Have you ever needed to edit a document that you only had as a scanned PDF? It’s a common problem. While PDFs are great for sharing documents easily via email or file-sharing services like Google Drive, editing them can be tricky, especially if they are scans. Unlike digital documents, scanned documents are often treated as images. This means the text within them isn’t directly editable, which can be frustrating when you need to make changes.
But don’t worry! At carcodepro.com, we understand these tech hurdles. Just like we help you navigate car repair codes, we’re here to guide you through editing scanned documents. There are straightforward methods to convert these scanned images into editable text. Let’s explore easy steps to edit text from scanned documents without any hassle.
Using PC Applications to Edit Scanned PDFs
One effective way to edit scanned PDFs is by using desktop software. The advantage here is that you don’t always need an internet connection, and these applications often come packed with features like PDF creation, document merging, file format conversion, and more.
1. Download Foxit PhantomPDF
First, visit the website of a reputable PDF editing software provider, such as Foxit PhantomPDF. Go to their download page by clicking this link and click on the “Download Foxit PhantomPDF” button.
On the next page, you’ll be asked to enter some personal details. Fill in the required information and click “Download Free Trial”. You can choose either the EXE or MSI version – both function identically. 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 see different options like Business, Standard, or Education. For the purpose of editing scanned PDFs, any of these will work as they all include the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, although they vary in additional functionalities. Choose the one that suits you best.
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter some personal details for registration. Click Register Now after filling in all fields. You’ll receive a message confirming 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 use OCR on your document. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is 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.
Navigate to the Convert tab and select 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 at once. For a single file, click Current File, choose “Editable Text”, and then click OK. Wait for the OCR process to complete.
4. Edit Your PDF Freely
Your scanned PDF file is now editable! Be aware that there might be slight changes in the layout and formatting. OCR isn’t always 100% accurate, and some characters might be misinterpreted or missed, especially if the scan quality is not ideal.
This often happens if the scanned document is slightly blurry, making it harder for the software to recognize characters accurately. Go to the Edit tab and click on Edit Text. Now you can edit your scanned PDF file as needed. Remember to save your changes by pressing CTRL + S on your keyboard when you’re done.
Editing Scanned PDFs Online via Browser
If you prefer not to install software, or if you’re looking for a quicker method, you can edit scanned PDFs online through your web browser. This way, you avoid software downloads and installations, and it’s often accessible from any device.
1. Visit an Online OCR Website
To start, you need to find a website that offers online OCR services. For this guide, we will use NewOCR.com. Why NewOCR.com? Because it’s a free OCR site 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 will see a Choose File button that allows you to browse your computer for the PDF file and upload it to their server. Rest assured, your documents are generally safe. Most online OCR services, including NewOCR.com, typically delete uploaded files from their servers automatically after processing, ensuring your information is not stored or stolen.
After selecting your PDF file, click the Preview button. On the next page, you can select the language used in your PDF document. NewOCR.com supports many languages, including English. After choosing the language, click the OCR button 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 you wish. Furthermore, you can download the text back in DOCX and TXT formats, giving you an editable file. Congratulations, you’ve successfully extracted editable text from your scanned PDF file!
Keep in mind that online OCR tools might not be as accurate as PC applications. Also, text formatting (font, size, margins) in the final file might differ slightly from the original. This is due to the limited features compared to dedicated software.
And there you have it – several methods to edit scanned PDF files! Whether you choose to use PC software or an online browser tool, both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you have ample internet data and need high accuracy and more features, using a PC application (at least for the free trial period) is recommended. For occasional edits or when you need a quick solution, online OCR tools are very convenient. Happy editing!
