Are you and your online business nonetheless drowning in paperwork? Precise bodily paperwork? It’s 2024. Let’s change that.
Your paperwork nonetheless maintain worth. You, together with workers and stakeholders, may obtain and work on them for a wide range of enterprise selections day-after-day. By switching to a free optical character recognition (OCR) software program software, you’ll be able to convert non-parsable or post-data format paperwork into editable file codecs and construct an organized information repository. All this with out paying one other bill!
Companies may also change to the free OCR software program to arrange and handle venture information for group collaboration.
Let’s have a look at the listing of the 8 greatest free OCR software program to make doc scanning, enhancing, and digitization simple and handy.
8 greatest free OCR software program in 2024
- Laserfiche
- FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac
- TextIn
- Ephesoft
- Nanonets
- Rossum
- Base64.ai: Automated doc information extraction
- DocuClipper
How will we choose and consider OCR software program on G2?
At G2, we rank software program options utilizing a proprietary algorithm that considers buyer satisfaction and market presence based mostly on genuine consumer evaluations. Our market analysis analysts and writers spend weeks testing options towards a number of standards set for a software program class. We provide you with unbiased software program evaluations – that is the G2 distinction! We didn’t settle for cost or alternate hyperlinks for product placements on this listing. Please learn our G2 Analysis Scoring Methodology for extra particulars.
8 Greatest Free OCR Software program in 2024
OCR software program offers companies with all-in-one doc help and administration providers. It allows customers to scan, search, edit, and modify photographs and convert them into editable paperwork.
These OCR consumer evaluations come from G2’s greatest OCR software program class web page. Please notice that within the context of this listing, distributors providing a trial are thought of free.
To qualify for inclusion on this class, software program should:
- Course of digital photographs of assorted file varieties
- Seize information from scanned PDFs and convert them into Phrase paperwork
- Determine and parse non-editable plain textual content and convert it into editable textual content
- Arrange digital recordsdata both on-premise or within the cloud
- Provide engine compatibility throughout Mac, iPhone, Linux, Android, and Microsoft Home windows
This information was pulled from G2 in 2024. Some evaluations could have been edited for readability.
1. Laserfiche
Laserfiche, a doc creation and storage software, digitizes your whole paper path. It’s been a pioneer in offering enterprise content material administration providers to create, edit, modify, and share content material throughout inner and exterior stakeholders. Laserfiche comes with appropriate OCR integrations that you may deploy to your present content material infrastructure.
Laserfiche helps digital recordsdata and automates doc scanning and processing in order that paperwork will be shared throughout groups.
Laserfiche Execs |
Laserfiche Cons |
| Centralized doc administration system |
Incapability to switch .css or .js recordsdata |
| Provision of dynamic kinds to construct workflows | Can’t quantity pages on PDF recordsdata |
| Safe information administration and information automation | Restricted OCR credit in the usual model |
What do customers like greatest:
“We love utilizing Laserfiche. It’s a particularly protected storage alternative for worker and donor recordsdata that aren’t to be accessed by anybody unnecessarily. We now have workers that use this each day for his or her function. Implementing and administering it is extremely easy, particularly when workers by chance make adjustments they didn’t imply to. Buyer help is fantastic after we run into one thing that we’ve got a tough time supporting ourselves with.”
– Laserfiche Overview, Heidi H.
What do customers dislike:
“Non-responsiveness on direct emails. No follow-up by sure workers. No customizable views on the monitor. I wish to transfer to the cloud, however I do not wish to lose performance. Cloud or prem, options ought to be the identical – all the time. Do not make us select.”
– Laserfiche Overview, DIANNA D.
2. FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac
FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac converts PDFs into file codecs like .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .txt so you’ll be able to add, parse, edit, and retrieve textual content. It additionally provides on-line OCR to course of giant volumes of paperwork.
The software program additionally helps current scanned paperwork and converts them into machine-readable textual content. As soon as parsed, you’ll be able to retailer paperwork securely in your cloud storage or on-premise.
FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Execs |
FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Cons |
| Actual-time doc collaboration | Non-intuitive desk construction enhancing |
| AI-powered scanner for cellular | Can’t put web page numbers on PDF recordsdata |
| Constructed-in grammar help instruments | Doesn’t help “direct printing” |
What do customers like greatest:
“I discovered FineReader’s free model to be a one-stop all-in-one software when utilizing PDF. To begin with, I just like the clear interface and the way simple it’s to make use of. It’s my go-to software each time I want so as to add a digital signature to my paperwork in PDF format. I additionally like the truth that I can classify my paperwork, as this helps me in organizing my confidential paperwork. As an IT skilled, I’ve had earlier expertise utilizing ABBYY FineReader OCR answer in tasks, and seeing its seamless integration into the software looks like a recreation changer for me. I simply love the OCR evaluation a part of the software.”
– FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac Overview, Sreyas V.
What do customers dislike:
“In some circumstances, utilizing Abbyy’s PDF to Dwell PDF conversion could have a nasty impact on the doc print high quality (decision) and its file dimension.”
– FineReader for Home windows and Mac Overview, Yohai C.
3. TextIn
TextIn processes and aligns texts from non-editable file codecs into an easy-to-understand and correctable file format. This doc customization and alteration software captures, extracts, and modifies textual content recordsdata in accordance with the consumer’s discretion. It additionally automates document-based workflows throughout groups to extend transparency and visibility.
TextIn is understood for clever picture and doc processing and may analyze, type, and classify information throughout a number of industries.
TextIn Execs |
TextIn Cons |
| Content material and bill recognition | Improper information gathering for enterprise card integration |
| Deepfake recognition and plagiarism detection | Incapability to exclude web page watermarks |
| Constructed-in grammar help instruments | Abrupt picture cropping |
What do customers like greatest:
“I like that it will possibly cut back the quantity of paper that you must carry round – you’ll be able to simply scan every part. I additionally like that it auto-crops the picture and you may edit utilizing filters. I additionally like having the ability to save photographs in several file codecs.”
– TextIn Overview, Aarifah B.
What do customers dislike:
“It typically crops abruptly as a substitute of cropping the required web page. It all the time places the watermark emblem on the backside of the web page. It doesn’t enable optical character recognition, and within the pdf file, it saves the web page as a picture as a substitute of textual content.”
– TextIn Overview, Dev A.
4. Ephesoft
Ephesoft provides database automation and administration providers for companies utilizing synthetic intelligence (AI). The tip-to-end file automation promotes group collaboration, venture administration, and team-wide doc accessibility. Ephesoft works on comfortable copies of PDF recordsdata and extracts vital information from the textual content. It additionally has a number of add-ons like kind indentation, textual content alignment, and quotation help.
Ephesoft Execs |
Ephesoft Cons |
| AI-driven doc processing | Irritating consumer interface and navigation |
| Pure language processing (NLP) algorithms for contextual understanding | Restricted doc verification help |
| Information customization from import recordsdata | Cluttered information validation workflows |
What do customers like greatest:
“We respect a number of qualities of Ephesoft. Particularly, the software program is a superb and user-friendly approach to assist us manage and interpret information that was much less helpful in its earlier format. The platform additionally saves money and time by robotically figuring out all file varieties and processing strategies, which reduces the necessity for human intervention. We’re additionally followers of how adaptable the interface is; we have made a number of modifications to make it work higher for our wants. All this makes Ephesoft a useful asset to our group as a result of it may be adopted rapidly with out requiring specialist data or expertise.”
– Ephesoft Overview, Stephanie W.
What do customers dislike:
“It is slower than different on-line classification and extraction instruments. Additionally, a number of options that Ephesoft advertises are discouraged by its skilled providers and help workers. Lastly, it takes substantial effort to maximise the answer’s potential, and the time required to replace can rapidly add up.”
– Ephesoft Overview, Shanil Ok.
5. Nanonets
Nanonets assist scan, add, edit, re-scan, and re-save paperwork in an organized repository. It provides AI automation to autocorrect doc textual content and spotlight inconsistencies in content material. Nanonets additionally has an intuitive cellular app that permits you to scan, save and edit PDF paperwork with ease instantly from cellular gadgets. Its giant storage capability and quite a few doc enhancing and formatting options make it appropriate throughout platforms.
