Converting images such as invoices, bank statements, etc. into editable format is a routine task for most of us. There are multiple ways through which you can perform this task.
One way is to utilize an online OCR tool that has the ability to automatically convert an image to text with maximum accuracy.
Another way is through Python – a popular object-oriented high-level programming language. This language is widely used to design sites, tools, applications, etc. Along with this, Python can also convert pictures into editable format. However, this will require following the right process.
In this article, I am going to explain the process of converting images into text with Python in detail. So, around with till the end.
Step-By-Step Procedure Of Using Python To Convert Images Into Python
Below are the steps that you have to follow to efficiently extract editable text from a picture. Remember, all the steps discussed below are essential, and you must have to follow them all for process completion. Be noted that I’m assuming you have already Python installed on your system. If not, please install Python first and then follow the steps below:
Download & install Tesseract & OpenCV:
You first have to download and tesseract which is an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Library for Python. Along with this, you also have to install OpenCV – a special module of Python.
Note: OpenCV’s new or modern name is CV2.
Look For Coding Software:
After downloading and installing the Python tool and modules, you then have to go for coding software in which you will type the code to convert images into editable text format.
For this guide, I am going with Google Colab – an online software by Google Inc. that allows users to run Python code online without downloading or installing its application. However, if you have already installed coding software, then you can use that one as well.
Create A New File And Import The Python Modules:
Now, you have to create a new file in the coding software and import the Python module (OpenCV/CV2) into it. Along with this, also import the Tesseract. Both these will work together to recognize and convert the given images into an editable format.
To import, you also have to write down the code that is shown in the attached picture below:
Submit The Required Image For Conversion By A Special Function:
Once you imported both the Python module and tool, it is time to start the conversion process.
For this you have to submit the required image which can be done by using Python’s special function known as, “imread(add image address here)” – this function will upload and read the picture for efficient conversion. You have to refer to this function in the CV2 module.
To provide you with a better understanding of this step, I have attached an image below check it out.
Set Configuration Option:
This step requires your full attention. Here, you will have to set configuration options that will allow Python to access variables (letters and characters) stored in the Tesseract tool.
This is essential because Python will match the words or letters that the input picture contains with the ones that are stored in Tesseract. After matching, it will extract the ones that have a successful match.
To set the configuration option, use the code that is shown in the picture below:
But, in case the code above does not set the configuration of Tesseract or gives any kind of error after running, then don’t worry, you can try using the code below:
Convert The Picture Into Editable Format:
After reading the name, you will already have an idea about what will happen in this step. You have guessed right…here you will officially start the conversion process. For this, you have to type the following code that is in the picture below:
Use The Print Command To Get The Output:
This is the final step in which you have to make use of the print command to get text in an editable or machine-readable form. The picture below contains the code that you need to write down.
After this, all you have to do is just run the entire code. When I run the code, the editable text I get against my submitted picture can be seen in the attachment below:
So, this was the process that you need to follow to convert images quickly and efficiently into editable text format using Python.
But, keep in mind, if you make any mistake (even a comma, or dot) while writing code, then you will not get the required results. So, be careful while writing the code mentioned in the steps above.
Conclusion
Converting images into editable with the help of Python is possible but requires following the right process. In this blog post, I have explained a step-by-step procedure (along with pictures) that will help you efficiently extract text from images in editable format.
