Best Tools to Take Text from Image [2025]

Back when I was prepping a document with quotes from screenshots, I realized how frustrating it is to retype every single word manually. I thought there had to be an easier way to take text from image, so I started digging. Some tools gave messy results, others were just confusing to use. But a few actually worked well enough that I kept using them. So if you’ve ever needed to extract text from a picture, whether for work, class, or just organizing info, this guide has you covered. I’ll show you how to take text from image using tools that are free, easy, and efficient.

3 Best Tools to Take Text from Image

When I first started looking for tools to take text from picture files I was surprised by how many options either over complicated the process or gave messy results. What I needed was something simple just upload an image and copy the text. After trying a bunch of tools I finally found a few that are actually worth using. In this section I’ll walk you through the best ones that helped me save time without sacrificing accuracy.

1. OCRSpace

OCRSpace is one of the easiest tools to get text from an image without needing to install or sign up for anything. You just upload your photo, screenshot, or scanned PDF, select your language, and click Start OCR. In a few seconds it extracts the text for you to copy or download. It works well with clean scans, supports multiple languages, and even lets you upload multi-page PDFs. However it does have a few limitations. Files must be under 5MB and results can be less accurate with low quality images or handwritten text. Still, for a quick and free option it’s one of the most reliable OCR tools available online.

Features:

• Browser-Based OCR: Works entirely online so you can convert images or PDFs on any device

• Multi-Language Support: Recognizes over 100 languages, including mixed-language documents

• Table & Layout Detection: Optional settings preserve simple table formatting and alignment

• Batch & PDF Support: Upload multi-page PDFs or ZIP files of images to process in one go

• Free REST API: Automate large-scale conversions with generous quotas

Pros:

• No download or account required

• Fast processing and simple to use

• Accurate OCR with good-quality scans

• API available for developers and bulk tasks

• Offers outputs in plain text, searchable PDFs, or JSON

Cons:

• Upload size limited to 5MB per file on the free plan

• Handwritten or blurry images reduce accuracy

• Doesn’t preserve font or style formatting

• Slightly slower with large or multi-page uploads

• Some minor banner ads on the page

How to Use OCRspace:

If you’re wondering how to extract text from image using OCRSpace, here’s exactly how to do it in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Open OCRSpace in your browser

Step 2: Click “Choose File” and upload the image that contains the text you want to extract.

Step 3: Scroll down and you’ll see the Language option. Select the language from the dropdown menu so the tool can better recognize and extract your text accurately.

Step 4: Scroll down and click the blue “Start OCR!” button to begin the extraction process. It takes just a few seconds to process your file.

Step 5: Review the extracted text that appears below the button. If it looks good, copy and paste it wherever you need.

2. Extract Text from Image

Extract Text from Image turns text from a picture into editable words in just a couple of clicks. Upload any JPG, PNG, or PDF, pick the language, and hit Convert. The OCR engine delivers your text almost instantly. It works straight from your browser, supports more than 30 languages, and lets you download results as TXT, DOCX, or JSON. Keep in mind that the free tier limits you to five images per hour and files under 10 MB, and as with most OCR tools, accuracy drops when images are blurry or contain elaborate fonts. Still, for quick everyday jobs it’s a handy option you can open and use without signing up.

Features:

• Browser‑based workflow: upload, convert, and download without installing anything

• Multi‑language support: recognizes over 30 languages in a single upload

• Multiple output formats: save results as plain text, Word, or JSON for developers

• Batch mode: convert up to five images at once on the paid plan

• Simple privacy controls: files auto‑delete after two hours

Pros:

• No account required for basic use

• Fast conversion speed on standard images

• Clean interface with drag‑and‑drop support

• Flexible export formats for writers and coders

• Optional API for automated OCR projects

Cons:

• Free tier capped at five images per hour and 10 MB per file

• Accuracy falls with low‑resolution or stylized fonts

• No built‑in image cleanup tools (e.g., deskew or denoise)

• Batch processing and higher limits locked behind a paid plan

How to Use Extract Text from Image:

If you’re wondering how to extract text from an image using Extract Text from Image, the steps are super simple and beginner-friendly. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Head over to the Extract Text from Image website using your browser.

Step 2: Click the “Browse File” button on the homepage of Extract Text from Image and upload the image that contains the text you want to extract.

Step 3: Click the “Extract Text” button to start processing your image. The tool will scan and convert the content into editable text instantly.

Step 4: Now that your text is extracted, simply click the copy symbol on the top right to save it for your use.

3. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a premium tool best known for handling PDFs, but it also includes powerful OCR features that turn a picture into text with surprising accuracy. You can scan a printed page or import an image-based PDF, and Acrobat will convert the content into searchable, editable text right within the file. It supports multiple languages, advanced layout detection, and keeps your formatting mostly intact.

What sets it apart is how smoothly it fits into professional workflows. You can annotate, comment, export, or even combine your newly extracted text into a polished PDF report. That said, Acrobat Pro DC isn’t a free tool. You’ll get a 7-day trial, but after that, it requires a subscription. It also leans more toward users who are already familiar with Adobe’s ecosystem, so the learning curve may be a bit steep if you’re just starting out.

Features:

• OCR Built-In: Automatically detects scanned documents and pictures to convert into editable text.

• PDF to Word and More: Export your image-based files into DOCX, TXT, or RTF formats.

• Multi-Language Support: Recognizes dozens of languages accurately.

• Preserves Layout and Formatting: Keeps the structure of your original file intact as much as possible.

• Cloud Integration: Works seamlessly with Adobe Cloud so you can save and access from anywhere.

• Batch Processing: Extracts text from multiple pages or images in one go.

