A Comprehensive Guide of Transkribus & Its Alternatives

Part 1. Transkribus Review

Transkribus has gained a solid reputation for its high-quality transcription services. It utilizes AI-driven Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) technology to convert images of text, including handwritten or historical documents, into digital text.

Unlike other apps to convert text from images, it is more than just an OCR tool as it is a comprehensive digital archiving solution. This is the reason why this specific tool is used by thousands of academics, students, and professionals.

Because of its unique technology, it focuses on creating results that users have expected while getting it for their tasks. This tool also specializes in recognizing a variety of handwriting styles, which sets it apart from traditional tools.

This tool ensures that different document structures, like multi-column layouts or tables, are accurately recognized and extracted. You can say that it will extract the data from the scanned documents without format changing.

Overall, Transkribus is a perfect solution for extracting text from scanned files or even from hand-written documents. However, its free plan isn’t suitable for advanced working. You have to get its subscription if you are looking to use it regularly with access to all its functions.

Part 2. Transkribus Pricing and Features

From the above section, you have got a quick overview of Transkribus. However, this tool isn’t limited to the above-listed features only. It has many other prominent features that make it better than other OCR tools like Snagit OCR.

We have listed some of those prominent features that you should be aware of while reading about this tool.

Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) Algorithm

Transkribus stands out for its robust HTR-based algorithm which accurately recognizes various handwriting styles. This technology uses machine learning to identify and replicate different handwriting styles to make the text editable from scanned documents.

It allows users to be comfortable even when they are trying to extract text from hundreds of images. The best thing about this tool is the availability of basic editing tools. In simple words, you can edit the text extracted from the images to make necessary changes in it.

Document Layout Analysis

The tool’s layout analysis capability detects and preserves complex structures like tables and image areas. This feature is valuable when working with historical documents or manuscripts where layout is crucial to understanding the text and its context.

It ensures a smooth transition from document image to digital text without losing structural integrity. In turn, it will save you time that you may have to invest to justify the text and visual content after extraction.

Language and Script Versatility

Transkribus supports multiple languages and scripts, including ancient texts and rare dialects. It makes the tool suitable for almost every researcher and professional regardless of their location.

The tool allows users to train its algorithms to recognize different writing styles which helps them get the text from handwritten documents with accuracy. This is the reason why it is considered the best handwriting to text AI tool.

Transkribus Pricing

This tool offers a flexible pricing model with both free and paid tiers. The free tier provides limited access, while the paid plans unlock the full range of features, including advanced HTR and language support.

Its paid pricing plans start from approximately €15 per month. You can also extend your plan by upgrading your subscription.

Part 3. Transkribus Alternative

Overall, Transkribus is a good tool for extracting text out of multiple scanned files including handwritten documents. However, it may not be suitable and affordable for everyone especially because of high pricing.

This is where you will find its alternatives a good choice for you. Here, in this section, we have listed a few alternatives to this tool with effective performance.

1. PDNob Image Translator

It is one of the best alternatives to Transkribus because of its free working mode and effective processing. Image Translator by PDNob doesn’t offer ordinary text extraction from scanned files. It has a built-in translator using which you can change the language of the extracted text.

In simple words, it works as a data extractor as well as a translator. You can easily understand if your inserted documents have text in a foreign language. With this, you will be able to understand the documents if you are unable to read them in the original format.

Despite this, you can download this software on any of your devices because of its versatility in terms of Windows and Mac operating systems. This transcribing tool is compatible with almost every version of Windows and enables a wide range of users to download and use it.

Key Features:

• Accurate OCR for both printed and handwritten text
• Supports over 100 languages
• User-friendly interface with minimal setup
• High compatibility with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices

2.ABBYY FineReader

ABBYY FineReader is a powerful PDF software that offers an OCR tool to handle printed and handwritten texts effectively. It provides features for editing scanned documents, converting images to text, and supports a range of formats.

As it is basically a PDF tool, you can use it to convert PDF to Word documents without changing formatting. Moreover, it enables you to access the comprehensive toolkit that allows you to edit the output and make it suitable for your task.

Overall, it is a good tool for choosing to edit or customize PDF files as well as convert their format. However, its paid working mode may not be affordable for everyone. It might be expensive for beginners or new users who don’t want to invest in this section.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive document conversion tools
• High recognition accuracy for both printed and handwritten text
• Supports multiple output formats
• Built-in document editing options

3.Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

It is a well-known tool for its advanced PDF editing and OCR capabilities. Adobe Acrobat DC is an excellent option for users who work extensively with PDFs and need reliable OCR performance. Like its other tools, its OCR function enables you to be comfortable while extracting text out of their scanned files.

The reason is the high accuracy of this tool while scanning and extracting the text. You can easily get the text out of any document and make it editable. The only problem that you may face while using it is the complex working mode. Unlike other tools, it doesn’t have its OCR tool available on the home screen or visible anywhere on this screen.

Key Features:

• Powerful PDF editing tools
• High-quality OCR conversion
• Built-in collaboration features
• Cloud integration for file access on the go

4.Soda PDF

Soda PDF provides an OCR tool for converting scanned PDFs and images into editable text. It is known for its affordability and user-friendly interface which makes it a good choice for basic OCR tasks. Overall, it is a good tool for extracting the text out of the images or scanned files.

However, it isn’t as advanced as other tools mentioned above. So, you can say that it is suitable for basic tasks only.

Key Features:

• Simple and intuitive design
• Multiple format support for OCR conversions
• Cloud storage integration
• Affordable pricing plans

5.Readiris

It is an OCR tool specifically designed for document scanning and conversion. Readiris supports various output formats that make it suitable for a wide range of users. Doesn’t matter whether you are a student or a professional, you will find it a perfect pick for yourself.

Moreover, it also offers basic text editing features that enable you to change the text you have taken out from an image. It makes the process of extraction and editing simple and smooth.

Key Features:

• OCR support for multiple languages
• Document compression feature to reduce file size
• Text editing options within the tool
• Batch processing for faster conversions

Part 4. How to Use Transkribus?

The use of this tool is pretty simple even a beginner can follow it. However, if you are looking for some assistance, we have written the steps to follow here.

• Visit the Transkribus website and create an account.
• Click on “Upload Document” to add your scanned files.

• Choose the HTR model that best fits your document’s style.
• Click the “Start Transcription” to process your document.

The tool will convert the text into editable form. It will take only a few seconds for the completion of this process. It is highly recommended to review the results before downloading the file in your preferred format.

With this, you can re-initiate the process if you have found any mistakes in them. It will save you time and enable you to be confident while sharing the files with anyone.

Part 5. Use PDNob Image Translator as An Alternative to Transkribus

From the above sections, you have read about Transkribus and its alternatives in detail. It might be possible that you are still confused while selecting one of these alternatives. For your assistance, we have compared them in the form of a table.

As per our comparison, we have found PDNob Image Translator far better than other tools. It is highly recommended to download it on your device by clicking on the “Free Download” button and installing it on your device. It will help you have accurate results while extracting and translating text from scanned files.

Part 6. Conclusion

Transkribus is a powerful tool for text recognition, particularly well-suited for those working with historical or handwritten documents. With features like HTR, layout analysis, and language versatility, it’s a comprehensive solution.

However, if you are concerned about its pricing, you must try downloading and using PDNob Image Translator. This effective tool will help you overcome almost every problem you have found in your previous OCR tools.