OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology is a solution for converting files, documents, or even images in machine readable format very easily.
In short OCR software converts text on paper to digital text you can edit. OCR is sometimes also referred to as text recognition. Hence it is called character recognition software. So here are a few best OCR software’s.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology has transformed the way we interact with text in a digital environment. From automating data entry to converting scanned documents into editable text, OCR has wide-ranging applications.
This comprehensive, SEO-optimized article explores the fundamentals of OCR software, its uses, offline functionality, integration with Microsoft Word, and much more.
What is OCR Software?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software is a type of technology that converts different types of documents—such as scanned paper documents, PDFs, or images—into editable and searchable data. It can recognize text in images of documents, photos, and billboards, making the text machine-readable and allowing for easy editing and storage.
4 Best OCR Software
1. FineReader
ABBYY FineReader software works efficiently with all the digital documents. It easily converts the images, PDF files, scans, photos, etc. into editable electronic format. ABBYY FineReader software easily gives access to its users.
Also, the images, scans, etc. which are converted can be easily transferred from one device to another. ABBYY FineReader helps its users to create extra productivity and make the work even simpler. In today’s time, there are versions available of this software.
2. OmniPage
OminPage version 18 is an optical character recognition (OCR) tool for the Windows platform. This software is important because this allows us to make documents easily. Edited and convert it quickly so as the user can get access to the file in a short time. It is also very convenient to operate for anyone of us.
The best thing about Omnipage is that it makes the work easier because there is no need to manually type the whole document. Very quickly this software converts the file and uploads it. It has also got many different tools which we can use while converting.
3. Adobe Acrobat DC
With this software, we can convert images, photos, etc. into PDF formats easily and quickly. If we are working for any brand, this software makes the task of converting the content in files easily and send it to the brand.
Many different features are available in this software like editing, also we can highlight the text in which so ever format we want to, even adding sections. The size of PDF also can be adjusted according to our need, we can even attach a PDF file from any web page or any downloaded website easily.
Adobe Acrobat is software worth buying with so many features. In today’s times, there are many versions available of this software. It is one of the best and efficient editors to create, view, modify, and style any PDF document.
4. GlmageReader Windows
This software simplifies the whole process of extracting printed text from images. Here we can edit any files, or any image from websites, even PDFs, and any article available on the internet, etc. We can copy-paste any document and work on it easily without any effort. Uploading the document, files, PDFs, etc.
Become easier with this particular software. If we wish to edit any file all we have to do is upload it on this software and edit it according to our requirements and we are done here. Not only this, this software helps us to edit not one but many files at the same time, and also we can set it to upload at the same time.
There are many different tools available in this software which makes our task of converting the document even easier. Different forms of files, documents, images, etc. can be converted in this software. We can work on a file according to our convenience.
This software has a special feature where in a separate tool is available which directly converts the file in PDF format without any editing. This software proves to be very useful for those who work on converting files and documents on regular basis.
Where is OCR Used?
OCR technology is widely used across multiple sectors:
- Business: Automating data entry, document verification, and storage.
- Healthcare: Digitizing handwritten or printed medical records.
- Legal Sector: Automating document categorization and scanning legal texts.
- Retail: Scanning and recognizing product information.
- Education: Converting printed or handwritten study materials into digital format.
- Banking: Reading handwritten or printed financial statements.
Can OCR Work Offline?
Yes, many OCR software solutions offer offline functionality. While cloud-based OCR services are prevalent and often provide higher levels of accuracy due to consistent updates, offline OCR software can be more suitable for users who prioritize data security or lack a stable internet connection.
How Do I Use OCR in Word?
Microsoft Word offers a limited form of OCR for users:
- Scanning: First, you’ll need to scan the document you want to convert.
- Save as PDF: Save the scanned document as a PDF.
- Open with Word: Double-click the saved PDF. Microsoft Word will automatically try to convert the content into a Word document.
- Edit: The text will now be editable within Word, though some formatting issues might arise that you’ll need to fix manually.
Benefits of OCR Software
- Time Savings: OCR drastically reduces the time spent on manual data entry.
- Improved Accuracy: OCR eliminates human errors from data transcription.
- Cost-Effective: Automating manual tasks saves on labor costs.
- Enhanced Searchability: OCR converts scanned documents into searchable files.
- Data Security: Digital documents are easier to secure and backup.
Is OCR Software Safe?
OCR software itself is generally safe to use. However, you should exercise caution when using cloud-based OCR services if your documents contain sensitive information. Always opt for reputable services that follow stringent data protection laws.
Is OCR Software Free?
There are both free and paid OCR software options. Free OCR services usually offer basic features and may have limitations on the number of pages you can convert. Premium OCR software packages offer additional features, such as batch processing, higher accuracy rates, and tech support.
Final Words
So these were a few best OCR software that helps us in making the task of converting images to written text easier. All of these software’s are similar but there is one or the other feature in all of them which makes it different from one another.
OCR Software are proved to be the best one amongst all others. OCR software has revolutionized the way we handle textual data, offering time-saving and cost-effective solutions for both individuals and industries.
While the technology is generally safe and even available for free, it’s crucial to understand its limitations and the privacy concerns associated with online OCR services. Feel free to share this detailed guide on OCR software with your colleagues, friends, and family.
Knowledge is empowering, and understanding the intricacies of OCR can make our digital lives more convenient and efficient.
