How to Easily Issue Invoices & Quotes with Mojikoshi-san! Bank Transfer Supported
7 Best OCR Apps to Extract Text from Images, PDFs & Photos
June 7, 2025
Transcribing text from images or PDFs is such a hassle...
Anyone who has ever tried to convert images, PDFs, books, or printed materials into digital text probably knows this feeling well.
In an era where paperless initiatives are increasingly common, and most work is done on computers, paper documents that haven't been digitized (converted to text) are difficult to manage and utilize.
That's why the task of transcribing text from image files and PDFs into digital text data becomes necessary.
However, if there's a lot of text or many images, it's simply impossible to do it manually!
I wonder if there's an app that can automatically read text from images and convert it into digital data...
Such a convenient app... of course, it exists!
This time, we'll introduce a selection of recommended image and PDF transcription apps equipped with automatic text recognition (OCR) features, categorized by type!
We'll also explain the specific steps for converting images, PDFs, books, and printed materials into text using OCR, as well as techniques to further leverage image transcription (text recognition) apps. By reading this article, you'll not only save time on unnecessary tasks but also significantly boost your work efficiency.
With the latest AI transcription services, even handwritten text, or foreign language books and printed materials that were difficult for previous OCR apps, can now be easily converted into text.
You can also extract text from photos.
Please read to the end.
Top 7 Recommended OCR Apps for Transcribing Images, PDFs, Books, and Printed Materials
Let's dive right into introducing apps (OCR apps) for transcribing images, PDFs, books, and printed materials!
Why not try converting text from images, PDFs, and photos with simple operations?
1. Mojiokoshi-san
This is an AI web app that automatically performs OCR transcription (text recognition) just by uploading a file!
Since it's an online service, a major advantage is that it can be used anywhere, regardless of device (PC/smartphone) or OS.
It's very easy to use; simply upload your image file from this page.
That's all it takes to recognize text from images, PDFs, and photos and convert them into digital text!
When you want to transcribe books or printed materials, just take a photo with your smartphone and upload it!
When you need "immediate transcription!" or "quick OCR!", we recommend trying Mojiokoshi-san first.
Mojiokoshi-san is available for free!
While Mojiokoshi-san is primarily a subscription-based paid app, you can use its OCR feature (text recognition) for free for up to 10 images per day!
Start by trying it for free here!
Try it for freeSupports Images, PDFs, Audio, and Video
Mojiokoshi-san is a versatile transcription web app that not only performs OCR (optical character recognition) from images, PDFs, and photos but also supports audio and video.
With the high performance unique to the latest AI, you can transcribe using convenient features such as:
- Multilingual support for 100 languages, including Japanese and English
- Instantly converts images to text, and even long audio files are transcribed in just 10 minutes
Furthermore, it can even read handwritten text, making it possible to digitize notes from your planner or memos.
You can also transcribe audio or video up to 3 minutes for free without registration or login.
If you want to transcribe (OCR) from images, PDFs, or photos, why not try 'Mojiokoshi-san' first?
2. Google Docs
This is an
easy OCR method for those who regularly use Google services.
To use it, simply open the file you want to transcribe with the app.
It has an
automatic content reading function, so you can quickly convert image content into text.
Text conversion from photos is also possible.
Once the text conversion is complete, the AI's text conversion result is displayed alongside the original image.
It supports over 200 languages, including Japanese and English, which is impressive for Google.
The accuracy is also quite high for a free tool.
It can also read handwritten text.
However, there is a file size limit of
2MB for uploads.
If you want to transcribe (textify) larger files using text recognition, you should use other web apps like Mojiokoshi-san.
3. Evernote
Evernote, famous for its note-taking app, also has a transcription feature.
In fact, images and PDF data uploaded to Evernote are automatically processed with OCR internally, allowing for text search within the image through character recognition.
By taking photos of books or printed materials and uploading them, you can use the feature to read text from photos.
However, you cannot extract only the text data (※), so it is recommended to
use it as a database for scanned documents.
※Strictly speaking, it is not impossible to extract OCRed text with some effort.
4. LINE Text Recognition: OCR
If you want to easily transcribe for free on your smartphone, the
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature built into LINE, which you probably use daily, is convenient.
In addition to reading text from photos taken with the built-in camera and converting them into text (digitizing), it also has a feature to
transcribe and textify images attached to chats (also available on the PC version).
It also has a translation function, so why not easily read English menus or signs when traveling abroad?
5. Microsoft Lens
If you use Word or Excel on your smartphone or tablet, installing this app is convenient.
In fact, the OCR scan function using the camera in this app is more advanced than LINE's.
You can choose modes such as
Photo, Document, Whiteboard, and Business Card, making it easy to digitize and textify books, printed materials, and photos.
It can automatically correct and read distorted images.
It can also integrate with Office apps, allowing you to transfer the scanned text data directly to Word or Excel, making it a convenient alternative to a scanner.
6. Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC, a high-performance PDF editing software, naturally includes an AI optical character recognition (OCR) tool.
As a professional-grade software, its accuracy is quite high, and you can even set it to automatically convert scanned images to text in conjunction with a scanner.
Since it's a relatively expensive software, purchasing it solely for transcribing images, books, or printed materials might not be practical. However, for those who regularly use Acrobat for work or subscribe to Adobe CC, it's convenient as there's no need to use a separate tool.
7. YomiTori Kakumei (読取革命)
This is a dedicated software specializing in OCR (character recognition) for books and printed materials.
Unlike general image and PDF editing software, its unique feature is its lower price, as its functionality is limited to OCR reading. Being a one-time purchase, it also simplifies cost calculation.
While its Japanese transcription accuracy is average, its English reading using ABBYY's OCR engine boasts considerably high recognition accuracy.
Although being an installed application means it cannot be used on multiple PCs or easily accessed from smartphones or browsers, the ability to use it offline can be a significant advantage depending on the usage scenario.
It's also recommended as an option for reading English books and printed materials.
Related Articles: Recommended AI Transcription Services
This article also introduces recommended AI transcription services.
If you're looking for transcription methods, please take a look!
"Free Options Available: 15 Recommended Voice Transcription Tools [AI/Web/App]"
Step-by-Step Guide to Transcribing Images and PDFs with OCR (3 Steps)
From here, using 'Mojiokoshi-san' as an example, we will explain the process of transcribing (recognizing characters and converting to text/documents) from images, PDFs, books, printed materials, and photos.
How to Transcribe Images, PDFs, Books, and Printed Materials with Mojiokoshi-san
Transcribing (converting to document, text) from images, PDFs, documents, printed materials, and photos using Mojiokoshi-san is very simple.
- Access Mojiokoshi-san
- Upload the image (or take a photo on the spot)
- Click the transcription button
Easy, isn't it?
You can read text with just these simple steps.
Let's explain each detailed method.
[Step 1] Access Mojiokoshi-san
Official Website: Mojiokoshi-san
First, access the Mojiokoshi-san website.
You can access it from anywhere via a browser on any internet-connected device, such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet.
[Step 2] Upload Image to Mojiokoshi-san (or Take a Photo on the Spot)
Upload the image you want to transcribe (e.g., screenshot, PDF).Note: If you want to transcribe books or printed materials (digitize text), take a photo with your smartphone or scan them beforehand. Scanning usually results in more accurate transcriptions. When transcribing from photos, be careful to avoid glare or overexposure on the paper's surface.
The key is to use the clearest possible image for transcription.
If the text is blurry, the image file is degraded, or if the handwriting is too idiosyncratic or difficult to read, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) may not accurately transcribe the text. Please be aware of this.
For Desktop Users
When uploading images from a computer, there are two methods:
- Drag and drop the image into the designated area.
- Click "Select Audio/Image" and upload the image.
Video Tutorial: How to Upload Images/PDFs from a Computer
For Smartphone/Tablet Users
On a smartphone screen, you can choose where to upload from.
If you want to transcribe from a photo taken on the spot, select "Camera." After taking the photo, press the OK button to upload.
To upload a file, select "Choose File" (iPhone) or "File" (Android) and then select the image or PDF file.
To upload multiple images:
- Long-press an image in the folder.
- Check the boxes to enable multiple selections.
- Select the necessary images and upload them.
Follow these steps.
Note: You cannot take multiple photos and upload them on the spot. Please ensure the photos are already in your folder before uploading.
Step 3: Click the Transcribe Button
Once you've selected the image, click the transcribe button.
Image analysis will begin, and within a few seconds to a few minutes, text recognition will occur, transcribing the content into text.
The transcribed text will appear in the text box.
You can edit it on the spot or save it as a text file or subtitle file.
Once transcribed, the data can be checked and edited anytime from your history (requires free membership registration).
This completes the process of transcribing and digitizing text from images, PDFs, books, printed materials, and photos.
It's incredibly convenient, so why not try Mojiokoshi-san when you need to convert images, PDFs, or photos into text?
Video Tutorial: Analysis to Transcription Completion Flow
Use Cases for Image/PDF Transcription Apps (Practical Applications)
I want to try a paid image-to-text OCR app, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to use it effectively...
For those of you with such concerns, we've compiled specific examples of situations where transcribing text from images, PDFs, books, and printed materials using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) can be helpful.
- Digitizing paper documents
- Automatically registering information from business cards and address books
- Saving memos and notes to your computer or smartphone
- Converting text from photos
- Digitizing self-scanned books
- OCR and translate English (foreign language) books
Roughly speaking, it's like this.
In any of these scenarios, by scanning and converting printed or handwritten documents into text, you can handle them much more conveniently.
Let's delve into each one in detail.
