Manage updates with the Download App
How to use OCR with Google Docs for Android
The Google Docs Android app includes a cool new feature that allows documents to be converted into editable text. We'll show you how to use it and what camera setting we suggest using for best results.
Step 1:
Launch the Google Docs app and tap on the "Create new" icon.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee)
Step 2:
Select "Document from photo" to start up the OCR camera function.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee)
Step 3:
Line up the document using the camera on your Android phone and take the photo, then tap "Done." If you don't get the results you want, make sure your phone's camera is set on Auto mode and try forcing the flash.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee)
Step 4:
Choose the file name for upload and select the Google account you want to upload the photo to, then click "Done."
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee)
During the upload, Google Docs will convert the photo. Once you open the document, you'll see the text it was able to convert.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Ed Rhee)
Remember that the OCR feature works best on unformatted text--no handwriting or designer fonts--and only in English. Google promises that the feature will work better over time, so keep the app updated for improvements!
