> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.unitlab.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Image OCR Annotation with Unitlab AI with Examples [2026] - URL: https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-image-ocr-annotation/ - Published: 2024-11-20T12:02:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-24T13:00:09.000Z - Description: Explore Image OCR types and use cases offered by Unitlab AI with a demo project. Updated for 2026. - Author: Hojiakbar Barotov - Tags: Data Annotation Tools, Data Annotation, Unitlab AI, OCR ## Current Unitlab platform This article preserves its original educational or historical topic. Unitlab AI is now an enterprise multimodal data platform for curating, annotating, managing, versioning, reviewing, and preparing image, video, audio, text, document, medical, pathology, and geospatial training data. Interface screenshots below may reflect the product version available when the article was published. ![Current Unitlab AI multimodal data annotation platform](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/2026/08/unitlab-current-multimodal-platform.webp) Current Unitlab AI multimodal annotation workspace. [Explore the current multimodal platform](https://unitlab.ai/en/multimodal-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) or follow the [end-to-end quickstart](https://docs.unitlab.ai/documentation/get-started/end-to-end-quickstart?ref=blog.unitlab.ai). In our previous [post](https://blog.unitlab.ai/image-annotation-types/), we explored the different types of image annotation and their applications in different industries. In this post, we’ll focus on the most practical and widely used type in document processing: Image OCR. [Comprehensive Guide to Image Annotation Types | UsesA comprehensive guide to image annotation types and their applications. Updated for 2026.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/icon/652fe0711ca7a678ec836f1b_FavIcon-241.png)Unitlab BlogsHojiakbar Barotov![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/thumbnail/Image-Annotation-5.png)](https://blog.unitlab.ai/image-annotation-types/) Image Annotation Types | Unitlab AI ## What is OCR? Traditionally, to process bank statements, [invoices](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-invoice-ocr-annotation/), and contracts, clerks would spend hours entering financial data into spreadsheets manually. This is a tedious and error-prone task that no one wants to do. It becomes a necessity to automate this process to cut down processing time and reduce human errors, usually with the help of OCR technology. [OCR: Essentials, Workings, Types, ChallengesA deep dive into Optical Character Recognition (OCR): its essentials, workings, types, approaches, and challenges.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/icon/unitlab-6-27.png)Unitlab BlogsHojiakbar Barotov![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/thumbnail/OCR-1-1.png)](https://blog.unitlab.ai/optical-character-recognition/) Deep Dive into OCR [OCR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical%5Fcharacter%5Frecognition?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) is the process of extracting text from images, such as scanned documents, screenshots, or photos, and then converting it into editable and searchable text formats. For example, translation apps (Google Translate) scan and convert images into a body of text which it then translates. Banks also use this technology to process checks and invoices. For your [computer vision](https://blog.unitlab.ai/computer-vision-essentials/) projects and [multimodal applications](https://blog.unitlab.ai/multimodal-applications/), OCR can successfully handle complex challenges due to recent advancements in AI/ML models. OCR systems have become more accurate than ever, overcoming challenges like poor lighting, skewed text, and complex fonts. ## Solutions The OCR technology has numerous benefits, but if you are looking for a solution that automates your data annotation workflows, it is likely that you may want to use a [data annotation platform](https://blog.unitlab.ai/selecting-data-annotation-tools/) that offers your desired capabilities and pricing plans. Earlier this year, we cross-compared the top 12 data annotation platforms for you to make an informed decision before choosing the tool to work with: [12 Best Image Annotation Tools of 2024 - A Comprehensive ReviewExplore the Top 12 Data Annotation Tools of 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Features, Pricing, and Finding the Ideal Tool for Your Data Annotation Requirements.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/icon/652fe0711ca7a678ec836f1b_FavIcon-43.png)Unitlab BlogsShohrukh Bekmirzaev![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2024-01-02-at-15.50.06-1.png)](https://blog.unitlab.ai/12-best-image-annotation-tools-of-2024-reviewed/) 12 Best Image Annotation Tools of 2024 | Unitlab AI [Unitlab AI](https://unitlab.ai/en?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) is a collaborative and AI-powered data annotation platform that offers a wide range of data labeling solutions, services, and support for different types of data ([image](https://blog.unitlab.ai/image-annotation-types/), [text](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-text-data-annotation/), [audio](https://blog.unitlab.ai/audio-data-annotation-with-unitlab-ai/), [video](https://blog.unitlab.ai/top-7-video-annotation-tools/), and [medical](https://blog.unitlab.ai/guide-to-medical-image-annotation/)). Unitlab provides the full OCR pack with support for 123 languages, which many other data annotation platforms do not have specific support. Due to its specific support for Image OCR, with Unitlab AI you can now both accelerate Image OCR workflows and cut down on costs at the same time. 💡 Curious? Check out [our platform](https://app.unitlab.ai/register?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) under 5 minutes! ## Tools Let’s see how to set up your project and explore three major types of OCR and how to use auto-annotation effectively with them at Unitlab AI: - General OCR - Document OCR - Fintech OCR ### Set Up Your Project Let's first set up our project. Follow our tutorial for project configuration: [Creating Your First Project at Unitlab AI PlatformA tutorial to create a data labeling project at Unitlab AI.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/icon/652fe0711ca7a678ec836f1b_FavIcon-242.png)Unitlab BlogsHojiakbar Barotov![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/thumbnail/Project-5.png)](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-project-setup/) Creating Project | Unitlab AI In our case, in the first step, we will choose `Image OCR` as our image annotation type and use `Document OCR` as our auto-annotation model in our [automation workflow](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-automation-workflow/). You may of course use other built-in AI models or [integrate your own AI model](https://blog.unitlab.ai/yolov8-human-segmentation/?