How to Convert Images to Editable Text? Tools & Tips You Need

Have you ever tried copying text from a photo or scanned document?

If yes, then you would have realized that it's impossible without retyping everything.

But the good news is that you’re not alone.

More than 80% of businesses store data in unstructured formats like images and scanned documents such as JPEGs, PNGs, and PDFs. Many people widely use these formats, but they struggle to modify them.

Converting images to editable text saves a lot of time. This includes documents like JPEGs of contracts, PNGs of notes, or scanned PDFs. This is where OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, stands out.

It’s the technology that helps tools recognize text in images. It turns the text into something you can copy, search, or edit. With the right image-to-editable text converter, you can work faster, reduce errors, and streamline your workflow.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the best tools and methods to do just that.

What is OCR and How Does It Work?

What is OCR?

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts images of text, whether typed, handwritten, or printed, into machine-readable data. OCR software analyzes the shapes and patterns of letters or numbers in pixels. It identifies and changes them into editable text formats. This process enables efficient data extraction and digitalization.​

How does OCR Work?

1. Image Acquisition: Capture a high-quality image of the document or text using scanners or digital cameras.
2. Preprocessing: Enhance the image quality by adjusting brightness, contrast and removing noise to improve recognition accuracy.​
3. Text Recognition: Utilize algorithms to detect and interpret characters by comparing them to known fonts and patterns.​
4. Postprocessing: Refine the recognized text by correcting errors and formatting it into the desired output.​

Applications of OCR:

• Convert Scanned PDFs and Images to Editable Text: OCR is used to convert scanned PDFs and images to editable text. Which enables businesses to digitize their physical documents for easy storage and retrieval.
• Data Entry Automation: Streamline data extraction from forms, invoices, and receipts, reducing manual input errors and processing time.​
• Assistive Technologies: Aid visually impaired individuals by reading text aloud from images or documents.​
• Text Searchability: Enable full-text search capabilities within digital documents, enhancing information accessibility.​

The OCR market has experienced significant growth in the past few years. Which reflects its increasing adoption across various sectors. In 2023, the global OCR market was valued at approximately $12.6 billion and is projected to reach $43.5 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. ​

This growth is carried by the rising need for automated data capture and document processing across various industries.

With OCR, you can quickly convert image text to editable text or an image file to an editable text converter. These tools increase the handling capabilities of large document collections.

Modern organizations use OCR technology to convert scanned documents into digital content. This enhances operational productivity at various industrial levels.

Methods to Convert Image to Editable Text 

The integration of OCR technology in converting image text to editable text is an essential process for many businesses. Especially those in logistics, research, or administrative fields. 

Below are some effective methods to help you quickly and accurately extract text from images, whether they are scanned documents, PDFs, or photos.

1. Using Google Docs

Google Docs provides an easy, no-cost method for converting images into editable text. By uploading an image to Google Docs and opening it with the app, the text from the image is automatically placed beneath the image in an editable format. This makes it quick and convenient for users who need a simple solution.

Steps:

1. Upload the image to your Google Drive.
2. Right-click and select “Open with Google Docs.”
3. The text will appear below the image, ready for editing.

Pros:

• Free for anyone with a Google account
• Simple to use
• No need to install additional software

Cons:

• Accuracy may decrease with unclear images or unusual fonts

This method is great for converting images of text into editable Google Docs for small, personal projects.

2. Using Online Tools

Many online tools offer an efficient and user-friendly way to convert image text into editable text without installing software. These tools support a wide range of image formats and provide results in a variety of output formats, including Word, PDF, and plain text.

Process:

1. Visit the OCR tool's website.
2. Upload your image file.
3. Choose the output format (Word, PDF, Text).
4. Click the "Convert" button and download the editable document.

Pros:

• Free for basic use
• No software installation is required
• Easy for occasional tasks

Cons:

• Limited functionality in free versions
• May struggle with complex layouts or poor-quality images

These tools are perfect for converting JPG images into editable text quickly and with minimal effort.

