OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It’s a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images captured by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data.

Here’s how OCR works:

  1. Image Scanning: The process begins with scanning a physical document or capturing an image of text using a digital camera. This creates a digital image file (usually in formats like JPEG or TIFF).
  2. Text Recognition: OCR software analyzes the shapes, patterns, and arrangements of characters within the digital image to identify individual letters, numbers, and symbols.
  3. Character Classification: The OCR software classifies each character it recognizes and determines the most likely corresponding character (A-Z, 0-9, punctuation, etc.).
  4. Document Formatting: In addition to recognizing individual characters, OCR software often tries to identify the layout and formatting of the document, including paragraphs, columns, and fonts.
  5. Output: The recognized characters and document formatting are then converted into machine-readable text. This can be output as plain text, a word processing document, a searchable PDF, or another editable format.

OCR technology is used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Document Digitization: Converting physical documents and books into digital formats for archiving or distribution.
  • Text Search: Enabling keyword searching within scanned documents.
  • Data Entry: Automating data entry by extracting text from scanned forms and invoices.
  • Accessibility: Making printed materials accessible to individuals with visual impairments by converting them into text-to-speech or Braille.
  • Translation: Facilitating the translation of printed materials into different languages.

OCR accuracy can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the source document, the clarity of the text, and the capabilities of the OCR software being used. Advances in OCR technology have significantly improved accuracy, making it a valuable tool for businesses, libraries, government agencies, and individuals who need to work with both printed and digital documents.