9 Best FREE OCR Software & Program (2025)

best free ocr software

Businesses today demand precise digital conversion of physical text. The Best OCR Software meets this need by seamlessly extracting text from images or scanned documents. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) significantly simplifies data handling, reducing manual input and enhancing productivity. With three decades of experience analyzing SaaS tools, I recognize the growing adoption of cloud-based OCR solutions, revolutionizing accessibility and workflow automation.

After spending over 80 hours researching, I have reviewed 34+ options to bring you the Best FREE OCR Software and Program. My well-researched and unbiased guide dives into the features, pros and cons, and pricing of each tool. This comprehensive article may help you find trusted solutions, both free and paid. Read on for exclusive insights!
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Editor's Choice
Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat’s OCR technology offers a phenomenal way to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDF files. This top-rated tool helps with document management by splitting or merging PDFs with ease.

Visit Adobe Acrobat

Best Free OCR Software (Program) for Windows: Top Recommended!

Name Best for Batch Processing Supported Platform Free Trial Link
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat
Reliable PDF OCR and document editing Yes Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android 7-Days Learn More
Filestack Capture
Filestack Capture
Easy image capture and online OCR integration Yes Windows, Mac, and Linux 21-Days Learn More
Easy Screen OCR
Easy Screen OCR
Instant screen text capture and OCR Yes Android, iOS, Windows and Mac Lifetime Free Basic Plan Learn More
ABBYY Cloud Reader
ABBYY Cloud Reader
Cloud-based OCR with multilingual support Yes Mac, Android, and Windows 7-Days Learn More
Adobe Scan
Adobe Scan
Advanced OCR features and bulk document processing Yes iOS and Android 7-Days Learn More

1) Adobe Acrobat

Best for reliable PDF OCR and document editing

Adobe Acrobat allows you to convert scanned PDFs and images into searchable or editable files. I analyzed its features and found that it offers fonts that look similar to printed ones. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, which makes it great for cross-platform use. This top-rated tool helps with document management by splitting or merging PDFs with ease. Its screenshot translation feature is particularly impressive. My advice is to note the lack of scanner support.

#1 Top Pick
Adobe Acrobat
5.0

Batch Processing: Yes

Audio Files conversion: Yes

Barcode Recognition: Yes

Free Trial: 7-Days Free Trial

Visit Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat’s OCR technology offers a phenomenal way to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDF files. I have found that this eliminates the need to retype content, making it easier to extract text from images or paper documents. It preserves the original formatting by generating custom fonts and maintaining the layout, which is ideal for anyone handling professional documents.

Additionally, Adobe Acrobat allows you to export files into formats like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. This feature helps you archive and share documents efficiently. Its integration with platforms like Salesforce and Workday makes it a top-notch choice for streamlining workflows. With support for over 20 languages, cloud storage, and password-protected files, it is one of the most effective tools for document management.

Pros

  • OCR feature feels intuitive and super quick for me
  • Smooth integration with all Adobe creative tools
  • Easily transforms images and scans into accurate text

Cons

  • I face restricted features when using the free version

👉 How to Get Adobe Acrobat for Free?

  • Visit the official Adobe Acrobat website to access the free trial offer
  • Click the “Start Free Trial” button to begin your 7-day free trial of Acrobat Pro
  • Take advantage of the trial to easily edit and OCR your scanned PDF documents using all available features

Visit Acrobat >>

7-Days Free Trial


2) Filestack Capture

Best for easy image capture and online OCR integration

Filestack Capture is a tool for turning documents into digital form by reading printed text and analyzing image details. I reviewed its ability to read data from items like credit cards, passports, licenses, and receipts. It provides a secure and fast way to deliver files with full control. I particularly liked how it made data organization easy and accurate.

Filestack Capture is an OCR converter software that offers a robust set of features. It can convert audio files and recognize barcodes, enhancing its utility in diverse contexts. It also supports screenshot translation, broadening its functionality. Deployable on Cloud, SaaS, and web-based platforms, it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, making it a flexible solution for various users.