3. Using Desktop Software

For more accurate conversions, desktop software like Adobe Acrobat Pro and ABBYY FineReader are the go-to solutions. These powerful tools offer advanced OCR features that can convert scanned PDFs and image files into editable text, making them ideal for businesses or individuals with high-volume or complex document processing needs.

Pros:

• Batch processing for high-volume conversions
• Better privacy with offline use
• High accuracy, even with complex or handwritten documents

Cons:

• Paid software
• Requires installation and learning curve

These tools are especially valuable for professionals who need to convert JPEG or PDF images to editable text securely and accurately.

For larger tasks or more accuracy, consider using PackageX’s OCR API, which is designed to handle high-volume document processing with improved accuracy for logistics-based images like invoices and shipment details.

4. Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word also offers an easy solution for converting image-based text into editable text, especially for users on Windows 10 and above. Simply insert the image into a Word document, right-click on it, and use the OCR option to extract the text.

Pros:

• Convenient for Word users
• Doesn’t require extra software

Cons:

• May not handle low-resolution images well

For users seeking to convert scanned images to editable text with Microsoft Word, this is a simple and effective option.

5. Without Software – Browser-Only Methods

For individuals who opt against downloading software, browser-based solutions are also available. For example, Google Keep and numerous Chrome extensions offer features that transform image text into editable text. These tools employ OCR technology to scan images and extract text without requiring further installations.

Process:

1. Upload the image to Google Keep or use a Chrome extension with OCR capabilities.
2. The OCR will automatically detect and extract the text for you to edit or copy.

Pros:

• No software download is required
• Fast and convenient

Cons:

• Limited features compared to full-fledged OCR tools

These browser-based tools are ideal for users needing a quick, no-installation method for converting scanned images to editable text.

Converting Specific Formats

Converting images to editable text can vary depending on the file format. For JPEG/JPG images, mobile apps and many online tools are popular solutions. These tools allow users to extract text from photos or screenshots quickly. A study from Statista reveals that as of 2024, over 40% of global internet users rely on online tools for text extraction from images (Statista, 2024).

For PDF images, software like Adobe Acrobat Pro or online OCR services can handle the job efficiently. These tools not only extract the text but also preserve the layout and formatting of the document. When dealing with scanned documents, the clarity and resolution of the scan play a critical role in accuracy. High-resolution scans (at least 300 dpi) increase OCR precision and reduce errors, according to a report from TechRadar (TechRadar, 2023).

To streamline the process, PackageX OCR API offers an advanced solution for converting JPEG images to editable text and extracting text from PDF images with high accuracy, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to digitize large volumes of documents.

Use Cases & Who Needs This

OCR technology helps students, researchers, accountants, and legal professionals easily convert image text to editable formats. It's also essential for businesses that are digitizing physical paperwork and documents. OCR-powered tools can be utilized to create efficient solutions.

For example, PackageX's OCR technology has enabled WeWork to reduce package processing time by 85%, enhancing operational efficiency across its global locations. PackageX's OCR solutions have helped logistics companies reduce manual data entry by 75%, saving both time and resources. 

Additionally, businesses using PackageX for document management have reported a 40% faster document processing speed. These improvements are just a few examples of how converting image text to editable text is making operations smoother and more efficient.

How PackageX Can Help

Converting images to editable text is critical for businesses managing large volumes of data. PackageX offers fast, secure, and accurate text extraction from images, PDFs, and scans. With its advanced features, you can easily change images and PDF files into editable text. This enables faster work and simplifies data management.

FAQs

Can I convert handwriting to editable text?

Yes, advanced OCR tools can convert handwriting to editable text, though accuracy depends on clarity and writing style.

What’s the best way to convert a scanned image to editable text?

Use OCR-based platforms like Adobe, or PackageX to convert a scanned image to editable text quickly and accurately.

How can I convert image text to editable text for free?

Free tools like Google Docs help convert image text to editable text without installing software.