Question 1

What’s the difference between Document AI and OCR?

Accepted Answer

OCR turns images of text (like scanned PDFs) into readable text. Document AI goes further by understanding document structure and meaning—extracting fields (like invoice number), tables, entities, and sometimes classifying document types—so you get structured data, not just raw text.

Question 2

When should I use Document AI instead of building my own extraction model?

Accepted Answer

Use Document AI when you need reliable extraction quickly, especially for common document types (invoices, receipts, IDs, contracts) and you want managed scaling, security controls, and APIs. Build your own model when you have highly specialized documents, unique layouts, or domain-specific fields that prebuilt processors can’t capture well and you have enough labeled data and ML expertise.

Question 3

How much does Document AI cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is typically usage-based and depends on factors like pages processed, processor type (general OCR vs specialized processors), and any custom training or advanced features. Costs also vary by region and volume. For accurate estimates, use the provider’s pricing page and calculate: (pages per month) × (price per page for the chosen processor), plus any additional charges for storage, data transfer, and downstream services.

Document AI

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