Perhaps, every PC user at least once faced with the need to digitize text printed on a regular sheet of paper. Of course, this operation can be performed manually, but what if the document consists of tens or even hundreds of pages? Fortunately, there are special programs for text recognition that will help you significantly speed up the process of digitizing documents and make it more comfortable. We will discuss them further.
Why do we need these programs?
So, programs for text recognition (Optical Character Recognition) are designed to convert typewritten or printed text into digital data. In addition, these same utilities can convert screenshots, photos, and PDFs into regular Microsoft Word documents.
After the text has been digitized, you can work with it in the same way as if you typed it manually. For example, you can scan or photograph a newspaper article, run it through a text recognition program, and then edit as you wish.
Finereader
According to a huge number of users, FineReader is the best text recognition program. In Word, by the way, it is possible to integrate a separate panel for the "File Reader", which only adds popularity to this program.
The application can work with almost all formats of images and digital documents, and is also equipped with a built-in editor and a service for checking spelling. In addition, the program interface is quite clear, so you do not have to spend a lot of time on its development.
The main disadvantage of the application is that it is paid. However, you can try to use the hacked version.
Cuneiform
Unlike FineReader, CuneiForm is a free text recognition program. It supports more than 20 languages, works great with all popular graphic formats, and easily transfers tables and graphics from the source file. In addition, the application has its own dictionary database, which can also be expanded.
It is worth saying that CuneiForm does not recognize text as accurately as the same Fine Reader. Nevertheless, for most ordinary users, the capabilities of the program will be quite enough. Moreover, developers are constantly improving their brainchild. Already, the application can compete with its paid counterparts, and in the future it is possible that they will surpass them.
Omnipage
Another paid program for scanning and text recognition. OmniPage easily handles PDF documents as well as other image files. The utility supports more than a hundred languages, has built-in dictionaries of medical, legal and technical terms, and also has a high speed.
OmniPage features include the ability to create audio files from text. At the same time, you can convert the image into sound with one click, which will significantly save your time.
FineReader Online
And this is not a text recognition program, but a full-fledged online service that does not require installation on a computer. The Online version has a somewhat limited set of functions compared to the desktop FineReader, but nevertheless it copes with its basic tasks perfectly. Recognizing the text, you can either download it to your computer, or immediately download it to the cloud storage.
Unfortunately, like her older brother, FineReader Online is a paid program. Money is charged for each recognized page, but each month several free attempts are issued to each user.
New ocr
New ORC is another convenient online service, which is also completely free. In addition to text recognition, in it you can adjust the brightness and contrast of the original image, rotate it if necessary, and also select the format of the final document.
You can save the recognized test to your computer by first selecting the format you need, or send it to the cloud immediately.
Smartphone apps
For text recognition, you can use a tool that is almost always at hand for every person. It's about a smartphone or tablet. So, by installing the appropriate application, you can take a picture of the text, and then immediately convert it to digital format.
The most popular mobile text recognition programs are TextGrabber + Translator (there is also a translator function), CamScanner and Mobile Document Scanner. Each of them is better suited for certain devices, so you have to experiment.