Scanned documents in an image format can be transformed into editable documents using OCR software. Using a PDF or word processing application, you may edit scanned documents with this software.
The best free OCR software for Windows will be reviewed in this article. When it comes to OCR software, we've taken the time to compare and highlight the top features to help you choose the free OCR software for Windows for your needs.
1. WPS
WPS provides a cost-free option for managing PDF processes for Windows users, relieving users of the financial stress of paying for either a recurrent membership or even a one-time price. It is complete software for you to edit, annotate, read, convert, protect, organize, and print PDF files.
It is worthwhile to make the effort to convert scanned documents into editable ones using WPS since documents may be edited, categorized, and annotated using these features. It is an OCR software free download. The following is an outline of the current offerings made available by WPS:
WPS allows users to convert PDF to many other formats and it can convert a scanned document into editable formats using the OCR feature.Using WPS, you may exercise control over the components of any editable PDF file. It is possible to make changes to the text and even the graphics included inside a PDF file; all it takes to complete any task is a few clicks of the mouse.Before being distributed to authorized people, financial papers are frequently annotated in a variety of ways for the goals of various reasons. WPS provides its users with a comprehensive selection of annotation tools, including text markups (such as highlighting and underlining), shapes, freehand drawing, stamps, and a great deal more.PDF files can be readily managed thanks to the ability to simply extract pages, reorganize them, split them, crop them, rotate them, add or remove them, and execute a variety of other activities on the pages.
Pros
User-friendly interface and easy-to-use experienceIt provides a free version to use and you can save 1 file per day
All-in-one solution to offer many useful featuresFrequent updates to improve user experience
2. Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the ideal OCR scanning and document management software for both Macs and Windows PCs, and it surely checks all the boxes.
Even while it may take some time to get the hang of it, you'll have access to an impressive array of tools once you do. For example, it has a Document Cloud function that allows you to edit your papers on any device.
Additionally, Adobe Acrobat allows you to digitally add comments, suggestions, markups, and signatures to your PDFs. It's possible that this sophisticated tool won't run smoothly on your computer if it isn't up to par.
Pros
Convert files to PDF and edit them.Do both signing and sending paperwork.Password-protect PDF files to prevent unauthorized access.Compare two PDFs.
Cons
Complex to use
3. Foxit PDF Editor
All the editing features you'd expect from a paid-for tool can be found in Foxit PDF Editor's Standard and Pro editions. Most competitors are only available for Windows and macOS. However, the Pro edition only works on Windows, and there is a cheaper cloud-based option if you don't mind not having desktop software.
There are many instructional videos and helpful resources available to get you up and running quickly using Foxit's user interface, which is highly influenced by Microsoft Office.
Advanced editing, shared review initiation, stronger security, more file compression, and other features are available in the Pro edition. You may test out the Standard edition (for example) for free before making a purchase (no credit card information is necessary).
Pros
OCR feature for PDF files
A comprehensive set of tools
Wide platform support
Free basic version
Cons
Paid tool
4. Nitro Pro
Nitro Pro is an office PDF program that can be used by businesses of all sizes. All things PDF-related are its major emphasis. With Nitro PDF, it's easy to create, modify, and securely distribute PDF documents on Windows for your business.
In addition, the OCR is rather good. The ability to batch-convert, print, and run OCR on a large number of PDFs frees up your time by automating time-consuming activities.
In addition to text editing and text deletion, Nitro Pro also allows you to create fillable PDF forms with signature fields, as well as markup and comment on PDFs.
Pros
Free to use PDF editor
Allows multiple OCR features
Allows you to share PDFs with others
Compatible with macOS and Windows
Cons
Paid OCR feature
5. Soda PDF
LULU Software's Soda PDF is a full PDF management solution. Using Soda PDF Anywhere, a new and improved version of the software which includes e-signature and optical character recognition software (OCR) capabilities, you can now view, edit, annotate, and generate PDFs on your desktop and the web simultaneously (Optical Character Recognition).
All operating systems, including Windows and Mac, are supported by the online version of the desktop software.
Use the free online OCR software from Soda PDF to convert images into text. In any application, at any moment, Optical Character Recognition may be used! You may use Soda PDF Online or Soda PDF Desktop to work online or offline.
Pros
Scalable PDF editorOnline integration tool
Great user interface
Full range of OCR and other editing features
Cons
Only available on Windows.
Free Trial of PDF OCR Software for Windows of WPS Office
In 2022, these are the top OCR programs. When it comes to capturing and extracting text from your images and documents, most will perform an excellent job. But if you're looking for something that goes well beyond OCR, check out WPS. It's going to be a blast!
