Are you looking for reliable Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to help you turn your hardcopy documents into digital text? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the 13 best OCR software of 2023 – both free and paid.
Whether you’re a business executive, student, or parent trying to manage paperwork at home, having one of these OCR-ready programs can bring ease and convenience.
We’ve chosen based on features offered by each program, such as accuracy rate, price point, customer ratings, and user interface. With our helpful guide in hand, you’ll be able to select the perfect OCR tool for your needs in no time!
What is OCR Software, and why is it important?
OCR software stands for Optical Character Recognition software. It is an advanced technology tool that converts scanned images or PDF files into editable formats such as Word or Excel.
OCR software can save businesses countless hours of tedious manual labor by automating the process of data entry, reducing the risk of human error, and increasing productivity.
OCR software is used in various sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and legal industries, to extract important data from documents, digitize paper records, and streamline business processes.
From intelligent algorithms to sophisticated machine learning technology, OCR software has become an indispensable tool for businesses today. Investing in OCR software not only enhances efficiency but also helps organizations stay ahead of the competition in today’s fast-paced digital era.
Benefits of Using OCR Software
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved efficiency.
- Reduced costs.
- Increased accuracy.
- Enhanced accessibility.
- Reduced environmental impact.
- Saved labor time.
- Improve data quality, and
- Improved team collaboration.
OCR technology eliminates errors, such as typos and misplaced files, resulting in reliable data that can improve decision-making.
Digitized documents can be accessed and shared easily across devices and platforms, making it easier for teams to collaborate remotely.
OCR technology is also an environmentally friendly solution. By reducing the need for paper-based documents, OCR technology helps reduce businesses’ environmental impact.
Here are the 13 Best OCR Software of 2023 – Essential Guide (Free and Paid)
Digital documentation has become indispensable in today’s digital world. With these OCR software tools, you can streamline your document management process and stay ahead of the curve, no matter the size of your business.
1. Abbyy FineReader PDF 15
ABBYY FineReader PDF 15 is one of the best OCR software options that convert paper documents and PDFs into editable and searchable digital files.
With FineReader PDF 15, you can easily convert scanned documents, PDFs, and digital photos into editable and searchable formats such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others.
Key Features:
- Advanced OCR technology: Converts scanned images and PDFs.
- Document comparison and editing tools: For creating, reviewing, and editing PDFs.
- PDF File or form recognition and filling capabilities: For easy form completion.
- Batch processing capabilities: For converting large volumes of documents quickly.
- Collaboration and sharing tools: For easy document collaboration and sharing.
Pros:
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Advanced document editing tools that allow for seamless PDF editing and creation.
- Comprehensive language support with recognition for over 200 languages.
- Integration with various cloud services for easy document sharing and storage.
- User-friendly interface and intuitive design for easy use.
Pricing:
- Free: Free trial available.
- FineReader PDF Standard for Windows: $99 (If billed annually)
- FineReader PDF Corporate for Windows: $165 (If billed annually)
- FineReader PDF for Mac: $69 (1-year license)
2. OmniPage Ultimate
OmniPage Ultimate is OCR software developed by Kofax. It allows users to convert paper documents, PDFs, and images into editable and searchable digital files while maintaining the original formatting and layout.
Key Features:
- Accurate OCR Technology: OmniPage Ultimate uses advanced OCR technology to accurately recognize and convert text from scanned documents, PDFs, and images while maintaining the original formatting.
- Document Conversion: OmniPage Ultimate can convert documents into various formats, including Word, Excel, PDF, and more, making it easy for users to share and collaborate on documents with others.
- Automatic Document Recognition: OmniPage Ultimate can automatically recognize and process different types of documents, including invoices, receipts, and business cards, saving users time and improving efficiency.
- Batch Processing: OmniPage Ultimate can process multiple documents at once, allowing users to save time and improve productivity.
- Integration with Cloud Services: OmniPage Ultimate can integrate with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, allowing users to access and share their converted documents easily.
Pros:
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Comprehensive language support for recognition of a wide range of languages.
- Advanced document editing and formatting tools for creating and editing PDFs.
