Top 8 Best Free OCR Software for Windows and Mac

If you use PDF on daily activities, you've come across a PDF or image containing the text. It can be troublesome at times, as there are moments where we need to extract the text from the PDF/image. 

If the case mentioned just now happened to you, don't worry, as OCR software (optical character recognition) is here to save the day. Check out some of the best OCR software you can use to extract text from an image-type PDF! All you'll need to do is pick the most suitable one for you.

1. EaseUS PDF Editor

EaseUS is known for its long-standing reputation, having started in the industry in 2004, and EaseUS PDF Editor is one of their latest products.

This software did not fail to meet everyone's expectations. Users can edit PDF and images in any way possible, including extracting the text from the image. The OCR process is done as quickly as one, two, three, and the user does not need to wait for more than one minute to get their text. To make it even better, they have a free trial for those who want to test it out.

Overall, this Windows PDF editor is perfect for those who want to extract text as efficiently as possible. Anybody can master the software in less than five minutes, making it suitable for everybody.

Pros

• It offers lots of language for its OCR feature
• Lots of features to tweak PDF
• Compress, sign, rotate, crop, and split PDF files as you want

Cons

• Need to pay for the version without the watermark

Compatibility: Windows

Now download it to explore more useful and advanced editing tools!

2. TalkHelper PDF Converter

Although the software TalkHelper is one of the best PDF Converter, it also offers OCR as one of its built-in features.

TalkHelper PDF has features that allow its user to extract text from images or PDF and convert them to editable Excel or Word. There is no need to worry about the language, as the software offers 46 languages for its OCR feature. Besides OCR, there are also other features such as splitting and merging PDF with a high-quality result.

Pros

• Gives maximum output
• User-friendly
• bookmark feature

Cons

• The loading time depends on the size of the PDF
• Offers free trial

Compatibility: Windows

3. Nuance Omnipage Ultimate

Do you need OCR software for a mid-sized or large company? Then Nuance Omnipage Ultimate is the right solution for you.

What makes Nuance Omnipage Ultimate stand out from other OCR software is that it offers around 120 languages for its scanning feature. The software also assures that the OCR result is as close as it is to the original material. It will be delivered in high quality. 

The software has other advanced features that make the workflow more efficient. However, it will take a while for one to understand the interface due to its complexity.

Pros

• Offers scanner integration.
• Integrates cloud-sharing option
• Batch processing

Cons

• Too complex for beginners

Compatibility: Windows

4. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Who doesn't know the Adobe series? The renowned brand also releases software that offers OCR as its feature, and the software is Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. 

The software by Adobe doesn't disappoint, as its OCR feature never fails to convert documents to PDF in a matter of seconds. The original document will also remain intact, so there is no need to worry about losing any element from the original document. If you plan to purchase this software, you'll have to prepare a decent amount of money for it.

Pros

• Able to work with Microsoft Office
• Preserves the originality of the document
• Lots of features for editing PDF

Cons

• Pricey for some people
• Features can be too overwhelming

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

5. Readiris Pro

If you're looking for an OCR software that can do everything in one package, then Readiris Pro is another software you ought to watch.

Readiris Pro is the ultimate PDF tool that can have lots of features. With just a few clicks, you can convert PDF, image, or other documents to a readable format that you can also edit. Language is not a problem, as the software is decked with 138 recognition languages, leaving no room for miscommunication.

The software also has other features such as text-to-speech and editing PDF. And it's compatible with all scanners too! Unfortunately, there are too many varieties of the product, making it confusing for first-timers.

Pros

• Has many kinds of formats (even epub)
• Does not modify the original format
• Cloud-sharing option

Cons

• Does not work well with low-quality documents
• The least costly version has the least features

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

6. Free Online OCR

Sometimes we have no time to download software. Don't worry because online OCR websites, such as Free Online OCR, can help you.

As the name stated, Free Online OCR is a free OCR software you can access through a browser. It is as simple as it gets. All you need to do is upload the file (image or PDF) then convert it to the desired format. It's simple, easy to use, and quick. Perfect for those who are in a hurry.

Pros

• Loads quickly
• Easy interface
• Accessible anywhere

Cons

• Hourly limit
• Harder to adapt if the file has a colored background

Compatibility: Windows and Mac (online)

7. Soda PDF Online

Are you in need of online free OCR software with more variety? Check out Soda PDF Online!

Despite being a browser-based software, Soda PDF is as powerful as standard software. Users can convert files back and forth from all kinds of formats. The OCR feature can recognize and extract text accurately. After the user gets the desired text, he can tweak it in any way he wants because everything is available in Soda PDF Online.

Pros

• Web to PDF conversion
• Able to text in images
• Allow e-signature

Cons

• Sign-up is a must
• Slow support

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

8. OCR Space

For those who need a straightforward application, look no more because OCR Space is here for you. Just like its straightforward layout, OCR Space does everything quickly and fast. You need to upload the file (or paste the URL), choose the language, add more details (if there are any), and start the scanning process. In less than one minute, you will get your text ready and accurate.

Pros

• Receipt scanning, table recognition, and other minor details
• Offer options on how the output will be
• Does not store user data

Cons

• Limited to 5 MB for free users
• No text editor

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Conclusion

OCR software is powerful software that allows us to extract things we need on images on PDF. It will save us plenty of time and better workflow. There is no need to copy things endlessly because you can do everything in a matter of seconds. All you need to do is to find the best OCR software that suits you the most.