Online to Translate PDF Image to Text: Online Tools & Desktop Softwares & Mobile Apps

What is PDF and its formats?

Portable Document Format (PDF) is a widely used file format that preserves document formatting across various devices and platforms. PDFs can contain text, images, and graphics, making them a versatile choice for sharing documents. However, when these documents include images of text, extracting it can be challenging without the right tools.

Importance of Converting PDF Images to Text

Converting PDF images to text is crucial for several reasons. It enables users to edit and repurpose content, enhances accessibility, and improves searchability. This guide will walk you through the various methods available, ensuring you can extract text efficiently.

4 Best Online Tools for Translating PDF Image

iFoto PDF Image to Text

iFoto is an online tool that utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to convert images and scanned PDFs into editable text. It allows users to upload images containing text, which the software then processes to extract and translate the text into various languages.

Pros:

• High Accuracy: iFoto provides reliable OCR capabilities, ensuring accurate text extraction from images.
• Multiple Language Support: The tool can translate extracted text into over 150 languages, making it versatile for global use.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing users to quickly upload images and receive translated text without complicated steps.

Cons:

• Image Quality Dependency: The accuracy of the OCR process may vary depending on the quality of the uploaded image. Poor-quality images can lead to errors in text recognition.

How to Translate PDF Image to Text with iFoto

Upload Your Image:

Visit the iFoto website. Click on the option to upload an image or PDF file containing the text you want to translate.

Select Target Language:

After uploading, choose the language you want the text to be translated into from the available options.

Process the Image:

The tool will process your image using OCR technology to extract the text. Wait for a moment while it analyzes the content.

Receive Translated Text:

Once processing is complete, iFoto will display the extracted and translated text. You can view it alongside the original image for reference.

Download or Copy the Text:

You can copy the translated text directly or download it for later use.

OCR.Space

OCR.Space is a cloud-based service that converts scanned images, PDFs, and other documents into editable text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. It supports multiple formats and over 100 languages.

Pros:

• Free to use with no registration required.
• Supports a wide range of image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, PDF).
• High accuracy in text recognition.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version compared to paid options.
• May struggle with very low-quality images.

PDF2Go

PDF2Go provides an easy way to convert PDF documents into editable text files using OCR. Users simply upload their PDFs, and the tool extracts the text for further editing.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with straightforward functionality.
• No software installation needed; works entirely online.
• Ensures privacy by not storing user files.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
• May have file size limitations for free users.

Smallpdf

Smallpdf offers a comprehensive OCR tool that converts scanned PDFs into searchable and editable text. It is known for its speed and ease of use across various devices.

Pros:

• Fast processing time for converting documents.
• Allows conversion to multiple formats (e.g., Word).
• GDPR compliant, ensuring user data privacy.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version; some functionalities require a subscription.
• Occasional issues with formatting after conversion.

3 Desktop Software for Translating PDF Image to Text

UPDF

UPDF is a comprehensive PDF management software that includes AI-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities. It allows users to convert scanned PDFs and images into editable text formats while supporting 38 languages.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with a straightforward workflow.
• AI-enhanced OCR for high accuracy in text recognition.
• Offers a free trial to test features before purchasing.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.
• Limited to the capabilities of the OCR technology, which may struggle with very low-quality scans.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a leading PDF software that provides robust OCR capabilities. It allows users to convert scanned documents and images into editable text while offering extensive editing and annotation tools.

Pros:

• Highly accurate OCR with support for multiple languages.
• Comprehensive editing tools for PDFs beyond just text extraction.
• Cloud integration for accessing documents from anywhere.

Cons:

• Can be complex to use for beginners.
• Subscription-based pricing can be expensive compared to other options.

ABBYY FineReader

ABBYY FineReader is a powerful OCR software designed specifically for converting scanned documents and images into editable formats. It supports a wide range of file types and offers advanced editing features.

Pros:

• Excellent accuracy in text recognition, even with complex layouts.
• Supports batch processing for converting multiple files at once.
• Provides tools for comparing documents and editing PDFs.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other OCR software.
• The user interface may feel overwhelming due to its extensive features.

3 Best Mobile Apps for Converting PDF Images

PDNob Image Translator

PDNob Image Translator is a powerful tool designed to convert images, PDFs, and screenshots into editable text. It features impressive OCR accuracy and supports multiple languages, making it suitable for various translation needs.

Pros:

• High OCR accuracy for precise text extraction.
• Supports batch processing for handling multiple files at once.
• User-friendly interface that simplifies the conversion process.
• Allows offline usage for privacy-sensitive projects.

Cons:

• Some advanced features may require a paid version.
• Limited support for complex layouts in documents.

TextGrabber by ABBYY

TextGrabber is a versatile OCR app that captures text from images, documents, and even live camera feeds. It supports over 60 languages and offers real-time translation capabilities, making it ideal for multilingual users.

Pros:

• Accurate text recognition with support for many languages.
• Offline functionality allows use without an internet connection.
• Quick in-app translation feature for immediate understanding of foreign texts.

Cons:

• The user interface can be less intuitive for new users.
• Some features may require in-app purchases or subscriptions.

Adobe Scan

Adobe Scan is a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a portable scanner. It captures printed documents and converts them into PDFs with built-in OCR capabilities to extract text from images effectively.

Pros:

• Fast conversion of images to PDFs with accurate text recognition.
• Seamless integration with other Adobe products for further editing.
• Free to use with essential features available without a subscription.

Cons:

• Requires an Adobe account for full functionality.
• Limited editing capabilities compared to dedicated PDF editors.

Comparison of Other Formats for Usability

• PDF: Best for document sharing but can be challenging for text extraction.
• JPEG: Commonly used for images, easier for OCR but can lose quality when compressed.
• TIFF: High-quality images, often used in professional settings but less user-friendly for general use.

Conclusion

Converting PDF images to text is a valuable skill that can increase document accessibility and facilitate content management. As technology continues to evolve, the methods and tools like iFoto for converting PDF images to text will likely improve, offering even greater accuracy and convenience.

FAQs

Q1: What is OCR? 

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, a technology that converts images of text into actual text.

Q2: Can I use free tools for reliable conversions?  

Yes, many free tools can provide reliable conversions, but they may have limitations in terms of features or file sizes. You can try iFoto PDF Image translator, which is totally free for all users.

Q3: How can I improve OCR accuracy? 

To improve accuracy, ensure that the image is high-quality and free from distortions.

Q4: Can I edit the converted text? 

Yes, once the text is extracted, you can edit it using any text editor or word processor.