Every person, whether a student or a professional, who takes notes often needs to convert them into editable digital format to edit them further or save them digitally.
One way to do so is to create a document file, type down the entire handwritten text into the file, and save it. Seems good to go for this method, right? Well, yes, if wasting so much time on manually converting handwritten text to digital form isn’t an issue for you.
An alternative yet faster method is to use image-to-text converters. Via optical character recognition (OCR) technology, these tools recognize and extract text from images and make it machine-readable. Simply upload the image and download the text! For businesses, this can streamline processes like custom poster printing, where accurate text extraction from design mockups is crucial.
But are image-to-text converters good enough? Can they accurately convert handwritten text to digital form? Read this detailed guide to see answers to these questions!
Can Image-to-Text Converters Handle Handwritten Notes?
The short answer is yes. Image-to-text converters, powered by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI technology, are capable enough to convert handwritten notes into text.
While their accuracy may not be as high as for printed text, you can expect accurate text extraction 95% of the time, depending on these factors:
- What tool do you choose?
- What OCR technology and AI-based modes does it use?
- Quality of the image
- Quality of the handwritten text
So, yes, if you choose a reliable tool and use high-quality images, you can expect accurate text extraction for handwritten notes.
What is a Good Image-to-Text Converter for Handwritten Notes?
Simply put, a good image to text tool is the one that fulfills most of your needs and requirements. If you ask us, it should have these attributes:
- Supports handwritten notes
- Provides accurate text-extraction results
- Supports the languages of your notes
- Works well for images of any quality
- Allows batch processing
- Free and easy to use
For example, ImagetoText.io is one such tool; go to https://www.imagetotext.io and check it out. But remember, this is not only a tool that is dependable, but many others, too. So, either go for it or do your own research to find another such tool.
How to Convert Handwritten Notes via Image to Text Converter?
To convert handwritten notes into text via image to text converter, all you need is to pay attention to details and follow these steps:
Take High-Quality Images
If possible, take your notes out of the file or collection of paper. Either use a scanner to scan the notes or go for a good smartphone camera app to capture sharp, focused images.
If you use a camera app, ensure you place the notes under good, even lighting, without shadows or glare. Hold your hand steady or use a tripod to take a clear image.
Upload the Image and Run the OCR Process
Once the image is ready, upload it into the tool’s image input box. The best way to do so is to copy the image and paste it directly into the box.
Some tools offer other ways to submit the image: you can drag and drop it, upload it from the system, or paste its direct URL. If it applies, use any of these ways to upload your image. The window looks like this once the image is submitted:
Next, click on the Submit and Extract button to start the conversion process.
Wait until the tool analyzes the image, recognizes the text, and converts the handwritten text into digital text conversion.
Review and Edit the Converted Text
Even the best OCR tools may not be 100% accurate, especially with handwritten notes. So, once the text is extracted and shown in the resulting window, review it for any mistakes. If something needs to be improved, make the necessary corrections.
Save or Export the Text
Once the text is proofread, click on the Download icon to download it in TXT file format to your local storage. Alternatively, click on the Copy icon to copy the text to the Clipboard and then paste it directly into the editable document file.
Tips and Tricks to Improve Accuracy
Create Handwritten Notes Carefully—When preparing notes, Use clear and legible handwriting. Avoid cursive or overly stylized fonts if you can.
Use Good Paper—Use smooth, white paper without lines or grids is best, as lines can confuse the OCR tool. Keep the text well-spaced and avoid overlapping lines or letters.
Focus on Image Quality—When you convert notes into images, do so under well-lit conditions without any shadows. High-resolution, well-lit images provide accurate results.
Make Necessary Manual Corrections—If the extracted text contains some errors, correct it manually. Refine the output yourself in case the tool misses some details.
Conclusion
Image-to-text converters are indeed smart enough to convert handwritten notes into digital text, thanks to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.
While they work best with printed text, these tools can still accurately extract text from handwritten notes about 95% of the time. The accuracy depends on the quality of the image, the technology behind the tool, and the clarity of the handwriting.
To get the best results, use a reliable tool, take high-quality images, and write notes. Even though these converters aren’t perfect, they save a lot of time compared to typing out notes manually. If the output isn’t perfect, make the necessary corrections.