With a huge part of the information being shared through images, the need to extract this information is pretty common. That is because the data is easily editable and shareable in its digital form.

In this article, we will discuss how you can convert an image into text and evaluate the best way to do so. But first, let’s discuss…

What does it Mean by Converting an Image into Text?

Simply put, converting images into text means extracting useful textual information from images and storing it in editable digital form, i.e., in the form of standard Unicode text. These pictures can be receipts, transcripts, or invoices. It also can be any piece of handwritten information.

If we talk about how you can convert an image into text, there are two basic ways to do that.

While manual extraction can be handy and useful, it’s not the best way to get around the process. Using technology, i.e., tools and software, can be a lot quicker and more convenient.

Moving on, let’s take a look at what manual image conversion and “technological” conversion entails and why the latter is the better choice.

Converting Images into Text Manually

It is simple. You take the image you want to extract the information from and manually type the text written inside it into a computer. Manual conversion holds some benefits but is not enough to say it is the best way to do so.

These benefits are:

Now, let’s discuss how you can convert images into text with the help of technology and why it is the best way to do so.

Converting an Image into Text with the Help of Technology

The conversion of images into text through technology is done with the help of OCR (optical character recognition).

This technology uses different algorithms to detect and scan written or printed characters present in an image and convert them into digital texts. It is utilized in the form of online software like tools and apps like:

Using technology to extract information from images is the best way to do so because of the following reasons:

It is Faster

It is a much faster approach to converting images into text than manual conversion.

All you have to do in this method is to take the image that contains your required information and put it in the tool or application. It will automatically analyze the characters and provide them in digital form. It is only a matter of seconds.

On the other hand, converting the information into digital text by typing it into the computer can take a lot of time.

Rapid conversion with the help of OCR can save you a lot of time that you can use to perform other important tasks.

It is More Accurate

Did you know that the cause of 75% of data loss in the workplace is due to human errors?

Using OCR to extract readable information from images eradicates this possibility and provides more accurate results as compared to manual conversion. That is because manual conversion is prone to human errors.

While dealing with a lot of data, there are chances that people can miss some of it due to mental fatigue. Or, it can be simply ignored unintentionally.

On the other hand, machines hardly make a mistake, and the result is accurately extracted data. They perform the job consistently and can deal with a lot of information without making any kind of errors.

It is Cheaper

Converting images into text with the help of OCR is cheaper as compared to doing the same thing manually.

Imagine having to convert data with hundreds of shopping receipts at a mall each day. That would require several data entry specialists to enter data into the system manually.

Most of the OCR applications and tools are free. And even if you have to process a large amount of data, their premium versions cost much less than what you would have to pay for manual labor.

How to Use OCR?

There are two basic ways to use the OCR technology:

There are a lot of applications that provide the facility to convert images into text.

Using these applications is pretty simple. All you have to do is put in the image, and it will automatically scan and extract the data present in the image.

The second method of using OCR technology to do so is by using online image-to-text converter tools.

These tools are mostly free and very easy to use. Like in the applications, you are also required to upload an image on these tools, and they will convert the information into digital form.

But the extra edge you get while using the online tools is that you don’t have to download and install any extra app or software to your device.

Conclusion

Most of the information these days is being shared in the form of images around the globe. Sometimes we need to extract this information from images. There are two basic ways to do so which are manual way and with the help of technology. The above-explained points demonstrate how OCR technology is the best way to convert images into text.

You can use both applications and tools to use this technology to do the job.

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