- Customizable workflows and automation capabilities for streamlining document management.
- Intuitive user interface and easy-to-use design.
Pricing:
- Free: Free trial available.
- OmniPage Ultimate19.2: $499 (Compatible with Windows. It is not compatible with Mac)
3. Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a software application developed by Adobe Inc. that enables users to create, edit, sign, and distribute PDF documents.
It is a comprehensive PDF editor and management tool with a range of document processing and collaboration features.
Key Features:
- PDF Editing: Acrobat Pro DC allows users to edit text and images in PDF documents, add or remove pages, and modify the layout and formatting.
- Document Conversion: Acrobat Pro DC can convert documents into PDF format, as well as convert PDFs into various formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Electronic Signatures: Acrobat Pro DC allows users to electronically sign and send documents for signature, making it easy to sign documents securely anywhere.
- Document Security: Acrobat Pro DC provides advanced security features, including password protection, encryption, and redaction, ensuring that sensitive information is kept secure.
- Integration with Adobe Document Cloud: Acrobat Pro DC integrates with Adobe Document Cloud, allowing users to access and share documents from anywhere and on any device.
- Collaboration: Acrobat Pro DC allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document in real-time, making it easy to work together on projects and share ideas.
Pros:
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Advanced document editing and formatting tools for creating and editing PDFs.
- Integration with other Adobe software for a seamless workflow.
- Integration with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
- User-friendly interface and easy-to-use design.
Pricing:
- Free: Free trial available.
- Acrobat Standard: $12.99 per month.
- Acrobat Pro: $19.99 per month.
4. Nanonets
Nanonets is an OCR software option for 2023 that offers advanced AI-powered OCR technology for accurate text recognition and extraction from scanned images, PDF files, and other documents.
In addition, Its no-code platform and pre-built models make it a versatile tool for businesses and individuals across various industries.
Key Features:
- Advanced deep learning technology: For high-accuracy text recognition and extraction.
- Comprehensive language support: Recognizes over 80 languages.
- Real-time processing and fast conversion speeds.
- Automated data extraction and analysis capabilities: For streamlined workflows.
- Customizable training models: For specific business needs.
- Custom model creation: Features excellent drag-and-drop interface.
Pros:
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Advanced AI-powered OCR technology for accurate text recognition and extraction.
- Automated data extraction and analysis for streamlined workflows.
- Customizable training models for specific business needs.
- Secure cloud storage and integration with other cloud services.
Pricing:
- Starter: $0 (Free).
- Pro: $0.1 per page.
- Enterprise: Customized Pricing (Available on request).
5. Readiris
Readiris is an optical character recognition (OCR) software developed by I.R.I.S. It allows users to convert physical documents, images, and PDFs into editable digital files, offering a wide range of features and capabilities to manage digital documentation efficiently.
Key Features:
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Technology: Readiris uses advanced OCR technology to accurately convert scanned images, PDFs, and other document files into editable and searchable text.
- Document Conversion: Readiris can convert documents into various formats, including Word, Excel, PDF, and more, making it easy for users to share and collaborate on documents with others.
- Automatic Document Recognition: Readiris can automatically recognize and process different types of documents, including invoices, receipts, and business cards, saving users time and improving efficiency.
- Multi-Language Recognition: Readiris supports over 130 languages, making it easy for users to convert and process documents in different languages.
- Image Enhancement: Readiris can enhance images by adjusting brightness, contrast, and other settings, improving OCR accuracy and document quality.
- Document Editing: Readiris allows users to edit and modify text, images, and tables within the converted documents, making it easy to customize and refine documents as needed.
Pros:
- Readiris can process multiple documents simultaneously, saving users time and improving productivity.
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Affordable pricing options for both individuals and businesses.
- Advanced document editing tools for creating and editing PDFs.
- Easy to use interface and intuitive design.
Pricing:
- Free: Free trial available.
- Readiris Pro 17: $99 (Available for both Windows and Mac)
- Readiris Corporate 17: $199 (Available for both Windows and Mac)
6. Rossum
Rossum is an artificial intelligence (AI) software company that provides a cloud-based OCR software option for intelligent document processing.