#2
Filestack Capture
4.9

Batch Processing: Yes

Audio Files Conversion: Yes

Barcode Recognition: Yes

Free Trial: 21-Days Free Trial

Visit Filestack Capture

Filestack Capture helps you automate your data capture process with its OCR API, offering remarkable AI and machine learning-based image and form recognition services. I found that its robust security policies are essential to safeguarding applications while maintaining seamless functionality. It is great for uploading files with drag-and-drop support, ensuring fast data transfer.

In my opinion, it is one of the most effective tools for OCR, supporting languages like German, English, French, and more. Whether handling W2s, invoices, or receipts, its scalability makes it an ideal solution for both small businesses and large enterprises.

Pros

  • You can integrate it with your website or application to allow for quick uploads and accurate data entry
  • I came across advanced network intelligence for faster uploads
  • It helps you to personalize your file URL using the Custom CNAME feature

Cons

  • I noticed no dashboard is available for file conversion

👉 How to Get Filestack Capture for Free?

  • Visit the official Filestack Capture website to get started easily
  • Click the “Sign Up Free” button to enjoy a fast, reliable, and secure file uploader and API that allows up to 500 uploads
  • Automate your data capture process with the provided tools and features for a seamless experience

Visit Filestack >>

21-Days Free Trial


3) Easy Screen OCR

Best for instant screen text capture and OCR

Easy Screen OCR makes it possible to turn images into simple text files. I recommend it for its ability to extract text from screenshots effectively. This tool works well on Windows, Mac, and Android. While conducting my evaluation, I noticed it includes batch processing, audio conversion, and PDF splitting. These options are helpful to save time and effort. However, keep in mind that it does not include scanner integration, barcode recognition, or PDF merging. These omissions might reduce its usefulness in some workflows.

#3
Easy Screen OCR
4.3

Batch Processing: Yes

Audio Files conversion: Yes

Barcode Recognition: Yes

Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Visit Screen OCR

Utilizing a powerful Google OCR engine, it converts images into editable text with high accuracy. The application operates in three simple steps: capturing a screenshot, processing the image, and extracting the text. Users can customize their experience through an intuitive interface that allows for advanced settings, including saving captured images as PDFs, selecting OCR languages, and configuring keyboard shortcuts.

One of the standout features of Easy Screen OCR is its translation capability, powered by an industry-leading translation engine. After converting an image to plain text, users can translate it into over 27 languages, including Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Arabic, and many more. This makes it a versatile tool for multilingual users or those needing quick translations from visual content. Additionally, Easy Screen OCR is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, and is available for free download, making it accessible to a wide range of users looking for effective OCR solutions without the hassle of typing.

Pros

  • Quick extraction of images to text saves precious time
  • I gained insights into data patterns for effective strategies
  • User-friendly interface makes learning curve almost non-existent

Cons

  • My free account restricts me with minimal storage space

👉 How to Get Easy Screen OCR for Free?

  • Visit the official website to access Easy Screen OCR now
  • Click the “Free Download” button to get the simple PC screenshot OCR and translation tool that makes copying text effortless without manual typing

Visit Easy Screen >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan


4) ABBYY Cloud Reader

Best for cloud-based OCR with multilingual support

ABBYY Cloud Reader is a tool that recognizes full pages of printed or handwritten text. It can detect over 200 languages. This tool helps you convert PDFs and images into searchable formats like Word, Excel, and PDF. I particularly appreciate how ABBYY Cloud Reader works well on Mac, Android, and Windows, making it a versatile choice. While it does not support scanner integration or screenshot translation, it shines at converting audio files, reading barcodes, and managing PDFs by splitting and merging. I found that its batch processing feature is great for managing several tasks quickly.

ABBYY Cloud Reader

ABBYY Cloud Reader is an intelligent OCR service designed to digitize, analyze, and extract valuable text from documents and images. I found that it allows you to ensure data accuracy, making it ideal for seamless integration into your business processes. With flexible deployment options, you can run it in the cloud or on the edge using containers. It is great for transforming documents into searchable PDF files, enabling effortless electronic search and indexing. No machine learning expertise is required, which makes implementation quick and easy.

This service also offers advanced features like automated table extraction. It helps you process complex data from invoices, medical records, and financial reports. It automatically identifies document objects, including text, images, and tables, making it an excellent solution for streamlining robotic process automation and content management. I particularly liked how it simplifies complex tasks with minimal effort.

