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Converting handwriting to text has become a valuable skill, whether you're a student taking notes, an artist digitizing sketches, or a professional transcribing meeting minutes. In this blog, we'll explore the purpose of converting handwriting to text, best practices for achieving accurate results, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this transformation process.
How to Convert Handwriting to Text on Windows
How to Convert Handwriting to Text on Mac
The Purpose of Converting Handwriting to Text
Best Practice for Converting Handwriting to Text
Converting Handwriting to Text: FAQs
How to Convert Handwriting to Text on Windows
Use PDF Reader Pro to convert images and capture handwriting using the OCR function on your Windows operating system.
Navigate, edit, and
convert PDFs like a Pro
with PDF Reader Pro
Easily customize PDFs: Edit text, images,
pages, and annotations with ease.
Advanced PDF conversion: Supports
multi-format document processing with OCR.
Seamless workflow on Mac,
Windows, iOS, and Android.
Before you begin, make sure the handwritten file is a PDF. Peruse our blog on how to convert a picture to PDF on iPhone here if you need to take a picture of the document first.
Step 1: Open Your PDF File
Open your handwritten document by clicking "Open File" or dragging it into the drop zone.
Step 2: Click "OCR"
Use the advanced features on our toolbar to start the conversion process.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 3: Click the OCR Button
This will ensure images and scanned text will convert to editable format.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 4: Save Your File
Click on "to TXT" to create a text document. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
How to Convert Handwriting to Text on Mac
Convert complex handwriting and PDF images to text using PDF Reader Pro on your Mac operating system.
Navigate, edit, and
convert PDFs like a Pro
with PDF Reader Pro
Easily customize PDFs: Edit text, images,
pages, and annotations with ease.
Advanced PDF conversion: Supports
multi-format document processing with OCR.
Seamless workflow on Mac,
Windows, iOS, and Android.
Step 1: Open Your PDF File
Open your handwritten PDF document in our intuitive interface.
Step 2: Click the "OCR" Tool
This character recognition software for image files and scanned documents has a handwriting conversion feature.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 3: Click the OCR Button
In center of the pop-up window, click the blue button to convert to text. 
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
Step 4: Export as Text
Save your document by clicking the "To TXT" button.
Image Source: PDF Reader Pro
The Purpose of Converting Handwriting to Text
Converting handwriting to text serves several essential purposes:
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Digitization: Handwritten notes, sketches, and handwritten PDF documents can be difficult to store, organize, and share in their original form. Converting them to text makes them digital and easy to manage.
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Searchability: Text is searchable, allowing you to quickly find specific information within your handwritten documents, which is especially helpful for research or reference materials.
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Editing and Formatting: Text-based file types can be easily edited, formatted, and refined, enhancing the clarity and presentation of your work.
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Accessibility: Converting handwriting to text can make content accessible to individuals with visual impairments, as screen readers can interpret the text from our PDF scanner.
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Data Entry: For professionals in various fields, converting handwritten data into text simplifies data entry, reducing errors and saving time.
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Sharing and Collaboration: Text file types are universally readable and easily shareable, facilitating collaboration and communication in your preferred language.
Best Practice for Converting Handwriting to Text
To achieve the best results when converting to text with the advanced version of our app, follow these best practices for the clearest handwriting file:
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Use a High-Quality Scanner or Camera: If you're starting with physical handwritten documents, use a high-quality scanner or camera to create clear and legible digital images.
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Select the Right Conversion Tool: Choose a suitable handwriting-to-text conversion tool or software. Popular options include Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, and dedicated handwriting recognition apps.
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Review and Edit Manually: After conversion, carefully review and edit the digital handwriting text. Handwriting recognition may not always be perfect, so manual corrections are often necessary.
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Optimize for Accuracy: Ensure optimal handwriting recognition accuracy by following guidelines for legible writing. Avoid cursive handwriting, use consistent lettering, and write in print.
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Consider Training the Software: Some handwriting recognition tools have a built-in option that allows for user training to improve recognition accuracy over time.
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Adjust Conversion Language and Settings: Configure the language and default settings in your converter app to match the language and style of the handwritten text.
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Organize and Backup: Organize the converted text files and back them up to prevent data loss. Use a systematic folder structure for better document management.
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Use Advanced OCR Technology: If you're working with scanned handwritten pages, such as a handwritten equation, run OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert the image format into a legible format that is searchable text.
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Backup Handwritten Copies: Keep the original handwritten documents as backups, especially for critical or irreplaceable content.
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Converting Handwriting to Text: FAQs
Let's address some frequently asked questions about converting handwriting notes to text using a handwriting conversion feature:
Can I convert any type of handwriting to text, including cursive or calligraphy?
Handwriting recognition tools work best with legible print or block letters to preserve conversion quality. Cursive and calligraphy styles on PDF images may not yield accurate results.
Are there mobile apps for converting handwritten characters to text on tablets or smartphones?
Yes, there are many mobile app settings and software tools that offer handwriting recognition and conversion features, making it convenient to digitize handwritten notes on the go.
Can I use the converter app to change handwritten text in different languages?
Yes, many handwriting recognition tools support multiple languages. Ensure you select the correct language and settings for accurate copying from images.
How does the recognition accuracy of handwritten text compare to typed text?
Handwriting recognition accuracy may vary depending on the tool and the quality of the handwriting. Typed text generally has higher accuracy, but advancements in recognition technology have improved the accuracy of handwritten text conversion.
Can I convert handwritten mathematical equations or drawings to text?
Converting mathematical equations and complex drawings may require specialized software designed for mathematical notation and visual recognition. Some tools offer this capability, but accuracy can vary.
Can I convert very old or faded handwritten documents to text?
Converting very old or faded handwritten characters can be challenging due to the quality of the source material. Advanced scanning and image enhancement techniques, as well as specialized software, may be needed for better results.
What is the role of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in converting handwritten text?
OCR, or Optical Character Recognition functions, is a technology that converts images of text into machine-readable text. While advanced OCR technology is commonly used for printed text, some OCR software and tools can also recognize handwritten text, improving the accuracy of conversion.
Can I convert handwritten text with drawings or illustrations included?
Converting handwritten text with drawings or illustrations in a PDF files is possible, but the accuracy may vary depending on the tool and the complexity of the content. Consider using software that supports mixed content, or be prepared to manually adjust the converted text as needed.
Are there software tools that can convert handwritten text into digital editable text in real-time as I write or draw?
Yes, there are digital stylus and tablets, as well as software that allows you to convert handwritten text into digital text in real-time. This can be particularly useful for note-taking and creative work.
Can I convert handwritten text to text with specific formatting, such as bullet points and headings?
Some handwriting recognition tools support basic formatting options like bullet points and headings. While the level of formatting may not be as extensive as in word processing software, it allows for structured content conversion for better accuracy in conversions.
By following these best practices and considering the FAQs, you can effectively convert your handwritten notes, sketches, and documents into digital, searchable, and editable text, making your content more accessible and organized.
