The Paper Receipt Problem
Paper receipts pile up. By tax time, you're facing:
- Shoeboxes of faded receipts
- Manual entry into spreadsheets
- Illegible thermal paper
- Missing documentation for expenses
OCR can extract the text, but QuickReceipt goes further by structuring the data.
When to Use TextFromImage vs QuickReceipt
Use TextFromImage when:
- You just need the raw text
- Processing unusual document formats
- Working with non-receipt images
Use QuickReceipt when:
- You need structured data (vendor, items, totals)
- Exporting to CSV for spreadsheets
- Processing actual receipts and invoices
Step-by-Step Guide (Raw Text Extraction)
Step 1: Photograph Receipt
For best results:
- Lay receipt flat
- Use good lighting
- Capture entire receipt
- Ensure text is sharp
Step 2: Extract Text
- Go to textfromimage.app
- Upload receipt photo
- Copy extracted text
Step 3: Organize Data
From raw text, pull out:
- Vendor name
- Date
- Total amount
- Item details (if needed)
- Payment method
Receipt Photography Tips
Handling Thermal Paper
Thermal receipts fade quickly:
- Photograph immediately
- Store originals away from heat
- Consider scanning rather than photos
Long Receipts
For receipts longer than your camera can capture:
- Take multiple overlapping photos
- Process each section
- Combine extracted text
Crumpled Receipts
- Flatten as best you can
- Weight down corners
- Photograph in sections if needed
Common Receipt Formats
Retail Receipts
Usually contain:
- Store name and location
- Date and time
- Itemized purchases
- Subtotal, tax, total
- Payment method
Restaurant Receipts
May include:
- Tip line
- Server name
- Table number
- Multiple guests' items
Online Order Confirmations
Often easier because:
- Already digital (screenshot)
- Clear formatting
- Standard layouts
Data Entry Workflow
For regular expense tracking:
- Daily: Photograph new receipts
- Weekly: Batch process through OCR
- Monthly: Organize into expense categories
- Quarterly/Annual: Prepare for tax filing
Common Issues
Problem: Receipt is too faded to read
Solution: Try increasing contrast in a photo editor first. Thermal paper degrades; photograph early.
Problem: Numbers are wrong
Solution: OCR can confuse similar characters. Always verify amounts manually.
Problem: Multi-column layout scrambled
Solution: Modern receipts are usually single-column, but some need section-by-section processing.
Integration with Accounting Software
Once you have text/data:
- Copy into accounting software
- Import CSV to spreadsheets
- Feed into expense report templates
- Attach original images as backup
Conclusion
Digitizing receipts and invoices saves time and creates searchable records. Whether you need raw text extraction or structured data, OCR eliminates tedious manual entry.
For best results, photograph receipts promptly before they fade, and always verify extracted numbers.