Ocr Vs Ai Text Extraction from Images - Which Is Best for You?

In this digital age, each field such as research, studies, knowledge,  businesses, industries, or healthcare industry; is associated with records, invoices, books, and documents. 

Turning to documents, we all wonder how to extract text from images (Scanned Documents, PDFs, or images) within seconds and which one is the best.

Image Text Extraction Technologies

OCR and AI technologies are the most popular ways to extract data from images. We will explore these technologies techniques, porn and corn, and tools for better use. 

1- OCR Technology

OCR Technology extracts text from images or scanned documents using pattern matching and character recognition techniques. In simple words, it recognizes text from your provided text, analyses text patterns, fonts, or features using its database, and provides you output.

How does OCR Technology work?

OCR has been a popular technique in text extraction since the digital era. OCRs simply extract text from images using recognizing and pattern-matching techniques.

It uses the following techniques to copy text from images.

Pre-Processing

In this process, OCR removes all the factors that cause difficulty in data extraction. For example; removal of extra lines and whitening of the background to detect text easily.

Text Analysis

OCR detects text using its algorithm. OCR Technology recognizes characters, patterns, and features of input data and matches them with algorithms for the best results.

Post-Processing

At last, OCR removes extra spaces and sets the pattern according to the best format in its algorithm. 

Why use OCR for text extraction?

There are many reasons why you should prefer OCR text extraction. OCR is best for quick and accurate outputs

Accuracy for structured formats

If your document is structured, OCR will work great with this. After OCR processing, you will get the right output. 

Time-saving

You can quickly turn your image into a text file in seconds.

Accessibility

OCR provides accessible ways to digitize data immediately. Now, turn volumes of books or notes into soft form in seconds.

Cost Effective 

OCR reduces labor work and is less costly compared to AI tools.

2- AI Technology

Artificial Intelligence is human intelligence in machines or tools. Trained for natural language data and can analyze or create human-like language. AI has advanced itself in creative thinking using large natural language databases. 

How does AI Technology work?

AI text extractors use machine learning algorithms to extract text from scanned documents. It can also extract text from an unstructured format and provide a structured output.

Natural Language Processing(NLP)

AI Models train on natural language databases. They use natural language algorithms to detect characters, sentiments, and context. 

Context analysis

Unlike OCR, which recognizes only characters, AI  also analyzes the documents' context, related sentiments, and layout.

Why use AI for text extraction

Following are some reasons to prefer AI for text extraction:

Handling complex data

AI can handle huge and complex documents compared to OCR. It can easily extract data from tables, graphs, and mixed content.

Predictive Feature

AI can recognize text problems in the document and can predict text where needed for accurate output.

Context analysis

AI can also analyze document layout, relation in paragraphs, and headings, hence providing an accurate output.

Adaptable

AI models continuously learn modern language by adding more and more data to their databases.

AI tools for text extraction

There are two types of tools that can be considered for text extraction.

1- AI models

AI models like Chat GPT or Gemini are multi-purpose AI models trained on natural language. They are not particularly for copying text from images. But you can use them by providing prompts.

2- AI-based OCRs

Now OCRs are developed and turned into AI-based OCRs; like PNG Text Extractor, Adobe Acrobat, or Google Cloud OCR.

These OCRs use artificial intelligence or machine learning processes to extract text from images or scanned documents and convert them into machine-readable text.

Which one is better?

OCR Technology has been used for text extraction for many decades, while AI is a revolutionary tool. Both tools are excellent at their work. Let's see which one would be best for you.

OCR and AI are powerful tools with their strength and limitations. Use OCR for simple and quick tasks. AI is best for low-quality input, unstructured documents, and context analysis.

Choose the best tool to simplify your task and let it save your efforts and work because these are worthwhile.