If you’ve ever scanned a document, you might have wondered how to edit the resulting PDF file. Having a PDF version of a document offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it simplifies sharing files quickly and efficiently via email or file-sharing platforms like Google Drive. This is a stark contrast to physical copies that require postal services or couriers, often taking days. Secondly, and crucially, the text within a PDF can be edited!
However, the scanning process often treats the scanned output as an image. The text within these images isn’t directly recognized, leaving you unable to make edits. But don’t worry! carcodepro.com is here to guide you through simple methods to edit scanned text without any hassle. Let’s explore these straightforward steps.
Editing with Desktop Software
One effective way to edit scanned PDFs is by using desktop applications. The benefits are significant: you don’t need a constant internet connection for editing, and these applications often come packed with features like PDF creation, document merging, file format conversion, and more.
1. Download Foxit PhantomPDF
The first step is to visit a reputable PDF editing software provider, such as Foxit PhantomPDF. Navigate to their download page by clicking this link and click the “Download Foxit PhantomPDF” button.
On the subsequent page, fill in your details as requested and click “Download Free Trial.” You can choose between EXE or MSI versions – both serve the same purpose. Once the setup file is downloaded, run it to install the application on your computer.
2. Launch Foxit PhantomPDF
Open the application and select the Free Trial option. You’ll be presented with choices like Business, Standard, or Education. All of these editions include the essential feature for editing scanned PDFs, but they differ in additional functionalities. Choose the one that best suits your needs for this trial.
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter some personal information for registration. Complete all fields and click Register Now. A message will confirm your successful registration for a 14-day free trial. After successful installation, launch the application, click Open File, and select the scanned PDF file you wish to edit.
3. Perform OCR on Your Document
Now it’s time to perform OCR on your document. OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, a technology that recognizes text characters within images and PDF files. Once the text is recognized, you can search for keywords and edit the file content.
Select the Convert tab and choose the OCR menu. You’ll see two options: Current File and Multiple Files. As the names suggest, Multiple Files allows you to make several PDF files editable simultaneously. For this guide, click Current File, choose “Editable Text,” and then click OK. Wait for the OCR process to complete, which may take a few moments depending on the document’s length and complexity.
4. Edit Your PDF Freely
Your scanned PDF file is now editable! Be aware that there might be slight changes to the layout and formatting. OCR accuracy isn’t always perfect – some characters might be misinterpreted or missed, especially if the original scan quality is not ideal.
This often happens if the scanned document is slightly blurry, making it challenging for the software to accurately recognize characters. Select the Edit tab and click on the Edit Text menu. You can now freely edit the text in your scanned PDF. Remember to save your changes by pressing CTRL + S on your keyboard when you’re finished.
Editing Through Your Browser
Having learned how to edit scanned PDFs using desktop software, you might be interested in an alternative method. The previous approach requires downloading and installing software, and its full functionality is limited to the 14-day free trial.
Instead of purchasing software, consider using online tools that allow you to edit scanned PDFs directly in your browser without any installations. Let’s explore how to edit scanned PDF files using a web browser.
1. Visit an Online OCR Provider
First, you need to find an online OCR service provider, many of which are available on the internet. For this tutorial, we’ll use NewOCR.com. Why NewOCR.com? Because it’s a reliable online OCR tool that doesn’t limit the number of PDF files you can upload. Type “https://newocr.com” into your browser’s address bar and press Enter.
2. Upload Your Scanned PDF File
You’ll see a Choose File button that allows you to locate and upload your PDF file to their server. Rest assured, your documents are generally safe. Most reputable online OCR services, including NewOCR.com, typically delete uploaded files from their servers automatically, ensuring your information remains private.
After selecting your PDF file, click the Preview button. On the next page, you can select the language used in your PDF document – importantly, NewOCR.com also supports English. After choosing the language, select the OCR menu to convert your document into editable text.
3. Edit Your PDF Text
The text from your PDF will be extracted and displayed in a text box, which you can copy and edit as needed. Furthermore, you can download the extracted text back in DOCX and TXT formats, giving you an editable file. Congratulations, you’ve successfully obtained editable text from your scanned PDF file!
Keep in mind that using online OCR tools through a browser might not be as accurate as using desktop software. Also, text formatting (font, size, margins) in the final file may differ slightly from the original. This is due to the limited features compared to dedicated desktop applications.
These are a couple of ways you can edit scanned PDF files. Both using desktop software and online browser methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you have a good internet connection and need higher accuracy and more features, using desktop software with a free trial is recommended. For occasional use or when you prefer not to install software, online OCR tools are a convenient alternative. Happy editing!
