How do I convert handwriting to text in Evernote?

Evernote is a powerful tool for organizing notes and ideas, but many users wonder how to convert handwriting to text within the app. While Evernote includes built-in OCR that makes handwritten content searchable, it doesn't automatically convert handwriting into editable text. This guide walks you through Evernote's search capabilities and shows you how to convert handwriting to text using specialized tools for fully editable results.

Quick Takeaways

• Evernote's built-in OCR makes handwritten notes searchable but doesn't create editable text
• You can upload photos or scanned documents containing handwriting directly to Evernote
• For editable text output, export your handwritten notes and use a specialized OCR tool
• HandwritingOCR provides high-accuracy conversion with support for multiple export formats
• The conversion process takes just a few minutes from export to editable text

Understanding Evernote's Handwriting Capabilities

Evernote processes images and PDFs containing handwritten text through optical character recognition. This makes your handwriting searchable across all your notes. When you search for a word or phrase, Evernote can find it within handwritten content just like typed text.

However, Evernote's OCR focuses on search functionality rather than conversion. The handwritten text remains as an image. You can view it and search for it, but you cannot edit it directly as text.

Evernote makes handwritten notes searchable but does not convert them into editable digital text.

How to Make Handwriting Searchable in Evernote

If you want to search your handwritten notes within Evernote, follow these steps:

1. Capture your handwritten notes using your smartphone camera or a scanner. Clear, well-lit photos work best.
2. Upload the image to Evernote by creating a new note and attaching the photo or PDF.
3. Wait for processing as Evernote automatically runs OCR on uploaded images and PDFs containing text.
4. Search your notes using keywords. Evernote will find matches within your handwritten content.

This approach works well if you only need to search your notes. For editing or exporting as text, you'll need a different solution.

Converting Handwriting to Editable Text

To get editable text from your handwritten Evernote notes, you'll need to use an external tool. Here's the complete workflow:

Step 1: Export from Evernote

Locate the note containing your handwritten content in Evernote. Export the attached image or PDF to your device. You can download the file directly from the note or use Evernote's export function.

Step 2: Process with HandwritingOCR

Visit HandwritingOCR and upload your exported file. The platform supports common formats including PDF, JPG, and PNG. Your file is processed securely, and your data remains private throughout.

HandwritingOCR achieves word error rates of less than 1%, delivering accurate results even with challenging handwriting styles.

The processing typically completes within minutes, depending on document length. You can monitor progress through the dashboard.

Step 3: Download Your Results

Once processing finishes, download your results in your preferred format. HandwritingOCR offers several export options:

Step 4: Import Back to Evernote

Copy the converted text and paste it into a new Evernote note, or attach the exported Word document. You now have fully editable text that you can format, search, and organize within Evernote.

Comparison: Evernote OCR vs External Tools

Tips for Better Conversion Results

The quality of your source material directly affects conversion accuracy. Follow these guidelines for best results:

Use high-quality captures. Well-lit photos with minimal shadows produce clearer text. Scan documents at 300 DPI or higher when possible.

Keep handwriting legible. While OCR tools handle various handwriting styles, clearer writing yields more accurate results. Consistent letter formation helps the recognition process.

Frame documents properly. Capture the full page without cutting off edges. Straight, centered photos work better than angled shots.

Clear, well-lit source images are essential for accurate handwriting recognition and conversion.

Alternative Approaches for Other Apps

If you use other note-taking platforms alongside Evernote, similar workflows apply. The process of exporting handwritten content and converting it through specialized tools works across different apps.

For Google Keep users, our guide on how to convert handwriting to text in Google Keep covers the specific export process for that platform. iPad users working with Apple Notes can reference our iPad handwriting conversion guide.

Microsoft OneNote users have slightly different options. Our guide on converting handwriting to text in Microsoft Office explains OneNote's built-in features and when external tools provide better results.

Converting Handwriting to Text in Evernote: Next Steps

While Evernote makes handwritten notes searchable, getting editable text requires an external conversion step. HandwritingOCR provides accurate, privacy-focused conversion with support for multiple export formats. The process takes just minutes and works with any handwritten content from Evernote.

Ready to convert your handwritten Evernote notes to editable text? Try HandwritingOCR free with complimentary credits. Your documents remain private throughout processing, and you can export results in formats that work seamlessly with Evernote.

For more information on handwriting conversion across different platforms and use cases, visit our complete guide on converting handwriting to text.