Pros:

• Industry-standard tool with powerful OCR

• Great for business or professional use

• Preserves formatting better than most tools

• Combines OCR with PDF editing, sharing, and exporting

• Reliable and secure with frequent updates

Cons:

• Free trial only lasts 7 days

• Requires a paid subscription after trial

• Heavier interface, not ideal for quick or one-time users

• Might feel complex if you’re just looking for a simple text extraction

How to Use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:

If you’re using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and wondering how to extract text from an image, here’s a quick guide to walk you through it. It’s especially handy if you already work with PDFs or scanned documents regularly.

Step 1: Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and click “Start Free Trial” or “Demo Acrobat” to try it without paying upfront.

Step 3: Once it's opened, click on “Select files” and upload the image or scanned PDF you want to pull text from.

Step 4: Once your document is uploaded and processed, the text will be automatically extracted. You can simply copy and paste it or even edit it.

Comparison of the Above 3 Tools

At one point I had a whole folder of screenshots filled with important notes but zero patience to type them out. That’s when I started testing different tools to figure out which one actually made extracting text easy without eating up my whole afternoon. To save you from the same trial and error, I’ve compared the top three tools side by side so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.

If you just want something simple that gets the job done without making you jump through hoops, Extract Text From Image is the way to go. OCR.Space works well too, especially if you want more language options or need to upload PDFs. But if you’re someone who needs high-quality control and features like editing and document management then Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is hard to beat as long as you don’t mind the price tag. Whether it’s for school work or professional tasks these tools make grabbing text from images a whole lot easier.

Toolsmart AI: A Multifunctional Tool

By the time I tested a few OCR tools to take text from images, I realized I needed more than just extraction. Sometimes I’d pull text from a photo and immediately want to polish it, rewrite it, or turn it into a clean PDF or Word file. That’s where Toolsmart AI fits in perfectly. It’s not just for one task. It combines multiple functions like AI-powered writing, file conversion, and even video downloads, all in one clean interface.

What really stood out to me was how easily I could use its AI writing assistant or format converters after extracting raw text. If you're organizing content, creating presentations, or just trying to clean up messy image text, Toolsmart becomes more than just a backup. It actually becomes part of your everyday workflow.

Features:

• AI Writing Assistant: Helps you write better and faster with rewriting, summarizing, and content polishing tools

• Format Conversion: Lets you switch between PDF, Word, Excel, and PPT effortlessly

• Video Downloader: Downloads videos from YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter without needing an extra app

• One-Click Use: No installation or complicated steps

• More Handy Tools: Image editing, background removal, OCR and more built-in features

Pros:

• Covers a lot in one place from writing help to file and media tools

• Makes content creation smoother with its AI-powered writing options

• Saves time with fast format conversions that don’t mess up the layout

• Video downloads work quickly and support multiple platforms

• Keeps adding useful tools so there’s always something new to try

Cons:

• Some tools may lag a little when traffic is high

• You need to explore a bit to find all the features since it’s packed with so many functions

How to Use Toolsmart AI:

Toolsmart’s Rewording Tool is one of my go-tos when I want to upgrade a basic sentence into something more polished. It rewords any text instantly to make it better, clearer, and still keeps the original meaning intact. That makes it perfect for transforming simple sentences into more complex ones.

Step 1: Open Toolsmart’s Rewording Tool in your browser.

Step 2: Paste your text into the box where it says “To rewrite text, enter or paste it here”

Step 3: Choose a tone from the options above. If you want your sentence to sound more advanced go with Formal.

Step 4: Click the “Rewrite” button. Toolsmart will instantly generate a more refined and structured version of your text.

Step 5: Review the output. If it sounds right, just click the copy icon and save it for your work.

FAQs

1. Is OCRSpace safe and legal to use?

Yes, it is. I’ve used it myself and never had any issues. OCRspace has a solid reputation when it comes to privacy and security. It doesn’t ask you to sign up or collect personal info, which makes it both safe and easy to use for everyday text extraction tasks.

2. What are the limitations of the text extraction feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC when dealing with images?

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC works well most of the time, but it can hit a few roadblocks. If your image is blurry, has complex layouts, or includes unusual fonts or handwriting, the tool might struggle a bit. In those cases, you may need to go back in and fix things manually to get everything just right.

3. Can I improve the accuracy of text extraction from images in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC?

Absolutely. Start with a high-quality image and try using the built-in image cleanup features like Deskew or Despeckle before running the OCR. You can also boost accuracy by setting the correct language and font preferences. If you take a little time to correct mistakes as you go, the tool will adapt and perform even better in the future.

4. Are all the functions of Toolsmart free?

Yes, and that’s what makes it such a go-to for me. Every feature on Toolsmart is free to use with no sign-up required. You can jump right in and start using tools for writing, converting, downloading, or enhancing images without hitting any paywalls.

5. Can Toolsmart help me with AI writing?

Yes, and not just basic writing either. It helps you rewrite, polish, or reword text in different tones depending on what you need. Whether you’re trying to make something sound more professional or just want smoother phrasing, Toolsmart gives you that flexibility without making things complicated.

Best Picks for Easy Image Text Extraction

If you’ve ever had to retype text from an image, you know how frustrating it can get. Whether you're organizing notes, pulling quotes from screenshots, or working on a project that needs quick conversions, the right tools can save you serious time. In this guide, we explored the easiest ways to take text from image using reliable, free tools that actually work.

And if you want something that goes beyond basic OCR, Toolsmart AI offers more than just text extraction. From rewording your extracted text to AI-powered polishing and format conversions, it has become my go-to for editing and content tasks. Simple, free, and no sign-up needed, it’s one of those tools that just makes everything easier.