How To Convert PNG Images to Text Documents in Minutes

Part 1. What Is OCR and How Can It Help Convert PNG Images to Text?

Just as mentioned above, OCR (optical character recognition) is a technology that can recognize and extract text from images. OCR can save you time and hassle by turning your images into editable and searchable text files. OCR uses a scanner or a camera to capture the image of the document and then software to analyze the image and translate the characters into code that can be used for data processing.

OCR can also use artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and quality of the results. OCR can help you convert your PNG images to text or text to PNG for various purposes, such as digitizing historical documents, extracting information from scanned forms, or creating accessible content for people who can't see.

Part 2. Best Software With OCR To Convert PNG Images Into Text

Now that you understand what OCR is and how it can help you convert PNG images to text, you may ponder which software tools offer this functionality. This section will introduce you to three popular and user-friendly OCR programs that can convert PNG images to text in minutes. We will also demonstrate how to use them in detail.

Microsoft OneNote

The Microsoft Office suite includes the note-taking application Microsoft OneNote. It has an integrated OCR function that allows you to reproduce text from images or documents and transfer it into your notes or other applications.

Here are the steps for using OneNote OCR.

• Step 1: Create a new page or access an existing page in OneNote.
• Step 2: Insert the PNG image containing the text to be copied. You can do so by selecting Insert > Pictures or dragging the image file into OneNote.
• Step 3: Click the image's context menu and select Copy Text from Image.

• Step 4: Paste the copied text wherever you desire, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or another OneNote page.

Key Features of Microsoft OneNote:

Look at some of the key highlights of this tool:

• Copy text from pictures and file printouts
• Organize your notes
• Capture and insert

Pros

You'll gain the following benefits using this tool:

• Free and widely compatible
• Integrated with office apps
• Supports handwriting and drawing

Cons

Despite a few benefits, be aware of this drawback of Microsoft OneNote:

• OCR feature isn't available in the web version

SimpleOCR

SimpleOCR is an OCR software that can convert scanned documents and images into editable text formats like MS Word. It has a simple user interface and supports multiple languages. It also has a unique handprint recognition feature that can recognize handwritten text.

The steps below tell you the way to use it:

• Step 1: Download and install SimpleOCR on your PC.
• Step 2: After launching the software, select Machine Print or Hand Writing according to the type of document to be scanned.
• Step 3: Select the image source, i.e., scanner, file, batch, or InkLink (*.ink). The tool will alter its reading parameters depending on the type of writing selected in the second step.

Note: For handwriting, follow the on-screen setup to create a new profile for a writer. To set a new profile, you need to upload your document, check for any errors, and proofread it. So, the software can learn and save your handwriting for future use.

• Step 4: Once the document is scanned, SimpleOCR will give you a preview. You can make changes to get the results you want.
• Step 5: Save the text as a digital file in any format, including text, PDF, RTF, or any other as per your requirements.

Key Features of SimpleOCR

The tool offers the following features when used:

• Convert scanned documents and images
• Recognize handwritten text
• Customize your OCR settings

Pros

Some benefits of this tool are:

• Free and unlimited
• Supports multiple languages
• Offers a royalty-free OCR SDK

Cons

One drawback you need to know:

• Outdated interface design

PhotoScan 

PhotoScan is a free Windows 10 application that digitizes photographs and documents using your device's camera or scanner. It is also equipped with an OCR function to extract text from scanned images and save it as a text file or transfer it to the clipboard.

Here is how to use it:

• Step 1: Download PhotoScan from the Microsoft Store.
• Step 2: Launch Photo Scan and select a PNG image from which you wish to extract text. You can do so by selecting Browse Photo > Select File.
• Step 3: Click OCR > Extract Text to initiate text extraction.

Key Features of PhotoScan

Here are the key highlights of PhotoScan that you should know about

• Scan photos and documents.
• Extract text from images using OCR.
• Edit and enhance your scans with filters.

Pros

Some of the benefits of using PhotoScan are:

• Free and easy to use
• Supports multiple languages
• Works offline

Cons

A drawback of PhotoScan that you should know is:

• Limited output formats

Part 3. How To Convert PNG to Text Online?

