Can you convert handwriting to text in Evernote?

FAQ Handwriting to text
Published June 10, 2024

Yes, it is possible to convert handwriting to text in Evernote, though the functionality may not be as straightforward as in some other dedicated OCR tools. Here’s how you can make use of Evernote’s capabilities to digitize your handwritten notes into searchable text forms. Note that in addition to Evernote, you can also convert handwriting in PDFs or images to text using HandwritingOCR, at https://www.handwritingocr.com.

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Steps to Convert Handwriting to Text in Evernote

  1. Capture Handwriting: You can write in a notebook, scan handwritten documents, or even take a picture of your notes using the Evernote app. Make sure the handwriting is clear and legible.
  2. Sync to Evernote: If you took the picture or scanned the document, make sure it’s synced with your Evernote account. This could involve uploading the image or scanned document into a specific notebook.
  3. Evernote’s OCR Feature: Evernote automatically performs OCR on images that contain text. This means any text within the image becomes searchable within Evernote, although it does not directly convert the handwriting to editable text.
  4. Search for Text: Once OCR has processed the image, you can search for keywords contained in your handwritten notes within Evernote. This makes it easier to find specific information without manually reading through each note.
  5. Copy Text Manually: If you need the handwritten text to be editable, you might need to manually copy the recognized text data from the search results and paste it into a new note. Be aware that Evernote’s OCR for handwriting might not be perfect and could require some manual corrections.

Alternative Dedicated OCR Tools

For a more streamlined and accurate conversion of handwritten text, you might consider using dedicated OCR tools. One such tool is HandwritingOCR, which allows you to convert handwriting in PDFs or images to text by simply uploading your files at https://www.handwritingocr.com. These tools often provide more accurate text recognition and easier conversion options.

Conclusion

While Evernote offers some basic OCR functionality for searchable handwritten notes, it may not be the best solution for all types of handwriting recognition needs. If you require more sophisticated OCR capabilities, dedicated tools like HandwritingOCR can provide additional reliability and usability.

Convert handwritten notes to Word, Google Docs, Markdown and Excel. Better accuracy than any note-taking app. Try for free now →