It offers advanced machine-learning technology for high-accuracy text recognition and data extraction from scanned documents, invoices, and receipts.
Key Features:
- AI-powered data extraction: Rossum uses AI and machine learning algorithms to extract data accurately and efficiently from various types of documents, including invoices, receipts, and purchase orders.
- Automated document processing: Rossum automates the document processing workflow, reducing the time and effort required to extract data from documents.
- Integration with other software tools: Rossum integrates with other software tools like ERP and CRM systems, making it easy to manage and process data across multiple platforms.
- Real-time data validation: Rossum validates extracted data in real-time, ensuring it is accurate and complete before processing.
- Customizable data extraction: Rossum can be customized to extract specific data fields from documents, making it easy to tailor the software to meet specific business needs.
- Data visualization: Rossum visualizes extracted data, making it easy to analyze and understand document data at a glance.
Pros:
- High accuracy and fast conversion speeds.
- Comprehensive language support for recognition of a wide range of languages.
- Real-time data validation and error correction.
- Customizable workflows for specific business needs.
- Secure cloud storage and integration with other cloud services.
Pricing:
- Based on the quote (Available on request).
7. Docparser
Docparser is a document processing software that uses AI and machine learning to extract data from PDFs, scanned documents, and other types of digital files.
Docparser is designed to automate manual data entry tasks and streamline document processing workflows.
Key Features:
- Automated data extraction: Docparser uses advanced OCR and machine learning algorithms to automatically extract data from documents and convert it into structured data.
- Customizable data extraction: Docparser allows users to customize the extraction process to extract specific data fields from documents, making it easy to tailor the software to meet specific business needs.
- Integration with other software tools: Docparser integrates with other software tools like Zapier, Salesforce, and Hubspot, making it easy to manage and process data across multiple platforms.
- Flexible output formats: Docparser supports multiple output formats, including CSV, Excel, and JSON, making it easy to use the extracted data in various applications.
- Automated workflows: Docparser offers a range of workflow automation features, including email parsing, webhook support, and automated file uploads, making it easy to manage large volumes of documents.
Pros:
- Accurate text recognition and data extraction from PDF documents.
- Customizable parsing rules for specific data fields.
- Integration with other cloud services for easy data processing and management.
- Secure cloud storage and data protection.
Pricing:
- Starter: $32.50 per month (If billed annually)
- Professional: $61.50 per month (If billed annually)
- Business: $133 per month (If billed annually)
- Enterprise: Customized Pricing (Available on request).
8. Google Docs
Google Docs is a cloud-based word-processing application developed by Google. It allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents online in real-time.
Google Docs is part of the Google Drive suite of online productivity tools, including Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration: Google Docs allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document in real-time, making it easy to work together on projects and share ideas.
- Cloud-based storage: Google Docs stores documents in the cloud, making it easy to access and share documents from anywhere and on any device.
- Compatibility with other file formats: Google Docs supports a range of file formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it easy to import and export documents from other applications.
- Version control: Google Docs provides version control features, making it easy to track changes and revert to previous versions of a document.
- Add-ons and extensions: Google Docs supports a range of add-ons and extensions, allowing users to customize the software to meet specific business needs.
- Offline access: Google Docs allows users to work on documents offline and sync changes automatically when an internet connection is available.
Pros:
- With a Google account, you can use it for free.
- It’s simple to use and integrates well with other Google Workspace tools.
- Cloud-based storage for easy access and sharing of documents.
- Real-time collaboration features for easy collaboration among multiple users.
- Compatibility with multiple file formats, including Microsoft Word and PDFs.
Pricing:
- For Personal Use: Free
- Business Standard: $12 per month.
9. OnlineOCR
OnlineOCR is a web-based Optical Character Recognition (OCR) service that allows users to convert scanned documents and images into editable and searchable text.
It supports a wide range of input formats, including PDF, JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and GIF, and can recognize text in multiple languages.
Key Features:
- Support Multiple languages: Accurate text recognition in over 40 languages.