Many ways can help you convert PNG to text online. Using these tools, you'll obtain the following benefits:

• Convenience– Converting PNG images to text offers comfort by transforming visual content into editable and searchable formats. This enables easy editing, manipulation, and organization of the textual information.
• Speed– Converting PNG images to text with OCR technology significantly speeds up the process compared to manual typing. OCR algorithms swiftly analyze the image and extract the text.
• Accuracy– OCR technology ensures high accuracy in converting PNG images to text. Advanced algorithms are designed to recognize characters and accurately interpret them.
• Security– Converting PNG images to text offers enhanced security by enabling the conversion of sensitive or confidential information into text files. This allows for secure storage, backup, and sharing of the converted text documents.

Here are some of the finest tools available online that can help you convert PNG images to text:

Aspose PNG to Text Converter

Aspose PNG to Text Converter is a free online service that can extract text from PNG images using OCR. It supports multiple languages and works offline.

Here is the step-by-step guide to using Aspose PNG to Text Converter:

• Step 1: Go to the official website of Aspose PNG to Text Converter.
• Step 2: Click Choose PNG Files. Select the source language of your file and check the Use OCR option.

• Step 4: Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.

Key Features

Let's look at some of the most prevalent features of this tool:

• Extract text from PNG online
• Support multiple languages
• Work offline

Pros

You'll gain the following benefits from using this tool:

• Free and easy to use
• No registration or restrictions
• Offer OCR SDK for developers

Cons

Here's a con you must not overlook:

• Limited output formats

Online-convert 

Online-convert.com is a popular online file converter that can convert various formats, including PNG, to text. It offers advanced settings and supports multiple languages.

Here's how to use online-convert:

• Step 1: Go to online-convert.
• Step 2: Click Choose File or drag and drop your PNG file into the file selection area.

• Step 3: Adjust the quality, size, OCR language, and output format settings.
• Step 4: Click Start and wait for the process to finish.

Key Features

Some of the key aspects of Online-convert are:

• Convert various formats online
• Offer advanced settings
• Support multiple languages

Pros

The following is a list of some pros:

• Free and fast
• Support batch conversion
• Save to cloud storage

Cons

Here's one drawback to be aware of:

• Users may be disturbed by advertisements

File Converter 

File Converter is another online file converter that can convert PNG to text with OCR. It has a simple user interface and supports batch conversion.

Here's how to use File Converter to extract words from images:

• Step 1: Head over to File Converter's website.
• Step 2: Select the Choose Files option.

Note: Optionally, select the OCR language and output format settings.

• Step 3: Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.

Key Features

Let's look at some of the most prevalent features of this tool:

• Convert PNG to text with OCR
• Have a simple user interface
• Support batch conversion

Pros

The benefits of using this tool are:

• Free and secure
• Support multiple languages
• Copy to clipboard

Cons

One drawback of File Convert is:

• Have file size limit

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage service with an OCR feature that can recognize text from images. You can convert PNG to text by uploading your image and opening it with Google Docs.

Here's how to use Google Drive

• Step 1: Go to Google Drive's website.
• Step 2: Click on New > File Upload. Right-click on the uploaded image and select Open with > Google Docs.

Note: Wait for Google Docs to extract the text from the image and display it in a new document.

Key Features

Some of the key features of this tool are:

• Recognize text from images
• Open with Google Docs
• Edit or format the text

Pros

Some of the advantages of using Google Drive are:

• Free and widely compatible
• Sync across devices
• Support handwriting and drawing

Cons

Despite all the benefits, here's one drawback:

• Requires Google account

Conclusion

Converting PNG images to text can be a practical and time-saving task for various purposes, including document digitization, information extraction, and the creation of accessible content. There are a variety of software and online tools for converting PNG to text with OCR, each with its own set of features, pros, and cons.

You can select the optimal instrument for your requirements based on your preferences, device, and budget. We trust that this article has taught you how to convert PNG to text efficiently and effortlessly.