Pros

  • I found it detects charts and tables with top accuracy
  • High-quality editing and document comparison elevate workflows easily
  • Supports multiple languages for OCR boosting global accessibility

Cons

  • The cost feels high for my needs

👉 How to Get ABBYY Cloud Reader Demo for Free?

  • Visit the official ABBYY Cloud Reader website
  • Click the “Schedule a demo” button to schedule a personalized session and explore its features in depth
  • See how ABBYY intelligent automation completely transforms your daily workflows and helps you work smarter every single day

Visit ABBY >>

7-Days Free Trial


5) OmniPage Ultimate

Best for advanced OCR features and bulk document processing

OmniPage Ultimate is OCR software that helps you convert documents into editable and searchable formats. I particularly liked how it can scan files and save them in various formats quickly and easily. OmniPage Ultimate works on Mac, Linux, and Windows, which makes it one of the best OCR program for diverse platforms. It supports batch processing, audio conversion, barcode reading, and PDF splitting, which are great for boosting productivity. However, it does not include features like scanner integration, screenshot translation, and PDF merging. This may limit its role in some workflows.

OmniPage Ultimate

OmniPage Ultimate offers a seamless way to handle document conversion with ready-to-use formats. It supports a range of applications, including Microsoft Office and HTML, which makes it a top-notch solution for diverse needs. I particularly liked its ability to process business-critical documents into editable formats with exceptional OCR accuracy.

This tool allows you to reduce time spent on conversions, lower operational costs, and manage documents effortlessly. With support for over 120 languages and compatibility with scanners and mobile devices, it is ideal for businesses aiming to improve efficiency. Its mobile capture feature helps you convert text from images into editable documents, while the ability to export files in formats like XLS, Docx, and ePub ensures flexibility.

Pros

  • I found it excellent for extracting data from documents
  • Comprehensive ScanSnap software enhances smooth document management experience
  • Automates batch processing for ultra fast and smooth workflows

Cons

  • I found the customer service could use significant improvement

👉 How to Get Omnipage Ultimate for Free?

  • Go to OmniPage Ultimate
  • Click the “Free Trial” button, fill out the form, and get started with the most powerful and accurate document conversion tool to transform paper, PDFs, and images into valuable digital files.

Link: https://www.tungstenautomation.com/products/omnipage/ultimate


6) Cisdem pdf converter

Best for converting and OCR’ing PDFs efficiently

Cisdem PDF Converter is one of the best tools I tested for handling PDFs. It helps you retain texts, images, tables, and more while keeping the original formatting. The tool allows you to convert PDFs to MS Office files, iWork formats, and images. During my research, I particularly appreciated the batch processing and barcode recognition features. It even supports translating text from screenshots. However, it is important to note that it does not support scanner integration, which can limit its scope.

Cisdem pdf converter

Cisdem PDF Converter is an excellent solution for managing and converting PDF files effortlessly. It allows you to perfectly display contents on any screen, making them easy to read, archive, or share. While PDFs are great for distribution, Office formats are essential for editing. I found that this tool bridges the gap seamlessly, making conversion smooth and efficient.

What impressed me the most is its multi-language recognition, supporting English, Chinese, Spanish, and more, including Japanese and Arabic. It is ideal for anyone needing to convert multiple PDFs into various formats simultaneously. This is a top-notch choice for handling PDFs with precision and versatility.

Pros

  • I use drag-and-drop to handle file uploads seamlessly
  • Easy navigation for both technical and non-technical users
  • Convert multiple documents simultaneously, saving time

Cons

  • I noticed tasks occasionally take longer than expected

👉 How to Get Cisdem for Free?

  • Visit the official Cisdem website to start your free journey
  • Click the “Free Download” button to easily download and convert your PDFs into editable MS Office files as well as iWork documents and high-quality images
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to install and explore all the advanced PDF conversion features without paying anything upfront

Link: https://www.cisdem.com/pdf-converter-ocr.html


7) Readiris

Best for versatile document conversion and accurate OCR

Readiris is a remarkable software that lets you convert text from paper or image documents into editable forms. I evaluated it and found it perfect for making quick edits without manual retyping. The software supports Mac, Windows, Linux, and iOS, making it a superior choice for cross-platform tasks. Over the course of my evaluation, I found features like scanner integration, batch processing, audio conversion, barcode recognition, and PDF tools, such as merging and splitting, to be among the best. Its screenshot translation and annotation options are excellent for detailed projects.