Nanonets’ clever AI automation offers providers to 34% of Fortune 500 corporations.
Nanonets Execs |
Nanonets Cons |
| Constructed-in doc scanning | Poor interface and OCR capabilities |
| Round the clock customer support help | Weak textual content accessibility inside paperwork |
| Excessive-speed information extraction and restoration | Cluttered consumer expertise |
What do customers like greatest:
“Because of Nanonets we have been capable of digitally course of complicated invoices and affirmation orders. The AI’s self-learning capabilities have been essentially the most exceptional function for us – with the mannequin bettering constantly as extra information was supplied.”
– Nanonets Overview, Nadim A.
What do customers dislike:
“The mannequin coaching at first generally is a bit tedious and laborious to visualise correctly, particularly for giant and sophisticated recordsdata, similar to monetary statements from suppliers from a number of nations. However as soon as every part is about up, it’s effectively well worth the coaching time.”
– Nanonets Overview, Charles E.
6. Rossum
Rossum’s (previously Elis) AI-assisted information extraction software captures invoices. This platform may help accounting and bookkeeping professionals refine their workflows. Customers can import PDFs or scans of invoices, and Rossum robotically extracts the related information right into a structured format with out the necessity for templates. Information can then be conveniently validated throughout the interface, and exported for additional processing utilizing one of many software’s software program integrations like Netsuite or Quickbooks Desktop Professional.
Rossum Execs |
Rossum Cons |
| Bill information extraction | Unclear software programming interface (API) documentation for integration |
| Simple app setup and set up | Restricted doc verification help |
| Simple information troubleshooting help | Advanced information dealing with for giant PDF paperwork |
What do customers like greatest:
“One of the best factor about Rossum is the saved keystrokes. I imply, that is the entire level of this. From a developer perspective, Rossum’s pretty open method to permit for modification of the UI and the way information is processed via Rossum was the true promote level. My firm has very particular wants, and the flexibility to scale the UI up or down on the fly is unimaginable and straightforward.”
– Rossum Overview, Connor S.
What do customers dislike:
“Rossum will be improved by studying learn how to learn Excel paperwork, and typically the repeated behaviors we educate Rossum are ignored. Rossum can be restricted to studying “straight” traces of knowledge. If there was a approach to tilt the grid to learn orders which might be misaligned, that might be appreciated.”
– Rossum Overview, Steven S.
7. Base64.ai: automated doc information extraction
Base64.ai is an ML-powered information extraction and automation software that generates editable reviews and tables from giant paperwork. Base64.ai intelligently captures information and labels it internally to create newer paperwork. This simplifies enterprise workflows and hastens transactional processing between shoppers and distributors.
Base 64.ai additionally verifies and validates textual content earlier than transferring it into a special format. It ensures that the the worth and authenticity of the textual content are maintained.
Base64.ai Execs |
Base64.ai Cons |
| Help for invoice era and bill processing | Frequent server downtime and app upkeep |
| Information encoding and encryption | Weak buyer verification from poor misinterpretation |
| Segregation of quantities into devoted bill classes | Doesn’t help “direct printing” |
What do customers like greatest:
“The superior AI fashions have enhanced efficient adaptation to new doc format and information extraction from completely different kinds. It allows my group to make well timed selections from dependable insights obtained from extracted information. I’ve been capable of implement many tasks throughout the set timelines attributable to correct information that I receive from completely different information sources.”
– Base64.ai Overview, Ruth C.
What do customers dislike:
“There are downtime incidents which have disrupted information workflows, affecting your entire information pipeline.”
– Base64.ai Overview, Andrew S.
8. DocuClipper
DocuClipper summarizes textual content from PDF recordsdata and inserts it into WORD paperwork. It helps a number of file variants like .png, .jpg, or different picture recordsdata and reads inline textual content. A number one OCR software, DocuClipper is straightforward to make use of and in addition provides OCR tutorials for inexperienced persons to study extra.
