Have you ever needed to get a text from an image only to find that you must manually type it all out? Don’t worry! Microsoft Word allows you to retrieve text from images. How can you extract text from an image in Word?
It’s simpler than you might think, and with the right tools, you can turn any image with text into an editable document. This tutorial will demonstrate different techniques for simplifying your life, mainly when working with scanned papers, pictures, or screen captures.
Table of Contents
What You Need
Before diving into the steps, ensure you have the following:
- Microsoft Word: This guide primarily focuses on versions from 2016 onwards, including the Office 365 version.
- An Image File: This could be in JPEG, PNG, BMP, or GIF format.
- A Stable Internet Connection: While Microsoft Word has built-in capabilities, some methods might require online tools.
Using Microsoft Word’s Built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Word has an incredible feature that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert images into editable text. Here’s how you can use it:
Step-by-step Guide
- Open Microsoft Word: Start by launching Microsoft Word on your computer.
- Insert the Image:
- Select the “Insert” tab located in the ribbon.
- Select “Pictures.”
- Choose “This Device” to upload an image from your computer. Browse and click “Insert” once you’ve selected the desired image.
- Convert the Image to Text:
- Click on the image to select it.
- Right-click on the image and choose “Copy.”
- Open a new blank document in Word and right-click to choose “Paste.”
- Using the “Convert to Text” Feature:
- With the image pasted, go to the “Layout” tab and select “Wrap Text” followed by “In Front of Text.”
- Now, click on the image again, and you should see “Convert to Text.”
- Editing Your Text:
- Once Word extracts the text, you can edit, format, or save your document as needed.
Tip for Optimal Results
- Make sure the image has clear and legible text. Text in blurry or poorly lit images may not convert well.
- Experimenting with different image formats, such as JPEG and PNG, usually yields the best results.
Using OneNote for Text Extraction
Another fantastic tool in the Microsoft suite is OneNote. This application takes notes and offers a seamless way to extract text from images.
Step-by-step Guide
- Open OneNote:
- Start by launching Microsoft OneNote.
- Insert the Image:
- To add the image to OneNote, use the drag and drop function, then go to the “Insert” tab and choose “Pictures.”
- Extract the Text:
- Right-click on the inserted image and select “Copy Text from Picture.”
- This command activates the OCR feature to analyze the text in your image.
- Paste the Text in Word:
- Now, open Microsoft Word and paste the copied text into your document.
Advantages of Using OneNote
- OneNote’s OCR is often more accurate with complex images or varied fonts.
- It organizes images and text beautifully, easily tracking and accessing your data.
Third-party Software and Online Tools
At times, the built-in tools may not suffice. Various free and paid software options and online tools can also assist in extracting text from images. Here’s a look at a few popular options:
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat Pro has a robust OCR feature that effectively transforms scanned materials and visuals into text. It delivers impressive outcomes, particularly for intricate designs or multiple-column documents. It provides excellent results, especially for complex layouts or various columns.
- Open your PDF or image in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Select “Tools,” then “Scan & OCR.”
- Click on “Recognize Text”> “In This File.”
- Choose your settings and start the process.
- Once complete, save the text in an editable format.
Online OCR Tools
Various websites provide complimentary OCR services, enabling you to upload an image and transform it into text, such as:
- onlineocr.net
- Ocr. space
To use these services, usually, you:
- Upload your Image File.
- Select the Output Format (like Word or plain text).
- Click on “Convert,” then download the resulting text.
Considerations When Using Online Tools
- Always check privacy policies when uploading sensitive documents.
- The quality of text conversion can vary, so you may need to try different sites for better results.
Additional Tips for Successful Text Extraction
- Image Quality: Higher resolution images work best. Ensure your images are clear and have good lighting.
- Text Orientation: Straight text in a horizontal format usually converts better. Avoid tilted text or distorted fonts.
- Font Styles: For OCR tools, standard fonts like Arial and Times New Roman are more easily recognized than decorative or handwritten fonts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Extract Text From Images in Word
Q. Can Microsoft Word open images directly for text extraction?
A. Word allows you to insert images and convert them into text using its OCR feature.
Q. How accurate is the text extraction from images?
A. The accuracy depends on the clarity of the image and font type; more explicit images yield better results.
Q. Do I need a good internet connection to extract text from images?
A. Not necessarily, as both Word and OneNote can perform OCR offline, but online tools require internet access.
Q. Is it possible to retrieve text from images in different languages?
A. Many OCR tools, like Word, handle various languages if you install the appropriate language pack.
Q. What image formats can I use for text extraction?
A. Common formats such as JPEG, PNG, BMP, and GIF are generally supported.
Q. Does OneNote’s text extraction feature work with handwritten notes?
A. OneNote can sometimes recognize and extract text from neatly written notes, although the results may vary.
Q. What is the full file size for extracting text from images online?
A. Many online OCR tools have file size limits, often around 2MB to 5MB, but this varies by service.
Q. Can I edit the extracted text immediately?
A. After extracting the text, you can directly edit it in Word or OneNote.
Q. Is there a cost associated with using Adobe Acrobat Pro for OCR?
A. Adobe Acrobat Pro is a paid software offering a free trial.
Q. Can I extract text from a PDF using the same methods?
A. Certainly! The techniques mentioned apply to images in PDF files as well.
Conclusion
Mastering the ability to extract text from images in Word can be invaluable. Whether you’re working with historical documents, taking notes from lectures, or gathering information from multiple sources, these tools can help you save time and energy. By utilizing Microsoft Word, OneNote, third-party software, or online services, you can make the tedious process of manual transcription a thing of the past.
