Extract Text from Image: 5 Methods to Get Text From Image
Learn how to extract text from image files using 5 free and easy methods. Discover applications of image text extraction and limitations.
More than a trillion images are uploaded online every year. Many of those images contain important text. That can be a quote, an important statistic, or any other helpful information. Sometimes people need to use those texts. For example, to digitize a rare book in the library.
That is where many wonder if there’s an easy way to extract text from pictures. Well, there are multiple methods that can help here. For example, using an image text extractor or other online tools. In this blog post, we will take you through five (05) efficient methods for extracting text from images.
How to Extract Text from Image?
You can easily extract text from an image by various means. For example:
- You can use an image text extractor
- Convert an image into editable text in Google Drive
- Use MS Word or AI tools to separate text from the picture
- Use tools like OCR converter, Google Lens, etc.
Let’s take a look at how you can use these methods to extract and copy text from pictures.
1. Use Image Text Extractor
To easily extract text from an image, use an image text extractor. It will read text from image and separate it instantly. For easy extraction, you can use free services from Image To Text Converter.
- Use any browser to open Image To Text Converter. This AI text extractor from image supports multiple file formats, such as PNG, JPG, WEBP, and PDF.
- Click “Upload” to submit your image file or drag and drop it inside the image text extractor.
- Click “Edit” to crop or change the direction of the image. This step is optional, but it lets you extract text only from the required part.
- Click “Convert to Text”. Lastly, download the extracted text as a PDF, DOC, or TXT file. You can also copy the separated text from the picture with one click.
The time it takes the tool to convert a picture to text depends on the file size. But usually it takes a few seconds to scan the text from an image, separate it, and show you the results.
2. Convert Picture to Text with Google Drive
Yet not an image OCR software, but Google Drive helps you convert image into editable text. Follow these steps to extract text from a photo using Google Drive:
- Upload your image file to Google Drive.
- Right-click the uploaded image file, hover over “Open with,” and click “Google Docs.”
- A new document will open, having the image and searchable text extracted from it.
When extracting text from photos, Google Drive does not preserve formatting well. So, must proofread and edit the extracted text before using.
3. Extract Text from Photo in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word also help to get text from image. However, this method requires additional steps. First, import the image into a Word document and convert it to a PDF.
Here are the steps you need to follow to extract searchable text from image using MS Word.
- Import the image into a new Word document.
- Save the document as a PDF file.
- Right-click the PDF file and open it with MS Word.
- A prompt will appear; click “Okay” on it to extract text from the PDF image.
That is how you can extract text from a photo using MS Word.
4. Use AI to Extract Text from Image
Many popular AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, can read text from image and extract it. Here’s how you can use these AI tools to convert a picture to text.
- Open any of the mentioned AI chatbots you use.
- Upload your image.
- Give the prompt “extract text from the image”.
- Press “Enter”.
The AI tool will scan text from image provided and present it to you in the results. You can easily copy the text and use it as needed.
5. Extract Text from Photo with Google Lens
Google Lens is an image recognition technology that helps users find image sources, identify similar images, and get text from images. This method offers you camera to text conversion. Here are the steps:
- Open your image in Google Lens or capture one using your device camera.
- Click “Select Text”.
- Click “Copy”.
This will extract the text from the image and copy it to the clipboard.
What Technology is Used for Image Text Extraction?
OCR is the primary technology for extracting text from images. OCR, full form Optical Character Recognition, is the technology that can read texts inside images and separates it as digital text.
Modern OCR tools like Image To Text Converter use AI, which improves conversion accuracy. AI integration enables the tool to understand new fonts, layouts, and even messy backgrounds.
How to Extract Text from a PDF Image?
Using an image text extractor is the most efficient method for extracting text from a PDF image file.
You can also extract text by opening the PDF image file in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. However, the quality of results can be low, especially if the image in the PDF file is a scanned document or the image quality is low.
So, prefer using an AI image text extractor for efficient conversion of a PDF image file into editable text.
How to Extract Handwritten Text from Image?
Many people come in need to extract handwritten text from images. In particular, students need it to digitize their notes and other learning materials. Unfortunately, not all of the five image text extraction methods discussed above are effective at extracting handwritten text from images. For example, Google Drive and Google Lens struggle to extract handwritten text.
Using an AI image to text extractor can be an efficient way to convert handwritten text into digital text. Or you can also use handwriting to text converter for more accurate results. The tool is specifically designed to extract handwritten text from images.
Applications of Image Text Extraction
You can use image text extraction in many everyday situations. It helps you turn images into text that you can copy, search, and edit easily.
Here are the most common use cases:
- Studying: Students can extract text from screenshots, scanned notes, or book pages. This will make the text editable and easier to search.
- Notes and documents: Students can convert images to text from handwritten notebooks or printed materials.
- Data entry work: Data entry operators can extract text from image files, such as receipts, forms, or tables. This saves time and reduces typing errors.
- Work and office tasks: Professionals can copy text from pictures shared in emails, chats, or presentations. They can also use it to digitize documents and go paperless.
Conclusion
All in all, above explained are the five (05) easy methods that you can use to extract text from images. Whether the image is in PDF, another file format, or a different quality, one of the methods mentioned can help you extract text from it. Each method has limitations, so choose the one that best fits your task and image quality requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Copy Text from Pictures?
Yes, it is possible. You can copy text from pictures by using Image To Text Converter. This tool turns image text into copyable digital text fast and accurately.
Can image text extraction keep the original text formatting?
In most cases, formatting does not stay the same. The tool focuses on extracting readable text, so you may need to adjust spacing, fonts, or layout after extraction. However, some premium OCR tools do retain the formatting as well.
Can I edit text after extracting text from an image?
It depends on the method you use and the file format you download. If the tool converts the image into editable formats like DOC or TXT, you can edit the text easily. If you save it as a PDF, editing may need extra tools like a PDF to Word converter.
Can I extract text from pictures taken with a mobile camera?
Yes, using Image To Text Converter, you can extract text from pictures taken with a mobile camera. Just make sure that the text inside the picture is visible. Clear images with good lighting give better results.