DocuClipper may also scan and seize multi-page invoices and bodily textual content recordsdata containing essential banking or bank card information.
DocuClipper Execs |
DocuClipper Cons |
| Receipt parsing and .csv or .qbc help | Incapability to separate information recordsdata |
| Captures doc particulars precisely | Restricted options for small companies |
| Information encryption for delicate info | Inaccurate information parsing |
What do customers like greatest:
“I used DocuClipper for changing my shoppers’ financial institution statements and bank card statements to Quickbooks On-line format recordsdata. It was very clean and correct, not like different software program that I’ve used for related functions. Total, it’s a very intuitive, user-friendly software program. It’s extremely beneficial if you’re working with PDF statements. I haven’t explored it totally, however to this point, it is nice.”
– DocuClipper Overview, Javeria Z.
What do customers dislike:
“It will be nice to have a pay-as-you-go plan for smaller companies that do not want it constantly however nonetheless want it for infrequent tasks. I do not want it sufficient to warrant the price of the annual plan. I wanted DocuClipper for one venture and needed to pay the month-to-month charge after which cancel the subscription. I do not want this system a lot, however once I do, it is available in very helpful and saves me a ton of time.”
– DocuClipper Overview, Stephanie Ok.
Comparability of one of the best free OCR software program
To get a have a look at which OCR software most closely fits your doc workflows, try our comparability desk and consider your parameters.
|
Software program |
G2 score |
Free plan |
Paid plan |
|
FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac |
4.8/5 |
Free Trial |
Customized |
|
Laserfiche |
4.7/5 |
Free Trial |
Begins at $50 monthly |
|
Nanonets |
4.5/5 |
Free Trial |
Begins at $0 monthly to $999 monthly |
|
Ephesoft |
4.5/5 |
Free Trial |
Customized |
|
Rossum |
4.4/5 |
Free Plan |
Customized |
|
TextIn |
4.4/5 |
Free Trial |
Customized |
|
Docuclipper |
4.8/5 |
Free Plan |
Begins at $39 monthly |
|
Base64.ai |
4.9/5 |
Free Trial |
Customized |
Free OCR software program: Regularly requested questions (FAQs)
How precisely does free OCR software program acknowledge numerous fonts and handwritten textual content?
Free OCR software program makes use of machine studying and synthetic intelligence to enhance accuracy, even with handwritten textual content. Nonetheless, the accuracy varies based mostly on the standard of the enter picture and the sophistication of the OCR algorithm. Lok for OCR software program with excessive accuracy charges and sturdy preprocessing capabilities to deal with various information varieties.
How effectively does free OCR software program combine with different present doc administration techniques?
Most trendy free OCR software program is designed to combine seamlessly with in style doc administration techniques (DMS) and doc creation software program. This integration permits for the automated importing, processing, and organizing of paperwork. Earlier than buying, be sure that the OCR software program helps the APIs or connectors required by your DMS. Integration capabilities considerably improve workflow effectivity by automating doc processing and lowering handbook information entry.
What are the highest listed OCR software program on G2?
The highest-listed OCR software program on G2 is Adobe Acrobat, FineReader PDF for Home windows and Mac, Rossum, and DocuClipper.
Is free OCR software program protected to make use of? Does it compromise information privateness?
Free OCR software program is encrypted software program that permits entry through safe authorization. It authenticates customers through their genuine account and a one-time generated password that provides extra safety layers to your app. Additional, it prevents unauthorized customers from making adjustments to your file by producing a password Unicode that locks sure paperwork.
Construct your digital ledgers
Free OCR packages create a clean transition from laborious copies to an digital output format, supplying you with the ability to regulate information in accordance with organizational requirements. They remove the effort of paper payments and invoices and automate your information for easy processing. Whether or not you’re working with distributors, clients, or a brand new associate, your transactional information needn’t be scattered into stacks of paper.
Find out how free PDF editors can allow you to transform, edit, and modify PDF docs from a non-editable to editable format and ease your work hassles.
Edited by Aisha West