Optical character recognition (OCR) technology allows iPhone users to take photos of documents and convert them into editable text. By installing a dedicated OCR app, your iPhone can extract words from images of papers, articles or books for convenient editing and sharing.
With proper setup and scanning methods, OCR enables converting hard copy materials into accessible digital files. In this blog, we’ll list some simple steps to scan and convert to text using the advanced OCR technology on your iPhone device.
Setting up OCR on iPhone
Getting started with OCR on iPhone requires just downloading an OCR app from the App Store and enabling key permissions for camera and photos access.
Installing OCR App
A top-rated chat pdf AI option called PopAi offers an intuitive iPhone-optimized interface with highly accurate OCR capabilities. Simply search for “PopAi” in the App Store, tap Get, and click install. The app will guide users through the quick setup experience.
Granting Necessary Permissions
After installation, PopAi will request permission to access the iPhone camera and photo library. The camera access enables real-time scanning of documents by taking photos through the app. Photo library access allows retrieving files already captured to run OCR on. Enable both permissions when prompted to fully utilize PopAi’s OCR functions.
Scanning Documents
With the PopAi app installed and permissions set, your iPhone can now digitize hard copy documents or images into scannable files for text extraction.
Using iPhone Camera for Scanning
Open the PopAi app and select the camera icon to activate live document scanning. Position the paper document within the viewfinder frame, steady hands to reduce motion blur, then capture the scan image by tapping the round shutter button.
Adjusting Settings for Better Quality
If initial scans appear grainy or distorted, tap the settings cog icon in the top corner of PopAi. Here users can customize resolution, image type, auto-cropping boundaries and contrast levels to improve scan quality on a per document basis.
Tips for Optimal Scanning
For best OCR scan results, flatten any curved documents under a book or solid surface, adjust lighting to reduce glare on glossy paper, and place documents against uniform backgrounds before capturing. Close-up shots with the entire document frame in focus produces higher accuracy.
Converting Scanned Images to Text
After capturing optimal quality document photo scans, the PopAi app will automatically run OCR analysis and extract formatted text from images without any user input required.
Choosing Output Format
PopAi offers a choice of output text formats like Plain Text, PDF, Microsoft Word Docs and eBooks based on the intended use after conversion. Select the best type for your workflow needs.
Reviewing and Editing Text
While OCR technology has improved significantly, engines still only provide approximately 90-95% conversion accuracy. Be sure to review the auto-extracted text carefully for any inaccuracies like formatting issues or garbled words, manually editing using PopAi’s built-in document editors if required.
Saving and Sharing Options
PopAi allows completed OCR scan conversions to either get exported directly into other apps for additional use, or saved for storage into cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox for later online access across devices.
Troubleshooting Common OCR Issues
Since OCR relies on analyzing photographic images, low quality scans with distortions or graininess can significantly decrease accuracy. Thankfully several quick fixes exist.
Handling Low-Resolution Images
Grainy or distorted documents decrease accuracy. Rescan documents using optimal camera settings and lighting to improve clarity.
Dealing with Formatting Errors
If OCR engine struggles with unusual fonts, re-convert inserts with errors using Plain Text output to strip formatting.
Improving Accuracy of Conversions
Double check spellings of proper names. For languages with diacritics like French, choose corresponding language settings in OCR app for enhanced letter recognition.
Best Practices for OCR on iPhone
Follow these pro tips to continue getting the most benefit from iPhone’s OCR functions over time:
Regularly Update OCR App
Be sure to download the latest PopAi app updates whenever available for improved accuracy, speed and interface upgrades as developers continuously refine and release enhanced versions.
Organize Scanned Documents
Leverage cloud storage folders to systematically categorize different OCR scans like receipts, legal forms and study notes for simplified future access to important digitized paperwork.
Utilize OCR Capabilities for Various Purposes
Beyond digitizing physical documents, also leverage your iPhone’s convenient OCR powers for translating restaurant menus, business cards or whiteboard images from photos into actionable text information.
Conclusion
Tapping into built-in iPhone camera and photos access combined with AI-powered optical character recognition apps like PopAi conveniently extracts text from documents for paperless editing and organization.
Following proper setup, scanning methods and output procedures streamlines converting hard copy materials into usable digital files. Unlocking the text trapped in images leads to more productivity and efficiency on the go.