Extract Text from Images – Free OCR Tool
Extract editable text from photos, screenshots, and scanned documents with free online OCR. Convert images to text instantly in your browser—no sign-up required.
Upload an image
Choose a clear image and we'll extract its text in your browser.
Drop your image here
or click to browse from your device
JPG, PNG, or WEBP · up to 12 MB
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What Is Image to Text?
Image to text conversion uses optical character recognition (OCR) to read visible words in a photo, screenshot, or scanned document and turn them into editable text. Instead of retyping content from an image, you can extract the text instantly, then copy, edit, or download it for use anywhere.
How to Convert Image to Text
Converting an image to text online takes just a few steps:
1. Upload your image
Choose a JPG, PNG, or WEBP image from your device, or drag and drop it into the tool above.
2. Extract the text
Select Extract Text and let the browser-based OCR engine scan the words from your image.
3. Review and edit
Read through the extracted text and make quick edits directly in the result box.
4. Copy or download
Copy the text to your clipboard or download it as a TXT file to use anywhere.
Popular Image to Text Conversions
ScanText works with many image types. Use the image to text converter tool for any supported format, or explore specific guides:
JPG to Text
Convert JPG and JPEG photos to editable text with our free online converter.
PNG to Text
Extract text from PNG images, screenshots, and graphics quickly.
Screenshot to Text
Copy words from screenshots when the original text cannot be selected.
Photo to Text
Turn pictures of documents, notes, and signs into editable text.
How OCR Works
When you upload an image, the OCR engine analyzes the pixel patterns of letters and words, then produces text based on what it recognizes. The conversion runs entirely in your browser—your image is not uploaded to a server. For best results, use a clear, well-lit image with strong contrast between text and background.
Why Use an Online Image to Text Converter?
Save time
Extract text from images instantly instead of retyping everything manually.
Work with any image
Use photos, screenshots, scanned documents, or pictures of handwritten notes.
Free and private
No account, no cost, and no server upload—OCR runs right in your browser.
Edit and download
Refine the extracted text and download it as a file or copy it anywhere.
Supported Image Formats
ScanText accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WEBP images up to 12 MB. For the clearest text recognition, use a sharp, well-lit image with readable text. If your document is saved as a PDF, TIFF, HEIC, GIF, or SVG, export or screenshot a page to a supported format first. See the full list of supported image formats.
Image to Text Use Cases
People use online image-to-text converters for everyday tasks such as:
- Copying text from screenshots when the original words cannot be selected
- Digitizing handwritten notes into editable text
- Extracting text from receipts and other document photos
- Converting scanned documents to searchable, editable text
- Recovering text from photos of labels, signs, or printed materials
- Turning photos into Word documents you can edit and format
Tips for Better OCR Results
- Use clear, sharp images: Blurry, low-resolution, or heavily compressed images produce worse results.
- Ensure good lighting: Avoid shadows, glare, and low-contrast text.
- Keep text straight: Crooked or tilted text is harder for OCR to read accurately.
- Remove backgrounds: Crop away unnecessary borders or distracting elements.
- Review the output: Always check extracted text before using it for important information.
More Resources
Learn more with our OCR guides and how-tos, or check the frequently asked questions. For detailed steps, visit the how image-to-text conversion works page.
Image to Text FAQ
What is image to text?
Image to text is the process of using OCR to turn the visible words in a photo, screenshot, or scanned document into editable text you can copy, edit, or search.
How do I convert an image to text?
Upload a JPG, PNG, or WEBP image, select Extract Text, and let the browser-based OCR engine read the words. Then review, copy, or download the result.
Is the image-to-text converter free?
Yes. The core image-to-text converter is free to use in your browser, with no account required.
Can I convert an image to text online?
Yes. The tool runs online in your browser, so you can convert an image to text from any modern desktop, tablet, or phone without installing software.
Can I scan text from an image?
Yes. Choose an image and the OCR engine scans the text from it, then returns editable words you can review and refine.
Can I convert image text to Word?
The converter produces plain editable text. After you copy or download the result, you can paste it into Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any text editor.
What image formats are supported?
You can use JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WEBP images up to 12 MB. Export PDFs or other formats to a supported image first.
How accurate is OCR?
Accuracy depends on image quality, clear type, contrast, language, and layout. Review the output before relying on it for important use.
Does the image-to-text tool work on mobile?
Yes. The tool is designed to work on modern phone and tablet browsers as well as desktop.
Is my uploaded image stored?
Images are processed in your browser. This site does not provide an image upload or permanent-storage service, so your file is not sent to a server.
Still have questions? Visit the full image-to-text FAQ.