editing and collaboration tools.It provides a wide array of editing and collaboration features for enhanced document management.
  • Cross-platform accessibility. Adobe Acrobat ensures accessibility across multiple devices and platforms for seamless usage.
Pros
  • Extensive editing and collaboration tools
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Mobile)
  • Integrated with Adobe suite
Cons
  • Subscription is required for full features
  • Steeper learning curve for new users

8. CamScanner - Mobile OCR App With Cloud Integration

camscanner webpage

CamScanner is a mobile application designed for on-the-go document scanning and OCR capabilities. It transforms mobile devices into portable scanners, allowing users to capture, convert, and share documents conveniently. It's powerful even when it's a mobile app. Here are its key features:

  • Mobile scanning capabilities. CamScanner efficiently captures documents using a smartphone camera and converts them into PDF or image formats.
  • OCR for text extraction. It offers OCR functionality to extract text from scanned documents for easy editing and sharing.
  • Cloud storage integration. Seamless integration with cloud storage platforms ensures easy access and sharing of scanned documents.
Pros
  • Easy-to-use mobile scanning
  • Portable OCR functionality for text extraction
  • Reliable even in its free version
Cons
  • Requires a subscription for a full set of features
  • Limited advanced editing features (unlike its desktop competitors)

9. DocuPhase – CFO Document Management System With OCR

docuphase webpage

DocuPhase is a comprehensive document management system equipped with OCR capabilities. It focuses on automating document processes providing tools for capturing, processing, and managing documents efficiently within organizations. It's primarily focused "for CFO stuff," so finance firms or teams will love this.

  • Document capture automation. DocuPhase automates document capture, extraction, and indexing, reducing manual data entry efforts.
  • Workflow automation. It offers customizable workflows for routing, approval, and processing of documents through various stages.
  • Integration and collaboration. Seamless integration with existing systems and collaboration tools enhances productivity and accessibility.
Pros
  • Automated document capture and indexing features
  • Customizable workflows
Cons
  • Paid by subscription model (quote assessment)

10. Amazon Textract - AWS-Powered OCR Service

textract webpage

Amazon Textract is a machine learning-based OCR service by Amazon Web Services (AWS) designed to extract text and data from scanned documents. It utilizes AI models to accurately identify and extract text, tables, and forms.

Here are some of its key features:

  • Machine learning extraction. Amazon Textract employs machine learning models to extract text and data from various document types accurately.
  • Support for multiple formats. It supports multiple document formats, simplifying text and data extraction from diverse sources.
  • API integration. Seamless integration with AWS services allows for easy incorporation into existing applications and workflows.
Pros
  • Highly accurate text and data extraction
  • Reliable integration with AWS services and API integration
Cons
  • Requires expertise in AWS for optimal setup and usage
  • Requires a sales quote to access

Conclusion

OCR software is vital for transforming printed documents or images into digital text. It saves time by eliminating manual typing to make documents searchable, editable, and accessible. Recapping the article, you learned about ten OCR tool options, each with unique features. Choosing the right one depends on your needs. EdrawMind stands out for its accuracy and flexibility.

For those considering OCR software, remember to consider what you need: accuracy, language support, or ease of use. EdrawMind could be a great fit for many due to its precise text recognition and versatility.

EdrawMind logoEdrawMind Apps
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edrawmax logoEdrawMind Online
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Sarah Jones
Sarah Jones Nov 07, 24
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