OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, which is the process of converting an image of text into a machine-readable text format. OCR technology is used to convert virtually any kind of image containing written text (typed, handwritten, or printed) into machine-readable text data. OCR is sometimes also referred to as text recognition. OCR systems are made up of a combination of hardware and software that is used to convert physical documents into machine-readable text. OCR software can be used to automatically integrate document workflows and digital workflows within a business, which can improve efficiency. OCR technology is used to digitize document content that creates image files with the text hidden within it. Text in images cannot be processed by word processing software in the same way as text documents. OCR technology solves the problem by converting text images into text data that can be analyzed by other business software. OCR is often used as a “hidden” technology, powering many well-known systems and services in our daily life. Some of the most popular uses for OCR include print media conversion to machine-readable text documents, helping visually impaired and blind people access content, automation for data, and listing documents for search engines such as license plates, invoices, passports, and more. OCR is often part of other artificial intelligence solutions that businesses might implement, such as scanning and reading number plates and road signs in self-driving cars, detecting brand logos in social media posts, or identifying product packaging in advertising images.