How to Extract Text from an Image? (Step-by-Step Guide)

In today’s digital world, extracting text from images has become an essential need for students, professionals, and businesses. Whether you want to convert scanned images to editable text, extract information from handwritten notes, or translate text from an image, image to text AI tools make the process easier. This guide will walk you through the best methods and tools to extract text efficiently.

What is Image to Text Conversion?

Images to text conversion refers to the process of transforming textual content from an image into an editable digital format. This process is powered by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which scans and identifies text within images, scanned documents, or even handwritten notes. With the help of AI-powered OCR software, you can easily extract and edit text from various image formats like JPG, PNG, and PDF.

Methods to Extract Text from Image

There are multiple ways to convert images to text, ranging from online tools to dedicated software and mobile apps. Below are the most effective methods:

1. Using Online Image to Text Converters

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to extract text, image to text online tools are the best option. These tools work directly in your browser and do not require installation. Here are the steps to Convert Images to Text Online:

1. Open a free image to text converter like Trend Boost SEO, SmallSEOTools, or OnlineOCR.
2. Upload your image (JPG, PNG, or PDF).
3. Click on the convert image to text button.
4. The tool will process your image using OCR image to text technology and generate editable text.
5. Copy or download the extracted text.

Best Online OCR Tools:

• SmallSEOTools Image to Text Converter
• Trend Boost SEO Image Text Extractor
• Google Docs OCR

2. Extract Text from Images Using Software

For more advanced and AI-powered OCR software, desktop applications offer better accuracy and more features. Here are the best Software for Images to Text Conversion:

• Adobe Acrobat – Best for extracting text from PDFs.
• Microsoft OneNote – Good for converting handwritten notes to text.
• Tesseract OCR – Open-source image to text generator for developers.

Here are the steps to Convert Scanned Image to Editable Text:

1. Open the software and import your image or scanned document.
2. Choose the OCR option and select the language.
3. Click Convert to process the image.
4. Save or copy the extracted text.

3. Mobile Apps for Image to Text Extraction

If you need to extract text on the go, mobile apps provide a great solution. AI-powered OCR software in these apps helps in real-time text extraction from camera images. Here are the best Mobile Apps for Image to Text Conversion:

• Google Lens – Ideal for recognizing and translating text.
• Adobe Scan – Perfect for scanning and extracting text from images.
• Text Scanner (OCR) – Great for image to text free extraction.

How to Remove Text from an Image?

Sometimes, users need to remove text from an image rather than extract it. This is useful for graphic designers, photo editors, or those working with scanned documents. Here are the methods to Remove Text from an Image:

1. Using Photoshop – Select the clone stamp tool to erase text without affecting the background.
2. Online Tools – Use AI-based how to remove text in image tools like Inpaint or Fotor.
3. Mobile Apps – Apps like TouchRetouch allow easy text removal from images.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting in Image to Text Conversion

Even the best image text to text tools face challenges. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Issue	Solution
Blurry or low-quality images	Use high-resolution images.
Handwritten text not converting	Use AI-based OCR tools like Google Lens.
Multi-language text extraction	Use tools that support multiple languages like ABBYY FineReader.

Conclusion

Extracting text from an image has never been easier, thanks to advancements in OCR technology and AI-powered OCR software. 

Whether you need a picture to text converter, a PDF to text converter, or an image to word converter, various online tools, desktop software, and mobile apps are available to meet your needs.

For the best results, choose a tool that matches your specific requirements—whether it’s a free image to text converter for quick use or a premium AI-powered solution for professional tasks.

FAQs – Image to Text Conversion

1. What is the best free image to text converter?

Several free tools are available, but some of the best include Google Docs OCR, i2OCR, and OnlineOCR.net. These tools offer reliable image to text conversion for scanned documents, handwritten notes, and printed text.

2. Can I convert handwritten notes into text?

Yes! Many image to text AI tools can process handwritten notes. Apps like Google Lens, OneNote OCR, and Adobe Scan are great for converting handwritten content into digital text.

3. How to extract text from a blurry image?

If an image is blurry, the accuracy of OCR image to text conversion may decrease. To improve results, try enhancing image quality using editing tools, increasing resolution, or using AI-based image to text generators.

4. What is the difference between OCR and AI-based image to text conversion?

Traditional OCR (Optical Character Recognition) relies on pattern recognition, whereas AI-powered OCR software uses deep learning models to understand complex fonts, handwriting, and multi-language text.

5. How to convert multiple images to text at once?

Yes! Some best image to text converters online offer batch processing, allowing users to upload multiple images and extract text simultaneously. ABBYY FineReader and OnlineOCR.net support this feature.