There are two well-known OCR software available for free namely - SimpleOCR and JOCR but both utilities require user to download and use them from desktop, however there is a better way to get images/documents converted in editable formats using free web-based OCR services, these free services allows users to upload documents in various formats and download editable version in format of their choice.

I tested some of these free online OCR services and here is a list of best ones which will get the job done easily and accurately.
  • OCR Terminal - Simple, fast and accurate conversion but limited to only 30 free conversions per account.
  • InstantOCR - multi-language OCR with support for more import/export formats then any other free online OCR service reviewed here.
  • P2EScan - uses java based uploading.
  • OnlineOCR - Fast and simple, use basic text-ocr without registration.
  • FreeOCR - fast and simple OCR requiring no registration but can only convert to plain text.


While every service have their pro and cons I found OCR Terminal and InstantOCR most user-friendly, accurate and feature rich.
Link