OCR space
Free OCR API and web app that extracts text from images and PDFs without signup.
Open the official app on ocr.space
This tool is hosted by its maintainers. Click below to open ocr.space in a new tab — it's their official demo.
Browse image & tools tools →What's next with OCR space?
Choose how you want to get started.
Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is OCR space?
OCR.space is an online Optical Character Recognition (OCR) service that converts scanned images and PDF documents into editable text formats. The tool enables users to transform non-editable files into searchable, searchable PDFs, or plain text, streamlining document management and data extraction. It caters to individuals and organizations needing to digitize paper-based records, extract text from images, or convert legacy documents into modern file formats. By automating text recognition, OCR.space addresses the challenge of manual data entry, saving time and reducing errors. Its primary users include researchers, businesses, and students who require efficient methods to process scanned documents, invoices, or forms. The tool’s emphasis on data privacy and compliance with EU regulations makes it suitable for handling sensitive information without compromising security.
How it works
OCR.space is a web-based tool that leverages OCR technology to convert images, PDFs, and scanned documents into editable text. It supports formats like JPG, PNG, GIF, and PDF, enabling users to extract text from visual content without manual input. The service’s core purpose is to resolve the inefficiency of working with non-editable files by providing a straightforward way to digitize and repurpose documents. It also allows users to generate searchable PDFs, enhancing accessibility and searchability of content. OCR.space handles multi-page documents and recognizes multi-column text, making it suitable for complex layouts. It automatically deletes uploaded files and extracted text after processing, ensuring data privacy. All servers are located within the European Union, complying with GDPR regulations to protect user data.
How to use it
- 1Open the OCR space page
- 2Use the tool directly in your browser
- 3Results appear instantly — no waiting, no downloads
What it can do
- free OCR API
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://ocr.space/
- license: Proprietary — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Free tier restricts file size to 5MB per document
- No support for offline processing or local installations
- Limited customization options for complex document layouts
- Batch processing requires use of the API, not the web interface
- OCR accuracy may degrade with low-quality or stylized text
Understanding the result
Free OCR API and web app that extracts text from images and PDFs without signup.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://ocr.space/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://ocr.space/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- Proprietary License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What file formats does OCR.space support?
OCR.space accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, and PDF files for processing. The free tier limits individual files to 5MB, while the API allows larger uploads. Users can process multi-page documents and multi-column text layouts, making it suitable for scanned books, tables, and forms.
How does OCR.space ensure data privacy?
OCR.space automatically deletes uploaded files and extracted text immediately after processing. All servers are located within the European Union, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations. Data never leaves EU jurisdiction, and the tool does not store or archive any user information, as outlined in its privacy policy.
How do I convert a scanned PDF into editable text?
Upload the PDF file to the OCR.space online tool. Select the 'Create searchable PDF' option if available. The service will process the document, converting text into an editable format. Download the output file, which can be opened in word processors or PDF readers with search functionality.
How does OCR.space compare to Google Cloud Vision API?
OCR.space focuses on document and image text extraction with GDPR-compliant EU-based servers, while Google Cloud Vision API offers broader AI-powered image analysis features. OCR.space is simpler for basic OCR tasks, whereas Google Cloud Vision provides advanced capabilities like object detection and barcode reading. Both require API keys for programmatic use.
What should I do if my file exceeds the 5MB limit?
Split the document into smaller files under 5MB before uploading. For large-scale processing, use the OCR API, which allows larger file sizes and batch operations. Ensure each file is a single page or section to maintain accuracy during conversion.