How to convert an image to text with online OCR tools?

UPDATED: May 27, 2025

Converting scanned handwritten images to text is an invaluable skill, enabling seamless data management, enhanced accessibility, and efficient information retrieval. Online OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools facilitate this process, transforming scanned images into editable and searchable digital text formats. Among these tools, Pen to Print stands out with its versatile image to text conversion capabilities. Whether you need plain text, a searchable PDF, or a richly formatted Word document, Pen to Print provides user-friendly image to text online OCR solutions tailored to diverse requirements.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Scan the handwritten notes to an image or pdf file.
   The conversion process begins with scanning your handwritten notes into an image (such as PNG or JPEG) or PDF file. Ensure the scan is clear and legible to improve text recognition accuracy. Ensure that the scanned images are well-aligned and free from any shadows or distortions to achieve the best OCR results.
2. Choose the Online OCR Tool According to Your Needs.
   Pen to Print offers a suite of image to text conversion tools designed for different use cases:

   Handwriting OCR Converter: Ideal for converting simple handwritten notes into plain text or a Word file.

   Document AI Formatter:Best for notes with unique layouts and styles, capturing elements such as titles, bullet points, and bold text, ensuring preservation of the document's original format, layout and style.

   Searchable PDF Maker:Suitable for storing the original scanned image while making its content easily accessible and searchable.

   Math Converter:Specifically for converting scanned handwritten mathematical expressions, equations, and formulas into digital formats.

   Tables & Forms Digitizer:Transforms scanned handwritten tables and charts into Excel or Word formats.

   Form Data Processor:Extracts data from hand-filled forms to Word and Excel documents.

   Handwriting OCR Converter

   Document AI Formatter

   Searchable PDF Maker

   Math Converter

   Tables & Forms Digitizer

   Form Data Processor
   Choosing the right tool ensures that the output meets your specific needs, whether for basic text conversion or preserving complex document formats.
3. Drag and drop the scanned image into the input box and convert.
   Upload or drag and drop the scanned image (png, jpg, jpeg, or pdf) into the designated area. Upload up to 50 images at each session and continue to convert the image to text.
4. Review the text vs. the scanned image.
   Once the conversion is complete, review the digital text against the original scanned image. This step is recommended for verifying accuracy, as OCR technology may occasionally misinterpret unclear handwriting or intricate formats. A thorough review ensures fidelity and completeness.
5. Make corrections, if needed.
   If you notice any mistakes or inaccuracies during your review, make necessary corrections to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the converted text.
6. Choose the Format for Download
   Choose the format you wish to download the text to: txt, docx, pdf, xlsx, csv, tex, or just copy it to your clipboard and download.

Converting image to text using Pen to Print's online OCR tools offers a straightforward and effective solution for digitizing handwritten content. By following the detailed steps and selecting the right tool for the task, users can convert image to text efficiently, tailored to specific requirements from simple notes to complex document layouts.

It has never been easier to convert different kinds of image to text, just choose the tools that best suit your needs, upload an image, convert it to text, and download in the format that works best for you.