Readiris

Readiris 17 offers an excellent way to digitize and edit your paper documents with remarkable ease. It helps you aggregate, split, protect, and sign PDFs efficiently. I particularly liked that it could read books aloud in your chosen format, which is a top-notch feature for accessibility. Supporting over 100 languages and storing files in cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, it is great for modern workflows. The tool makes managing documents faster and provides features like annotation and hotkey settings, making it the most effective choice for those needing advanced yet user-friendly OCR functionality.

Pros

  • I experienced exceptional speed in converting images to text
  • Wide support for scanner hardware
  • Built-in PDF editor facilitates easy editing of converted documents

Cons

  • I experienced inconsistent outputs with low-resolution documents

👉 How to Get Readiris for Free?

  • Visit the official Readiris website to access the tool easily
  • Click on the “Try for Free” button to download a free trial of Readiris 17 and explore its advanced PDF and OCR features for both Windows and Mac

Link: https://iriscorporate.com/softwares/readiris-17/


8) OnlineOCR

Best for quick, free online image-to-text conversion

OnlineOCR reads text from PDFs and images. Over the course of my evaluation, I could convert up to 15 images every hour to editable text. I particularly liked its support for formats such as PDF, JPEG, PNG, and ZIP. It is a great way to export files as PDF, Word, Excel, RTF, or Text. Its secure image-to-text feature makes it a top-notch choice.

OnlineOCR

OnlineOCR offers a remarkable way to extract text from images or convert PDFs into Word, Excel, or Text formats through Optical Character Recognition technology. I have found it especially helpful for converting scanned PDFs, photos, and camera images into searchable, editable, and accessible content. This tool is great for creating digital formats of physical books, magazines, or records, making it a top-notch option for book digitization. It supports 46 recognition languages, allowing you to process diverse documents with ease. All files uploaded via the free “Guest” account are automatically deleted after conversion, ensuring privacy.

Pros

  • Supports OCR in multiple languages
  • It allows you to convert any number of image files and extract their text
  • Free to use, making it accessible for everyone

Cons

  • Batch conversion is not possible

👉 How to Get OnlineOCR for Free?

  • Visit the official OnlineOCR website to start your free conversion process
  • Upload your image file with a maximum size of 15 MB choose your preferred language and output file type and finally click the Convert button to begin
  • Once the conversion is complete you can download and save your extracted text file instantly without any cost or registration

Link: https://www.onlineocr.net/


9) Ocr.space

Best for free, fast, no-signup OCR service

Ocr.space allows you to convert text in images into editable files with OCR. During my research, I found that this website extracts text from PDF files with ease. It is a top choice for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. It offers features like scanner integration, batch processing, barcode recognition, and screenshot translation. These tools make it an excellent solution for many tasks. However, it cannot handle audio conversion or combine and split PDFs, which may limit its functionality.

Ocr.space

Ocr.space is a phenomenal tool that allows you to convert images and documents into editable multi-column text formats without needing to register. I found that it supports various file types like JPG, webp, PNG and PDF, and , making it ideal for diverse needs. It is impressive how it does not store any confidential data, ensuring privacy. The tool supports multiple languages and offers speedy performance with larger image and multi-page TIFF scans. Just upload your files, and the OCR engine takes care of the rest.

Pros

  • I found the processing of OCR information super fast
  • Flatbed scanners deliver highly precise and clear image outputs
  • Handwritten text recognition feature works reliably across many documents

Cons

  • Lacks support for native apps on multiple platforms

👉 How to Get Ocr.space for Free?

