Using OCR to convert images of writing into text

This section of our Assistive Technology Guide explains how you can transcribe images of typed, handwritten or printed text.

Optical character recognition (OCR) converts images and scans of typed, handwritten or printed text into text that you can edit on your device. Several applications include this functionality.

You may need to use OCR if you:

• Prefer writing notes by hand but would like them as editable text on your computer
• Would like to transcribe a lecturer's handwritten notes into editable text – for example, from a whiteboard

Microsoft 365

• Copy text from pictures and file printouts using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) in OneNote (Built-in)
• Microsoft Lens for Android (Free app)

Google

• Get info about your photos & surroundings (Android, iPhone and iPad, free app)