Introduction:
OCR is a scanning technology that converts printed, handwritten, and other forms of unaltered text into a copyable and editable format. It can be used for various purposes. For example, if you want to make changes to a professional document that is in PDF format, you can get help from OCR to convert it to text form and make any changes.
OCR tools are online utilities that use this technology to convert various non-editable documents into text form.
The OCR industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16% from now until 2030.
How OCR can improve your workflow
In today’s world, where every business is making efforts to go completely paperless, document digitization is more important than ever. This digitization process used to be done through manual transcription, which required a huge amount of resources and time.
However, OCR has provided an excellent alternative for this. Tools included with OCR technology cut the lengthy transcription process down to a few minutes. You can simply insert a document image into this tool and have the results as editable text.
In simpler terms, OCR can help you automate the digitization process that would otherwise require managed manpower and tons of time.
Some other advantages of this technology are:
- Accurate data entry
- Increased productivity levels
- Enhanced document searchability
- Easy document editing
Best OCR Tools
After learning about the benefits of OCR tools, you can use one for yourself. That’s why we’ve created a list of the best OCR tools available on the internet.
1. Image to text
Image to text is an online OCR-based multilingual text extraction tool. It supports multiple image formats, so it won’t be a problem even for advanced businesses that use different file formats.
Similarly, this tool can always be useful for international businesses with documents in different languages. Another great feature of this tool is that it can also recognize characters in low resolution images. This feature can be useful for retrieving old data.
The results are displayed in a short time, so the automation process becomes very fast. A summary of all its features is given in the following list.
Features:
- Identify mathematical characters
- Works on low quality images
- Multiple format support
- Available in multiple languages
2. Nanonetworks
Nanonets is an OCR-based data entry automation tool. It is used by businesses to automate a large number of tasks to save time, effort and resources.
Its products are divided into three categories.
- Accounting
- ID card verification
- Automation
Products or tools in the first and third categories are used by businesses. For example, a table extraction tool can extract data from a document in tables or graphs. Not many OCR tools have this feature.
Likewise, you can use this tool to convert and edit invoices, receipts, bills, etc. into an editable format.
Features:
- Ease of use
- Responsive tools
- Free demo available
- Automating data entry and data extraction
3. Doxumo
Docsumo is an AI-powered document processing automation platform. This tool can detect characters in unstructured documents like receipts, bank statements, invoices, etc. and convert them into better structured formats.
This unique OCR feature can help you organize your disorganized documents. All data such as tables, numerical values, graphs, etc. can be found successfully. This organized format increases the readability of these confusing files.
This automation tool makes things much easier for businesses and streamlines their workflow. As a result, the productivity level of employees increases significantly.
Features:
- Reasonable price
- Can handle bulk documents
- Fast data entry
- Powerful data mining
4. Text to speech
A text-to-speech converter is a tool that can help brands and businesses engage with their visually impaired customers. An alternative to using this tool is to hire a reasonably paid employee. This alternative is not feasible in most cases.
This is because hiring an actual person for this purpose can be a waste of resources and time. On the other hand, an OCR text-to-speech converter can perform the same function for free and as fast as possible.
If you are wondering when such a tool can be used, here is a hypothetical situation:
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A user visits your website and wants to buy your product. But he can’t understand what is written inside your product image. You can provide that user with a link to the text-to-speech tool.
Likewise, there may be other situations where this tool can be useful.
Features:
- Available for free use
- Multiple languages are supported
- simple interface
5. Adobe Acrobat
Adobe is a well-known brand that has many tools and software. Adobe Acrobat is one of them. This tool complies with Adobe name standards. It is the most accurate OCR tool that extracts text from images without errors.
If you want to digitize your documents in a searchable format and make them more accessible, then Adobe Acrobat is the best option for you.
This can be useful in cases where you need to find an old document in a hurry, but since it is a physical document, you spend minutes or even hours trying to find it. On the contrary, digitized documents can be searched in just a few seconds.
Features:
- Helps users sign electronic documents
- Increased access to documents
- PDF editing options
- Clean and understandable interface
final verdict
OCR tools are diverse in nature and can perform many functions. These features can make your business workflow smoother and more efficient. You can focus on more important things and not worry about things like data entry and digitization. This is why you should always consider using these tools to save assets, time and costs.