  • Visit the official Ocr.space website to access the free tool
  • Upload an image or PDF file, or enter a URL
  • Then choose the relevant option for your desired output and click the ‘Start OCR’ button to convert text documents into editable files

Link: https://ocr.space/

Feature Comparison Table

Feature Adobe Acrobat Filestack Capture Easy Screen OCR ABBYY Cloud Reader
Best For PDF-heavy workflows requiring basic OCR Developers & web app integration Quick screen snapshots and clipboard OCR Accurate cloud-based text recognition
Pricing $12.99/mo $69/mo $15 – Lifetime* Contact sales team
Free Trial 7 days 21 days Lifetime free Free Demo
Multi-language support ✔️ ✔️ English only 190+ languages
Accuracy ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Platform Support ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Ease of Use Intuitive UI in Reader API-grade; simple embed Lightweight & fast Developer-focused
Output Formats PDF, TXT JSON, TXT, PDF Plain text JSON, TXT, searchable PDF

Other Best FREE OCR Software/Program

  1. Text Fairy: Text Fairy is a versatile tool for text recognition, translation, and PDF management, supporting over 50 languages but lacking batch processing.
    Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.renard.ocr&hl=en_IN
  2. Scanbot SDK: Scanbot SDK enables seamless document scanning and barcode recognition across platforms but lacks features like audio conversion, PDF editing, and screenshot translation.
    Link: https://scanbot.io/data-capture-software/ocr-sdk/
  3. Scanbot SDK: Google Cloud Vision API offers text detection in images, supports multiple file formats, and includes versatile tools for seamless document management.
    Link: https://cloud.google.com/vision
  4. Amazon Textract: Amazon Textract is a versatile tool for text extraction, document automation, and advanced PDF management, supporting multiple platforms and extensive features.
    Link: https://aws.amazon.com/textract/

How Did We Choose Best FREE OCR Software?

best ocr software

At Guru99, we are committed to providing accurate, relevant, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review. We aim to help you find the best free OCR software by carefully analyzing features, usability, and performance to meet your specific needs. After evaluating over 34 options and dedicating more than 80 hours of research, this guide presents a comprehensive overview of trusted solutions, covering their features, pros, cons, and pricing. Check out below important factors to ensure reliable results and identify top picks for text recognition. A well-rounded approach may help you choose the best tool for your requirements.

  • Accuracy: We chose based on tools that consistently deliver precise text extraction across different languages and document types effortlessly.
  • Ease of Use: Our team made sure to shortlist software that is intuitive and allows you to start rapidly without hassle.
  • Compatibility: We selected tools that typically support multiple operating systems and diverse file formats to solve user needs flawlessly.
  • Features: The experts in our team selected the tools based on advanced functions like batch processing and versatile language support.
  • Community Support: We chose based on active communities that offer great guidance so you can resolve issues smoothly anytime.
  • Privacy: Our team made sure to include only software that protects your data and avoids risky uploads to ensure security.

Verdict

I appreciate how OCR technology has advanced to cater to diverse needs. From simplifying text extraction to enabling multi-language recognition, these tools are phenomenal. If you are deciding which OCR software to choose, check my verdict for a detailed perspective.

  • Adobe Acrobat: It provides a comprehensive solution, converting scanned documents into editable PDFs with top-notch formatting. The integration with multiple platforms makes it reliable for professional workflows.
  • Filestack Capture: This powerful tool excels in responsive and secure data extraction. Its robust API makes it highly customizable for integrating OCR into websites and apps.
  • Easy Screen OCR: It is a user-friendly application designed for extracting text from screenshots efficiently. Its ability to extract text from screenshots effectively.
Editor's Choice
Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat’s OCR technology offers a phenomenal way to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDF files. This top-rated tool helps with document management by splitting or merging PDFs with ease.

Visit Adobe Acrobat

FAQs

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a technology that scans printed or handwritten text from images, PDFs, or scanned documents and converts it into machine-readable, editable text. It helps you quickly extract and digitize text without manual typing, making it ideal for archiving, editing, and searching documents.

Yes, many OCR tools offer free versions that let you convert images or scanned documents into editable text without paying. Free OCR software like Ocr.space, OnlineOCR, and others provide basic features that work well for personal or occasional use without requiring a subscription.

To convert scanned documents to editable text for free, upload your scanned file to a free OCR tool online, such as Ocr.space or OnlineOCR. The tool analyzes the document and extracts the text, which you can then copy, edit, or download as a Word or text file easily and quickly.

Free OCR software usually supports common formats like JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and PDF for input. The converted text is typically available in formats like plain text (TXT), Word (DOCX), or searchable PDF. This flexibility allows you to work with various types of scanned documents and images seamlessly.