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Microsoft Lens (formerly Microsoft Office Lens) is a cloud-based solution that enables businesses to convert pictures, documents, and whiteboard content into PDF, Word and PowerPoint files. Those files can then be saved to OneNote or OneDrive. Handwritten text is recognized thanks to OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and allows words to be searched and copied for editing purposes. Saved files can also be shared via email.
Provider
Microsoft
Located In
United States
Foundation
1975
Open API
No
Deployment
Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Mobile Apps
Android, iOS
Training
Documentation
Support
Email/Help Desk, Phone Support, Knowledge Base
Optical character recognition tool that enables businesses of all sizes to convert whiteboard data, documents, and pictures into PDF files that integrates with OneNote and OneDrive.
Content Source: Microsoft Lens
Green rating bars show the winning product based on the average rating and number of reviews.
Reviewers highlight the quick and seamless PDF conversion capabilities of Microsoft Lens, which allows them to easily transform images and handwritten text into digital formats. They find the application particularly useful for converting photos to PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files, making it a versatile tool for various document management needs. The ability to digitize and share documents instantly is praised, especially for those who frequently work with PDF formats and require efficient document handling.
Users appreciate the convenience of accessing Microsoft Lens on both smartphones and laptops, making it a versatile tool for document management. They find the mobile app particularly useful for scanning and converting documents on the go, ensuring that important files are always within reach. However, some users experience challenges with the setup process, especially when managing multiple Microsoft accounts, and report occasional glitches on Android devices.
Pros
I like it because of it's ease of use and it's reliability. The pictures are of super high quality.
Document quality is at the best level that can be done with a phone. This is the most important feature for me.
The tool is easy-to-use although the walk-through tutorial upon installing it is of great help too. The buttons' functions are simple yet so powerful.
Excellent quality images and ability of scanned images to be exported to virtually any application. Easy to access and good for snapping workflow documentation.
Cons
Does not OCR in handwritten text. Colors may be distorted.
The interface can be a bit confusing to use. Sometimes, I feel as though I needed to search for the tool I was looking for for quite a bit of time.
The customer service for set-up was awful, took weeks to get everything properly set up and the customer service reps don't seem to know what they are talking about.
First of all, the editing options are limited in this app. There should be more editing features on the pictures you scanned.
Most Recent Video User Review for Microsoft Lens
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We Rely On Its Scanning.
Heath H.
"Scanning Simplified"
Overall: My overall experience with Microsoft Lens has been great. I would highly recommend it.
Pros: I like that Microsoft Lens is a part of the Microsoft platform and as such is integrated with the other Microsoft programs seamslessly.
Cons: It can sometimes be a lengthy process to save and convert the scans.
"Scan Documents with Mobile"
Overall: I use Microsoft lens to scan most of my documents. It is a trustable source.
Pros: Microsoft lens allows to easily scan and store the physical docuemnts into various supported formats.
Cons: Microsoft Lens' OCR technology and file filter tools are not as effective as of the competitors like Camscanner.
"Great app could use help"
Pros: The quality of the website and it’s available at almost all times
Cons: I don’t like the front of the app it’s not for me
"Great phone scanner"
Overall: Overall I have had a pretty pleasant experience using Microsoft lense.
Pros: I like how straight forward it is to use Microsoft lens and being able to save the files I scan to my OneDrive.
Cons: Unless the handwriting is super clean and clear, I wouldn't suggest using the ocr feature. Ocr work well on printed text and unless the handwritten text is clear and clean it will struggle to produce the correct words.
"Microsoft lens is value for money"
Overall: I can't describe how Microsoft Lens help me in my practical life. It reduces my work pressure a lot. In a word i just love it.
Pros: It takes less time to convert images to PDF and PowerPoint with maximun accuracy which impresses me a lot.
Cons: Sometimes it is not accurate while converting image to word file if the image quality is not high.
