How to Convert Handwriting to Text with Google Docs? (Easy Guide)

Are you tired of disorganized handwritten notes? Do you want to convert them to neatly structured digital text? We get it!

Converting handwriting to text gives your documents a professional look. You can effortlessly search the text, edit, and share the digital document across any platform.

But how does it work? Fortunately, Google Docs offers an accessible solution. This article will guide you on how to convert handwriting to text in Google Docs quickly and easily.

We will also introduce you to UPDF, a more powerful handwriting-to-text conversion solution driven by AI. Click the button below to download and try it now if you do not try it before.

Let’s get started!

Part 1. How Do You Convert Handwriting to Text with Google Docs?

Converting handwritten notes to digital text usually involves complicated OCR tools. But Google Docs makes it easier. It automatically converts your handwritten documents or images into typed text.

This feature is available through Google Drive on any web browser. This means you can carry out the conversion on both desktop and mobile with a Google Drive account.

Here, we will explain how to convert handwriting to text with Google Docs on a smartphone. So, let’s get to it.

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app. Press the “+New” button.

Step 2. Tap “Upload” from the menu. Then, select the PDF or images containing the handwriting.

Step 3. Alternatively, press “Scan.” Take a picture of the handwriting and tap “Done.” Then, select the format as PDF or JPEG and press “Save.”.

Step 4. Once your file is uploaded, open Google Drive in your mobile browser. Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right. Then, select “Desktop site.”

Step 5. Find your uploaded file. Tap the three dots beside it and choose “Open with > Google Docs.”

Google Docs will automatically convert your file into editable, digital text. Moreover, the file will be uploaded to the Google Docs app for easier access. However, besides the quick conversion, the process has some significant limitations.

Part 2. Limitations of Converting Handwriting to Text with Google Docs

Google Docs delivers a fast and automatic conversion. Moreover, it’s easy to access across all platforms. However, the conversion itself has some limitations you should be aware of:

1.    Indirect and Lengthy Process

You cannot directly convert handwriting to text in Google Docs. You have to upload your files to Google Drive first before the conversion process. This can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

2.    Inconsistent Conversion

While testing, we noticed that the converted document had text placed randomly across the page. This made it challenging to make sense of the content. You can edit it manually, but that defeats the purpose of the automatic OCR conversion.

3.    Formatting Issues

While the output is better for neat and non-cursive handwriting, the same cannot be said for regular handwriting. The converted text can have irregular font sizes and blank spaces.

4.    Limited Mobile Support

The Google Drive’s mobile app and the web version for mobile do not support opening handwritten files with Google Docs. The desktop site version is required to proceed with the conversion.

Knowing these limitations, you might second-guess whether to convert handwriting to text with Google Docs. But don’t worry! We’ve got a better alternative for a smooth and precise conversion—with UPDF and its online AI assistant!

Part 3. How to Convert Handwriting to Text with UPDF AI Online

UPDF AI Online is a powerful tool that quickly converts handwritten text into digital form in just seconds—all you need is a simple prompt. Built on GPT-4o's advanced technology, it accurately reads and converts handwriting. Best of all, you can try it for free with your first 100 prompts.

Beyond text recognition, UPDF AI offers a variety of other features. You can chat with images, summarize PDFs, convert them to mind maps, and more. Visit UPDF AI Online by clicking the button below.

You can use UPDF AI Online on desktop and mobile. Here, we will guide you on using it through a smartphone.

Step 1. Go to UPDF AI Online. Tap the “Ask something” box and sign up with the platform.

Step 2. Once logged in, tap the “Image” icon in the bottom left. Then, upload the image containing the handwritten text.

Step 3. Write the prompt “Extract handwritten text from this image” in the text box. Tap the “Send” button.

Step 4. UPDF AI will quickly convert the handwriting to typed text. Press “Copy” to extract the text. Alternatively, tap “Regenerate” to make another attempt.

Apart from converting handwriting to digital letters, UPDF AI Online is your AI assistant for every routine or professional task. Watch the following video to find out what more you can do with it.

With these advanced features, UPDF AI Online is available with budget-friendly price plans. Buy it at a cheap price today and experience it without any limits!

Part 4. How to Convert Handwriting to Text with UPDF

If you like working offline rather than online, UPDF offers an excellent solution. Besides the built-in AI assistant, it has a powerful OCR that allows you to accurately convert handwriting to text.

The iOS app also has a dedicated OCR tool. So, install the UPDF’s iOS app by the button below or App Store. Then, use the following steps to digitize your handwritten notes quickly.

Step 1. Launch UPDF and tap the “+” icon in the lower right.

Step 2. Import the file with the handwritten text. You have three options here:

• Tap “Photos” if the handwritten text is in an image format.
• Press “Files” to import a PDF containing the handwriting.
• Tap “Scan” to use your device’s camera to capture the handwriting directly.

Step 3. Once your file is opened, long-press on the document. It will bring up a menu.

Step 4. Press the right arrow in the menu until you see the “OCR” option. Then tap it and proceed.

Step 5. UPDF’s OCR will recognize and convert the handwriting. Long-press to copy and extract the text you need.

UPDF has many other features besides its OCR tool. You can merge, compress, sign, organize PDFs, and more. Download it now for a complete solution to manage your PDFs more productively.

You can also read this review to get familiar with its features and use it like a pro.

Final Words

If you were looking to convert handwriting to text with Google Docs, now you have a complete guide to get started! While Google Docs offers a quick, automated solution, the results can be inaccurate, especially with more complex formatting.

That’s where UPDF can help you! It gives you a powerful OCR and AI assistant to convert handwritten notes to text in seconds. Give it a try! Download UPDF or visit UPDF AI Online now and effortlessly manage both your handwritten and digital documents.