- Batch processing capabilities: For large volumes of documents.
- Multiple output formats: Including editable text, Microsoft Word, and PDFs.
- Integration with cloud storage services: Including Dropbox and Google Drive.
- Supports multiple file formats: Including JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF, and TIF.
- User-friendly interface: Offers easy navigation and document processing.
Pros:
- Free to use with a limit of 15 pages per hour.
- Accurate text recognition for over 40 languages.
- Batch processing capabilities for large volumes of documents.
- Multiple output formats for easy data processing and management.
- Integration with cloud storage services for easy access and sharing of documents.
Pricing:
- Free mode: $0 (15 pages/hour)
- Prepaid Packages: $7.95 for 100 pages
- Monthly Subscription: $29.95/month for 100 pages
- Note: Price varies based on the number of pages
10. Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking application developed by Microsoft. It is designed to help users capture and organize notes, ideas, and information flexibly and intuitively.
OneNote allows users to create notes in various formats, including text, images, audio, and video.
Key Features:
- Note creation: Users can create notes with text, images, audio, and video.
- Note organization: Notes can be organized in notebooks, sections, and pages
- Tagging: Users can tag notes with keywords to help organize and find them later.
- To-do lists: Users can create to-do lists and set reminders track.
- Integration with Microsoft Office: OneNote integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word, and Excel, allowing users to easily insert notes into other documents and share notes with colleagues.
Pros:
- Multiple platform availability: OneNote is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can be accessed online through the OneNote web app.
- Cross-device syncing: Notes can sync across devices so users can access their notes from anywhere.
- Collaboration: OneNote allows for easy collaboration, as multiple users can simultaneously work on the same notebook.
- Audio and video recording: OneNote allows users to record audio or video and attach it to their notes.
- Customization: Users can customize the appearance of their notes, such as changing the background color or font style.
Pricing:
- Offers free trial
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99 per month (If billed monthly)
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99 per month (If billed monthly)
11. Amazon Textract
Amazon Textract is a cloud-based Optical Character Recognition (OCR) service developed by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to automatically extract text and data from scanned documents, PDFs, and images using machine learning.
Key Features:
- Automatic text and data extraction: Amazon Textract uses machine learning to automatically extract text and data from scanned documents, PDFs, and images.
- Multi-language support: Textract can recognize text in multiple languages.
- Data identification and extraction: Textract can identify and extract various types of data, including tables, forms, and key-value pairs.
- Document type identification: Textract can automatically identify different types of documents, such as invoices and receipts.
- AWS integration: Textract integrates with other AWS services, such as Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, and Amazon Glue, to provide a complete document processing solution.
- Customization: Users can customize Textract to recognize specific types of data or document formats.
- Security: Amazon Textract is a secure service that is compliant with various industry standards and regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing: Textract is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis with no upfront costs or long-term commitments.
Pros:
- Easy integration: Extracted data can be easily integrated into other applications or business systems.
- Scalability: Amazon Textract is designed to handle large volumes of documents and images, making it highly scalable.
- High-accuracy text and data extraction using advanced machine learning algorithms.
- Wide range of document formats and languages supported.
- Ability to recognize and extract data from tables and forms.
- Integration with other Amazon Web Services.
- Secure data processing and encryption to protect sensitive information.
Pricing:
- Customized Pricing (Request a quote).
With Amazon Textract, you only pay for what you use, with charges based on the number of processed pages, and there are no minimum fees or upfront commitments.
12. Easy Screen OCR
Easy Screen OCR is a desktop-based Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software that allows users to capture and convert text from screenshots, images, and PDF files.
It is available for Windows and Mac operating systems and is designed for personal and small business use.
Key Features:
- OCR capabilities: Easy Screen OCR can capture and convert text from screenshots, images, and PDF files.
- Multiple language support: Easy Screen OCR supports text recognition in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and more.
- Output formats: Easy Screen OCR supports a range of output formats, including Word, Excel, and plain text, making it easy to save and use OCR results in different applications.
- User-friendly interface: Easy Screen OCR has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to capture and convert text from screenshots, images, and PDF files.
