Why Use Ocr to Extract Text from Images or Scanned Documents

If you are exhausted from manual data extraction for your task and wondering for the solution then you are in the right place. We will answer you. 

Here we will discuss why you should use Optical character recognition for text extraction. Learn what is OCR, its features, applications, and limitations to decide whether OCR is perfect for your task or not.

What Is OCR Technology?

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition technology. It converts scanned images into machine-readable documents and allows you to edit documents. For instance; if you want to copy text from images or wish to edit PDF, OCR will be right there to assist you.

OCR text recognizer can identify characters, fonts, and even patterns in images or documents. Hence, JPEG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, and PDF files can be converted to text files easily and accurately.

How does OCR work?

OCR scans image text in the following simple steps

Pre-processing: OCR Converters remove all unnecessary lines and spots 

Text analysis: In this step, all text features, characters, and patterns are recognized using algorithms.

Post-Processing: After context analysis of extracted text; data is processed and errors are removed.

OCR Features

OCR Converters are different from simple image-to-text converters. Optical character recognition technology uses the text analysis process to assist you with text layout, fonts, and pattern issues. Here is what you should know about OCR

• Quick and accurate data extraction: 

Extract error-free data from scanned documents and apply text analysis to grab all characters and features of text. Allow you to get extracted text in seconds.

• Text Layout analysis

OCR analyses the formats, fonts, and even line segments to extract exact text without error. 

• Handwritten text recognition

Optical character recognition can convert handwritten notes into digitized form. Assist you to save and edit your notes.

• Extract text from low-quality images

low-quality images with blurred backgrounds and complex features can be digitized using the OCR text recognizer.

Best performance OCR Converters:

After wasting time for image or scanned document converters you may end up with low-quality data extractors. We are here to direct you toward the best text extractors for your task.

For online conversion:

• Google Drive 

Click and Know how to use Google Drive for data extraction

• PNG Text extractor

Easy to use just upload files and copy or download text files.

OCR Apps For Androids:

• Adobe Scan

Download Adobe Scan free and convert your phone to a scanner. 

• Microsoft Lens

Another best app for business document text extraction 

OCR Systems for PC

• ABBYY FineReader : 

AI-based OCR System and comprehensive system

• Amazon Textract: 

Advanced OCR software that automates data extraction and is best for business use.

Use Cases Of OCR:

OCRs are widely applicable in many industries in this digital era. OCRs assist industries in extracting data from invoices, scanned documents, and receipts. OCR has transformed text extraction, storage, and management into an easy process.

Following are some OCR tools applications in various fields.

Digitization of documents:

OCR plays a crucial role in document digitization and has evolved this industry. With unique features, OCR helps to scan text even from handwritten notes or complex images. Hence, you can use OCRs to convert invoices, business cards, letters, and other image texts to save them in soft form.

Editing the scanned docs

If you want changes in scanned documents or image text then OCR would be the best option. Just extract your data from docs edit them and save wherever you want. If you want it quickly use this Online Text extractor. 

Education purposes

Documents and PDFs are terms related to the education system. Students need to deal with handwritten notes, no worries, OCR can scan your notes and you can save them easily for future use.

Business use

OCRs are perfect for the data entry process in business works. They efficiently extract text from invoices, receipts, bills, and business documents and reduce manual data entry errors.

Helpful for managing and saving data for later use.

For Healthcare 

In the healthcare department,  documents including patients' records, treatment history, and tests are converted into soft form using OCRs. This helps to boost productivity and edit documents easily to update data. OCR API Systems are best for automating the data extraction process.

OCR Challenges

OCR extracts 90% accurate text. In some specific conditions, OCR users face challenges and limit its use to specific characters and layouts. Hence, prefer manual text extraction when context analysis is important.

Complex Formats

OCRs recognize document format using Pttern algorithms. If you process a document with a rare format; OCR will not detect that text pattern. Consequently, you will be provided with incorrect output.

Specific Characters

Most OCRs can not process specific characters such as complex symbols or words from other languages. If you process a document containing such content, always check whether your OCR is catching those words or not.

Content Analysis

Context-based text extraction is not possible with OCR technology. It can not interpret text and just digitize the documents

Security Concerns

There is the possibility of data leakage as some OCRs save data for improvements or some other concerns. If you are working with confidential documents then prefer authoritative OCRs.

In a nutshell, OCR is a great technology for text extraction, document digitization, and automation of data extraction processes. Keep OCR limitations in mind, choose the best OCR tool for your task, and proceed with your task.