1. Digitizing Paper Documents
This is probably the most common use for OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
If you have paper documents created in the past accumulating in your warehouse or on your bookshelves, you should OCR them and convert them into digital data as soon as possible.
Paper documents are difficult to organize, and finding what you need is extremely challenging.
Beyond the worry of deterioration, there's also the possibility of losing them due to disasters or accidents.
In contrast, digital data is easy to manage.
If documents are digitized (text-converted), they are easy to search, and you can increase security according to the importance of the document.
It's a double win with convenience and the ability to back up, so why not digitize your paper books and printed materials using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality?
2. Automatically Registering Information from Business Cards and Address Books with OCR
Are you struggling with unorganized business cards piling up on your desk or in your drawers, making them unusable?
Simply having a large number of exchanged business cards is meaningless. To ensure they can be properly utilized in appropriate situations, make sure to digitize them thoroughly with OCR and create a database.
There are also smartphone apps that use OCR to recognize business card data scanned with a camera, automatically extracting names, company names, and job titles, and importing them into a management app. It might be worth trying them out.
3. Saving Memos and Notes to Your Computer or Smartphone with OCR Transcription
When quickly taking notes or organizing thoughts, paper memos and notebooks are still easier.
Many people still feel this way.
For such individuals, OCR transcription is highly recommended.
The contents of handwritten memos and notebooks can be digitized (text-converted) using a transcription service, allowing you to back them up on your computer or smartphone.
While simply taking a photo and saving it as an image is fine, transcribing the memo's content with OCR makes it even more convenient by enabling easy text search.
Latest AI Supports Transcription (Text Conversion) of Handwritten Text
The latest AI can accurately recognize handwritten text, so even hastily written notes are no problem.
However, there are various types of AI transcription services, so it's important to choose a service that excels at converting handwritten text.
In this regard, we recommend 'Mojiokoshi-san'.
'Mojiokoshi-san' offers audio transcription
This is a high-performance AI transcription service that can handle everything from casual handwriting to advanced OCR for English and other languages.
Even if it's a bit of a scribble, it can accurately convert it into digital text without mistakes.
If you're looking for a transcription service that supports transcribing handwritten text, why not try "Mojiokoshi-san" first?
4. Extracting Text from Photos
AI transcription services are also useful when you want to transcribe text from photos, such as signs explaining cultural assets or foreign language documents.
Previously, you had to manually type out text from photos, but with an AI transcription service, anyone can easily create digital text files from photos automatically.
It's also helpful for transcribing photos during international travel to translate maps or sign content.
5. Digitizing Self-Scanned Books
While e-books are becoming more common, there are still many books only available in print.
The process of scanning such paper books to create your own e-books is called "JISUI" (self-scanning). Some rental shops even offer "JISUI sets" that combine a paper cutter and a scanner.
If you're hesitant to cut up your precious books, you might want to try a camera-type document scanner that can OCR (optical character recognition) and read printed materials with the book open.
※Please note that self-scanned data should be for personal use only and should not be shared or published to third parties.
6. OCR and Translate English (Foreign Language) Books
You want to read books in foreign languages like English, but find them too difficult.
In such cases, it's highly recommended to use an AI transcription service to convert the text using OCR.
By scanning and transcribing books or printed materials written in English, you can easily translate them with AI translation services like DeepL.
Of course, besides English, you can easily read books and printed materials written in languages from all over the world, including Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and more.
When you want to OCR books or printed materials in English (or other foreign languages), it's best to choose an AI transcription service that excels at transcribing English (or foreign languages).
For example, "Mojiokoshi-san" supports transcription in 100 languages, including English.
When you want to easily read English books, why not try "Mojiokoshi-san"?
Summary of AI Transcription for Images, PDFs, Books, and Printed Materials
This time, we explained OCR transcription apps for images and PDFs, along with specific usage methods.
In today's increasingly digital world, the need to OCR and transcribe text from images and PDFs is growing daily.
While one or two pages might be manageable, manually entering data for 10 or 20 pages becomes incredibly time-consuming. As someone constantly busy with various tasks, you want to avoid unnecessary work as much as possible.
For those who "don't have time to transcribe themselves," there are options like hiring text conversion services from crowdsourcing sites or specialized transcription agencies, but both come with considerable costs.
If you prioritize a balance between cost and effort, the smart approach is to actively utilize AI transcription apps like those introduced here, and use them selectively based on your purpose!
Transcription and text conversion can now be entrusted to AI.
Let's increasingly free up our time by entrusting such simple tasks to convenient text recognition tools!
■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"
"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).
- Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
- Can be used from both PC and smartphone
- Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
- Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
- Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.
To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.
It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images.
Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free.
You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text.
You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.
HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com
|
Related article
Transcription for audio / video / image transcription. It is a transcription service that anyone can use for free without installation.
- What is Mr. Transcription?
- Transcript images, sounds, and videos with Mr. Transcription
- Free registration
- Rate plan
- manual
