Have you ever scanned a document and then found yourself needing to make edits? It’s a common scenario. While scanning documents into PDF format offers numerous advantages, such as easy sharing and digital archiving, it often presents a hurdle when editing is required. Scanned PDFs are frequently treated as images, making the text within them unselectable and uneditable.
This can be frustrating, but thankfully, it’s not an insurmountable problem. There are straightforward methods to edit scanned PDF files, allowing you to modify text and make necessary changes. This guide, brought to you by carcodepro.com, your trusted automotive repair experts, will walk you through two primary approaches: using PC applications and utilizing online browser tools. Both methods leverage Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to convert your scanned document into editable text. Let’s explore these solutions to unlock the editability of your scanned PDFs.
Editing Scanned PDFs with PC Applications
One effective way to edit scanned PDFs is by using dedicated PC applications. This approach offers the benefit of offline accessibility and often provides a wider range of features compared to online tools, including PDF creation, file merging, and format conversion.
1. Download Foxit PhantomPDF
To begin, you’ll need to download PDF editing software equipped with OCR capabilities. Foxit PhantomPDF is a robust option. Navigate to the Foxit PhantomPDF download page by clicking this link. Once on the page, locate and click the “Download Foxit PhantomPDF” button.
On the subsequent page, you will be prompted to enter personal information. Fill out the required fields and click “Download Free Trial.” You can choose either the EXE or MSI file – both installation formats will function identically. After the setup file downloads, run it to install the application on your computer.
2. Open Foxit PhantomPDF
Launch the installed Foxit PhantomPDF application and select the Free Trial option. You will see different versions like Business, Standard, or Education. For the purpose of editing scanned PDFs, any of these options will suffice as they all include the necessary OCR feature. The variations mainly lie in advanced functionalities not crucial for basic editing.
Next, you’ll be asked to provide some personal details for registration. Complete the form and click Register Now. A confirmation message will appear, indicating successful registration for a 14-day free trial. After successful installation and registration, open the application. Click on Open File and browse to select the scanned PDF file you intend to edit.
4. Perform OCR on the Document
Now it’s time to apply OCR to your document. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is the technology that recognizes text characters within images and PDF files. By recognizing the text, it enables text searching and editing within the file.
Go to the Convert tab in the Foxit PhantomPDF menu and select the OCR menu. You’ll be presented with two options: Current File and Multiple Files. Multiple Files allows you to make several PDFs editable in batch. For a single file, choose Current File, select “Editable Text” as the OCR type, and click OK. Allow the OCR process to complete, which may take a few moments depending on the document length.
5. Edit Your PDF Freely
Once the OCR process is finished, your scanned PDF file will be editable. Be aware that the document layout might experience minor changes. OCR accuracy isn’t always perfect, and some characters might be misinterpreted or missed, particularly if the scan quality is less than ideal.
This often occurs with blurry scans that hinder the software’s ability to accurately recognize characters. Navigate to the Edit tab and click on the Edit Text menu. You can now edit the text content of your scanned PDF as needed. Once you’ve finished editing, remember to save your changes by pressing CTRL + S on your keyboard.
Editing Scanned PDFs Online via Browser
If you prefer not to install software or need a quick, temporary solution, editing scanned PDFs through your web browser is a convenient alternative. This method eliminates the need for software downloads and installations, often utilizing free online OCR services.
1. Visit an Online OCR Provider
To edit scanned PDFs online, you’ll first need to find a reputable online OCR service. Numerous options are available on the internet. For this tutorial, we will use NewOCR.com. NewOCR.com is a suitable choice because it generally doesn’t impose limits on the number of PDF files you can upload and process. Type “https://newocr.com” into your browser’s address bar and press Enter.
2. Upload Your Scanned PDF File
You will see a Choose File button on the NewOCR.com website. Click this button to locate your scanned PDF file and upload it to their server. Rest assured about your document’s security; most online OCR services, including NewOCR.com, automatically delete uploaded files after processing to ensure data privacy.
After selecting your PDF file, click the Preview button. On the next page, you can specify the language used in your PDF document – NewOCR.com supports a wide array of languages. Select the appropriate language and then click the OCR button to convert your document into editable text.
3. Edit and Download Text
The text from your PDF will be extracted and displayed in a text box. You can directly copy and edit this text within the box. Furthermore, NewOCR.com allows you to download the extracted text in DOCX and TXT formats, providing you with editable files. Congratulations, you have successfully obtained editable text from your scanned PDF using an online tool!
Keep in mind that online OCR tools might not always achieve the same level of accuracy as PC applications. Additionally, text formatting, such as fonts, sizes, and margins, in the final output file might differ slightly from the original. This is due to the limited feature set of most free online services compared to dedicated software.
In conclusion, you now have two practical methods for editing scanned PDF files. Whether you choose to use a PC application like Foxit PhantomPDF for potentially higher accuracy and more features, or opt for the convenience of online browser-based tools such as NewOCR.com, the power to edit your scanned documents is at your fingertips. If you have ample internet data and require greater precision, a PC application might be preferable during its free trial period. For occasional edits or when accessibility is prioritized, online tools offer a quick and easy solution. Happy editing!