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) with Unitlab AI. ![Setting up Image OCR Project | Unitlab AI](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/2026/02/i0-1.png) Setting up Image OCR Project | Unitlab AI Now, let's explore 4 types of Image OCR at Unitlab AI and see how we can use [batch](https://docs.unitlab.ai/auto-labeling/batch-auto-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) and [crop auto-annotation](https://docs.unitlab.ai/auto-labeling/crop-auto-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) for Image OCR to automate our workflows. For demonstration purposes, I am using a generic thank you email, which you can access [here](https://influno.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Example-Business-Email-Thank-You-Note.webp?ref=blog.unitlab.ai). First, you should set up an automation workflow: ![Setting up Automation Workflow | Unitlab AI](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/2026/02/i1-1.png) Setting up Automation Workflow | Unitlab AI ### General OCR General OCR is a versatile solution designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from digitizing books to recognizing text on street signs or product labels. It’s the ideal choice for projects that require flexibility and adaptability. Unitlab AI provides a comprehensive image annotation solution for general OCR needs. By enabling efficient data labeling and supporting [dataset version control](https://blog.unitlab.ai/dataset-version-control/), it ensures that your models are always trained on the most up-to-date and consistent data. 0:00 /0:08 1× General OCR | Unitlab AI This is particularly beneficial for projects involving diverse text types, sizes, and orientations. For large-scale tasks, the platform’s data auto-labeling features streamline the annotation process, saving valuable time. [Try for Free](https://app.unitlab.ai/register?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) ### Document OCR Document OCR is designed to extract text and preserve formatting in structured documents like invoices, contracts, and forms. Maintaining layouts such as tables, columns, and headers is critical for applications in industries like healthcare, insurance, and legal services. If needed, you can only extract and process parts you need with crop auto-annotation. 0:00 /1:47 1× Crop Auto-Annotation for Korean OCR With Unitlab AI, you can create datasets tailored for document OCR with precision. The platform’s robust annotation capabilities make it a trusted partner for businesses digitizing their workflows. ### Fintech OCR Fintech OCR focuses on extracting data from financial documents such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements. It requires a high degree of accuracy, especially for recognizing numbers, currencies, and percentages. In this case, the emphasis is on the accuracy of the model as the stakes in the financial sphere is high. Unitlab AI supports fintech applications with its specialized data labeling tools. These tools allow users to annotate datasets with financial-specific details, creating high-performing OCR models. Whether you’re automating expense tracking or fraud detection, Unitlab AI’s data annotation solutions help you achieve reliable results. ## Get started with Unitlab Explore how Unitlab AI supports scalable data annotation, model‑assisted labeling, and production‑ready workflows across vision, video, and multimodal AI. [Get started ](https://unitlab.ai/en?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) ![Unitlab AI Platform – Data Annotation & Labeling QA](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/2026/02/Landing-hero-img-3.png) ## AI Integration If you already have an AI model for your image OCR tasks, but want to use features data annotation platforms offer, such as model visualization, model evaluation, and [dataset management](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-dataset-management/), you can integrate your own AI models with Unitlab AI. Check out our tutorial for integrating YOLOv8 with Unitlab AI to annotate human instance segmentation. [YOLOv8: Human Instance SegmentationAutomated Data Annotation for the Human Instance Segmentation Task using YOLOv8![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/icon/652fe0711ca7a678ec836f1b_FavIcon-42.png)Unitlab BlogsShohrukh Bekmirzaev![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/f4/48f4b614-5c29-430d-9cb3-e0b3f34395f3/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2024-02-28-at-14.27.04.png)](https://blog.unitlab.ai/yolov8-human-segmentation/) Integrate YOLOv8 with Unitlab AI ## Which One Should You Choose As always, choosing the right type of OCR depends on your specific needs: - For diverse applications: Go with General OCR for its adaptability and flexibility. - For structured documents: Choose Document OCR to maintain layouts and formatting. - For financial tasks: Opt for Fintech OCR for accurate recognition of numerical data. ## Conclusion OCR technology continues to transform how we interact with image-based text. Whether you’re digitizing documents, automating financial processes, or analyzing complex datasets, having a reliable image annotation tool is essential. Unitlab AI offers everything you need to streamline your workflow, from data labeling services to auto-labeling tools and AI dataset management. It’s a complete data annotation solution that empowers you to build accurate and efficient OCR models, no matter the scale of your project. Start optimizing your OCR process today with Unitlab AI, your trusted partner for all things data annotation, augmentation, and curation. [Get It](https://app.unitlab.ai/register?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) ## Explore More - [OCR: Essentials, Workings, Types, Challenges](https://blog.unitlab.ai/optical-character-recognition/) - [Top 10 OCR Applications Across Industries](https://blog.unitlab.ai/top-10-ocr-applications/) - [Invoice OCR Annotation with Unitlab AI \[2026\]](https://blog.unitlab.ai/unitlab-ai-invoice-ocr-annotation/) --- **Continue with Unitlab’s** [PDF and document annotation](https://unitlab.ai/en/document-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai), [an image annotation platform](https://unitlab.ai/en/image-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai) and [enterprise data annotation workflows](https://unitlab.ai/en/data-annotation?ref=blog.unitlab.ai).