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How to Extract Text from Images Free Online

2025-12-28

Need to copy text from a photo, screenshot, or scanned page? Free online OCR (Optical Character Recognition) makes it possible in minutes—no installs, no complicated setup.

What you need before you start

  • A clear image: sharp, well-lit, and not heavily compressed.
  • The right format: JPG, PNG, WebP, or a PDF scan all work, but PNG often preserves text edges better.
  • A reliable OCR tool: choose an online OCR service that supports your language and keeps formatting where possible.

Step-by-step: extract text from an image

  1. Upload your image (JPG/PNG/WebP) to the OCR page.
  2. Select language if the tool supports it—accuracy improves dramatically.
  3. Run OCR and wait for processing.
  4. Copy or export the recognized text to TXT/Word/Google Docs.

Pro tips for higher OCR accuracy

  • Increase contrast: dark text on light background is best.
  • Avoid skew: rotate and straighten images before OCR.
  • Use higher resolution: 150–300 DPI for scans is a great range.
  • Remove noise: shadows and textured paper reduce accuracy.

Common issues and quick fixes

  • Mixed fonts: some stylized fonts require better resolution.
  • Tables: export to DOCX if you want to keep structure.
  • Handwriting: use dedicated handwriting OCR when possible.

With the right preparation, you can extract text from images free online and get clean, editable text in seconds.