How to Extract Text from Images and Scanned Documents Online

We need to deal with lots of images daily, and some of them include important information in the form of text. Extracting that text is a very difficult task because you have to write word by word by hand. Instead, you can use an image to text converter to extract all the text into an editable form. So, let’s read this blog and explore how you can extract the text from an image and a scanned document online.

The Three-Phase Map:

We have divided the process into three phases, which are as follows:

• Prepare: make your file easy to read.
• Convert: run the image through an online tool.
• Review: check and fix the text.

Just focus on the steps in the phase you’re on. This makes the whole process faster.

Phase 1: Prepare (3 quick checks)

• Clear images:

The image you’re going to upload must be clear, and the text on it must be easy to read. In case of clicking the photo, there must be enough light in the room so the camera can capture more details. This way, the output text comes out more accurately.

• Higher resolution helps:

If you want the text for printing purposes, then use the higher-resolution image. For phone photos, you need to make sure the text must be easy to read and recognizable. 

• One language at a time:

If an image contains mixed languages, it’s best to separate the different language parts into different files when possible. This way, you can easily process one language at a time without confusing the converter.

Phase 2: Convert (step-by-step guide)

Your next phase is the conversion phase. So, follow these steps to perform the conversion:

• Open the image to text conversion tool:

We have a dedicated tool to extract text from image. So, you can open our image to text converter for quick and accurate conversion.

• Upload the photo:

Once you have opened the converter, upload the image from which you want to extract the text by pressing the “Choose File” button.

• Start the conversion:

Click on the “Convert” button to initiate the text extraction process.

• Download the text:

After conversion, the text will appear in front of your screen. You can now copy, download, or export the text into your device.

Phase 3: Review (simple review steps)

No doubt our converter gives accurate results. But sometimes OCR might not process accurately blurred text or low-quality image input. To overcome this, you can follow these steps:

• Spell-check:

Paste the extracted text into a quick spell checker tool. This will identify any spelling errors so that you can easily fix those.

• Compare Layout:

If your image contains multiple columns or tables, make sure the structure is correct. This is because OCR sometimes mixes up the order.

• Verify numbers and special text:

Dates, amounts, and codes are often misread. So, check and fix them manually right away.

• Save Multiple Formats:

Always save two copies of the output file. The first one is for edits as per needs, and the second one is to find or search for anything.

Extracting Text from Scanned Documents:

If you have a scanned document, images, or PDF files and want to extract the text from them, don’t worry about retyping it manually. You can use an online PDF to text converter to extract all the text contained in the documents into editable content in seconds. The extraction process remains the same as for the image-to-text. This way, you can easily copy, edit, or share the text without extra effort.

Practical Tips That Improve Results:

• If the text looks unclear or mixed up, use a higher-quality image.
• If the columns are all mixed up, crop the image to just one column and run OCR again.
• For handwritten notes, you can use our converter, as we use advanced OCR technology that can even work with handwritten text.
• Use a flat surface and good light when you photograph documents.
• Remove backgrounds and shadows, and crop the image closely around the text to improve clarity.
• Convert color photos to grayscale if the background color confuses the text.

Short Summary:

To extract text from image files, follow the three-phase map discussed above: Prepare the file, convert it with a trusted online tool like ours, and polish the output. By following these points, you can easily extract the text from any image or document and use it accordingly. Also, follow the practical tips to get better and more accurate results.