3 Ways to Convert PDF Image to Text (Free Solutions Included)

A PDF image is the file that captures all the PDF elements as an electronic image, which is often generated when we scan documents, so we also refer as scanned PDF file. A PDF image is not editable and searchable, but what if we need to modify or extract text from a scanned PDF for different purposes? Then you will have to convert the PDF image to Text with OCR technology. In the following parts, 3 ways to convert PDF image to Text will be introduced.

There are numerous PDF OCR software designed to fix the “PDF Image to Text” problem, but to obtain the best OCR results, we need the help of an OCR expert. 

Using Cisdem PDF Converter OCR

To convert PDF Image to Text, the conversion quality is always the top concern from users, as people are tired of missing content, OCR errors and messy format.

But the OCR expert, Cisdem PDF Converter OCR can eradicate all these troubles.

As the highly recommended PDF OCR Software, Cisdem PDF Converter OCR can:

• Bring accurate OCR outcome
• Convert any PDFs(native or scanned) and images to Text
• Maintain the original PDF image file quality(resolution, data intactness, format, etc)
• Support exporting PDF image as 15+ output formats
• Support different language
• Batch process OCR
• Specify pages or page range to do OCR
• Do OCR fast
• Extended features: Create PDF from other documents, and merge PDF

Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.14 or later

Let’s Convert PDF Image to Text with PDF OCR Software for Mac or Windows!

1. Import PDF image(s) into the program.Once you have downloaded and installed the program on your mac, run it and drag&drop to add single or multiple pdf images into the interface.
2. Prepare OCR on PDF image. Download the OCR module when you upload scanned files.
3. Choose page range and output folder. Then select the output format as DOCX/DOX/TXT or other editable formats.
4. Choose the file languages in OCR setting for high-qulity conversion.
5. Convert PDF Image to Text on mac/windows. Click “Convert” to get the PDF image in Text format. You will be able to edit the scanned document instantly.

Using Iris OCR

There are more choices if you want to convert pdf image to text on Windows, but here we only pick the best for you: Readiris Iris.

Iris is the world leader to offer OCR solutions, its iris OCR has won large recognition from users with its excellent and powerful OCR engine to work accurately on scanned documents. Readiris helps to:

• Convert any PDFs and Images into 12 output formats
• Maintain the original file quality during the conversion
• Create indexed PDFs from Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Support 130 languages
• Manage PDF: Protect, compress, merge , sign and organize pdf pages
• Edit PDF within the program

Let’s Convert PDF Image to Text with Readiris!

1. Drag and drop the PDF file into the program, click “Insert” to import.
2. Go to output menu, choose “Other”> “Text”, also select the output folder.
3. Once the PDF image to Text conversion finishes, save the text file or rename it.

There still are Web-based Free OCR Service Available

In the case that you are not converting pdf image to text frequently, you can turn to web-based free OCR service, which is free and easy to use.

Online2pdf, is an online PDF converter allowing users to convert native and scanned PDFs into Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, OpenOffice, Images, XPS and searchable PDF. In addition, it enables you to edit, unlock, merge PDFs.

1. Upload the file into the program. Once the program detect the uploaded file is scanned PDF image, the OCR function will be available.
2. Choose the Mode, Output format and language.
3. Click “Convert” to convert PDF image to text online free. Once the conversion is successfully processed, the Text file will be automatically downloaded to your computer, save it to your destination folder.

What about you?

Web-based free OCR service is attractive to everyone, however, in light of the potential risk of information leakage on these web servers, we’d better take a second thought before using free OCR services. If you decide to turn to an OCR expert, which one do you pick to convert PDF image to text?