Are you looking for the best OCR software to convert images to text?
It is horrible having to type out text you find in images and OCR software makes it so much simpler. OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. Basically, it’s a piece of software that reads images and reproduces any text in them
There are lots of different uses for OCR software and different outlets specialize their programs for certain tasks and platforms.
So, let’s dive in and check out best OCR software for your needs.
1. Photo Scan
This is Google’s free OCR software. Often, free OCR doesn’t come with great features. But Google’s OCR gives you a lot of opportunities to upgrade.
You will need to make in-app purchases to get those extra features. But it’s great to use the program for low-level work or to try it out before upgrading.
Photo Scan is supported by Windows 10.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
When you are dealing with Adobe you can generally be sure you are getting a good product. Pro DC is one of the best OCR available if you are a professional.
The software comes with a monthly subscription, so it can be expensive if you are not really using it. But the features that come with Pro DC are pretty hard to beat.
3. Iron OCR
This is a premium OCR product with some pretty impressive features. Iron OCR allows you to read both text and barcodes from images, making it very adaptable.
It is also able to read a number of different international languages and can present text as simple string or as a structured text. You can view more info here.
4. Easy Screen OCR
Another free OCR option, Easy Screen is specifically designed to take text from screenshots. So, its purpose is a bit niche, but it’s very good at what it does.
Another great feature of Easy Screen is that it is supported across so many platforms (Android, Windows, Mac, and iOS)
5. English OCR
This is an OCR application that you can download for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). OCR software is sometimes limited in terms of what platforms will support it.
For all the Apple lovers out there, this is probably going to suit you well. You can use it on the run wherever you are and quickly convert images to text.
English OCR is available under an Open Source license, which is really good for students and non-professionals. To make their OCR software free, English OCR does come with advertisements. So, if that’s not your thing, be aware.
Choose the Best OCR Software for You
When choosing an OCR software, you have to remember it’s a personal choice. The best software for you is the one that matches up with your needs.
That means you need to check out the specific features on offer and see if it’s what you are looking for. Different OCR software specialize in different types of tasks. So, work out why you need OCR software and make the right choice for your needs.
If you’ve found our article useful, why not check out some of our other articles with great tech advice?
Also read: How to Create Your Own Gifs from Multiple Photos in Google Photos