- Quick text capture: Easy Screen OCR allows users to capture and convert text quickly and efficiently, making it a valuable tool for users who need to extract text from documents frequently.
- Customizable settings: Easy Screen OCR includes customizable settings allowing users to adjust OCR settings and output options to suit their needs.
Pros:
- Ease of use: Easy Screen OCR has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to capture and convert text from screenshots, images, and PDF files.
- Multiple language support: Easy Screen OCR supports text recognition in multiple languages, making it a versatile tool for users who work with documents in different languages.
- Quick text capture: Easy Screen OCR allows users to capture and convert text quickly and efficiently, making it a valuable tool for users who need to extract text from documents frequently.
- Image editing tools: Easy Screen OCR includes image editing tools that allow users to crop, rotate, and adjust the brightness and contrast of images, improving the accuracy of text recognition.
Pricing:
- Life-Time: $15 (For Windows), $19 (For Mac)
- Half-Yearly: $29 (Both Windows and Mac)
- Yearly: $49 (Both Windows and Mac)
13. LightPDF
LightPDF is a web-based PDF management tool that allows users to convert, edit, merge, split, compress, and protect PDF files.
It also offers OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to convert scanned PDFs into editable documents.
Key Features:
- PDF conversion: LightPDF supports the conversion of PDF files to other formats such as Word, Excel, PPT, JPG, and PNG, and vice versa.
- PDF editing: Users can edit PDF files by adding or deleting text, images, and links and changing the font and color of the text.
- PDF merging and splitting: Users can merge multiple PDF files into one document or split a single PDF into multiple files.
- PDF compression: LightPDF can compress PDF files to reduce their file size without compromising their quality.
- PDF protection: Users can add passwords and watermarks to their PDF files to protect them from unauthorized access.
Pros:
- No software download is required, as it is a web-based service that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
- Simple and user-friendly interface with drag and drop functionality.
- Batch processing capabilities to convert multiple documents simultaneously.
- High-accuracy text recognition and document layout preservation.
- Secure document processing with SSL encryption.
Pricing:
Free version available (Only for Web app)
For Personal use
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free: $99.90
- Billed Annually: $59.90
- Billed Monthly: $19.90
Business
- 2 Years: $129.90
- 1 year: $79.95
Features to consider when choosing OCR Software
When choosing an OCR software, here are some features to consider:
- Accuracy: The accuracy of the OCR software is crucial as it directly affects the quality of the text output. Look for software that offers high accuracy, particularly for the documents you will be scanning.
- Language support: If you need to scan documents in different languages, ensure the OCR software supports those languages. Some software may support only a few languages, while others may support a wide range of languages.
- Output formats: Check the output formats supported by the OCR software. Ideally, the software should support popular formats like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF, among others.
- Batch processing: If you have a large number of documents to scan, look for software that offers batch processing. This feature allows you to scan multiple documents simultaneously, saving time and effort.
- Integration: If you plan to integrate the OCR software with other applications, check whether the software supports integration with other applications, such as document management systems or cloud storage platforms.
- User interface: Choose software with a user-friendly interface, as this will make it easier for you to use the software effectively.
- Price: OCR software can be expensive, so consider your budget and look for software that offers the features you need at a reasonable price.
Selecting the Best OCR Software for your Business
When it comes to selecting the right OCR software for your company, below are a few important factors to consider.
- Accuracy of the software in recognizing and translating text.
- Ability to handle various file types and languages.
- Compatibility with your current hardware and software systems.
- The total cost of ownership.
- The ease of use.
Executive Summary
In conclusion, OCR software has become an invaluable tool for businesses, organizations, departments, and individuals in many industries.
By being able to automatically extract data and quickly convert scanned documents or images into editable text and searchable PDFs, the time-saving advantages offered by the various types of OCR is highly remarkable.
We have provided a comprehensive breakdown of the 17 best OCR software of 2023 so you can make an informed decision when selecting your OCR software.
Furthermore, our tips for choosing the best OCR software will help ensure that you select a service that fulfills all your needs.
