A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Convert Image to Text
Converting an image to text can often feel like a challenging and time-consuming process, which takes a lot of time that you could be spending doing more important tasks.
But don’t worry!
This step-by-step guide will simplify the whole process and ensure that you can easily extract text from any image within minutes.
So, read till the end. Let’s get started!
Methods to Convert Image into Text – Step-by-Step Guide
Below are some methods with steps and procedures that can help you convert any image into text.
Convert Image Using MS Word
If you have MS Word installed on your computer, then let us show how you can use it to extract text from an image.
Step 1:
First, open your MS Word, go to “Insert,” and click on the “Picture” option to import the image.
Step 2:
Now, you don’t have to do anything. Just save it as a PDF file.
Step 3:
After that, again, go back to MS Word, and open that saved PDF file. For this, choose the “File” option and then click on “Open.”
Step 4:
When you open a PDF file in Word, it will automatically convert it into an editable text format. It will display a prompt saying, “Word will not convert your PDF to an editable Word doc.”
Step 5:
Don’t forget to compare the extracted text with the original image. If MS Word has missed something, then modify it on your own.
This is how you can convert images to text using MS Word. But this method mostly works with PDF file types only. It may fail to extract text from JPG, PNG, or other image extensions.
Convert Image to Text Using OCR Tool
Another easiest way to convert an image to text is by using an online OCR tool. OCR (Optical character recognition), actually, is state-of-the-art technology that is used in online tools like Image to Text converters. It allows them to extract any text from an image without leaving something behind.
One such tool that works on OCR algorithms is the Image to Text Converter. In the free version, it lets users extract text from 3 images at a time, making it an ideal choice for everyone.
So, here’s the step-by-step guide to how you can use an online OCR tool to convert images to text.
Note: The majority of OCR tools work almost the same way, so following these steps will apply to almost every such tool.
Step 1:
Go to Image to Text Converter or any other similar tool you think is best for you.
Step 2:
It will provide you with multiple options to import the image, such as:
- Drag & drop (Copy/paste)
- Device storage
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Image URL
Step 3:
After uploading the image, you will see the “Submit” or “Convert” button there. Click on it.
Step 4:
The tool will start processing the image and then convert it into editable text.
Step 5:
Copy the text to the clipboard or download it in a DOC or TXT file, so you can make changes in it as needed.
This is how you can extract text from an image using the power of OCR tools.
Convert Image to Text Using Mac Live Text Feature
If you are using a MacBook, then the whole process of converting image to text is different. But did you know Apple provides a Live Text feature that has made it easy and simple to extract text from any image?
Let us show you how you can do that.
Step 1:
Open the text image in Preview, just like shown below.
Step 2:
Now, to copy the text from the image, you have to do the following things:
- Press Command ⌘ + A to select the text.
- Double-click on a specific word to copy it.
- Triple-click on a specific sentence to copy it as a whole.
Step 3:
Once the text is selected, you can press Command ⌘ + C to copy the text and paste it wherever you want to.
Step 4:
Read the extracted text at least one time to ensure there isn’t something missing.
This is how you can retrieve text from an image on a Mac using Live Text.
Final Thoughts
And with that, this blog comes to an end!
You may come across an image that contains important text, and you want to extract it quickly. So, worry not, as this article provides you with a comprehensive guide to how you can do that with ease. We have explained three different methods with a step-by-step procedure that can assist you in converting any image into text.
A full-time blogger and content writer who loves to write about digital marketing.