Have you ever scanned a document and then realized you needed to make a correction or update some information? It can be frustrating when you discover that the scanned PDF is essentially an image, and you can’t directly edit the text. Unlike digital documents, scanned PDFs often lock the text within an image format, making it seem impossible to modify.
However, editing text in scanned PDF documents is absolutely achievable. Being able to edit these files offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it allows for easy and efficient sharing of information. Instead of physically delivering hard copies, you can quickly distribute editable digital files via email or cloud storage services like Google Drive. This saves time and resources, especially when compared to traditional mail or courier services. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, you gain the flexibility to revise and update the content as needed.
The challenge lies in the fact that the scanning process often treats the document as a picture. The text within is not recognized as editable characters, preventing direct modification. But don’t worry! This guide from carcodepro.com will walk you through straightforward methods to edit text in your scanned documents without any hassle. Let’s explore the simple steps you can take.
Editing Scanned PDFs with Desktop Software
One effective way to edit scanned PDF files is by using desktop applications. The significant advantage of this method is its offline accessibility. You don’t need an internet connection every time you want to make edits. Furthermore, many of these applications come packed with additional features, such as creating PDFs, merging documents, and converting file formats, enhancing your overall document management capabilities.
Step 1: Download and Install Foxit PhantomPDF
To begin, you’ll need to download a PDF editing software. Foxit PhantomPDF is a robust option that offers the necessary features. Visit the Foxit PhantomPDF download page by clicking this link. Once on the page, click the “Download Foxit PhantomPDF” button.
On the subsequent page, you will be prompted to enter some personal details. Fill in the required information and click “Download Free Trial”. You can choose between EXE or MSI file formats; both serve the same purpose. After the setup file has downloaded, run it to install the application on your computer.
Step 2: Open Foxit PhantomPDF and Open Your Scanned PDF
Launch the Foxit PhantomPDF application. Upon opening, click on the Free Trial option. You will see several choices like Business, Standard, or Education. All of these versions include the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature required to edit scanned PDFs, although they differ in additional functionalities. Select the one that best suits your needs to proceed with the free trial.
Next, you’ll be asked to input some personal details for registration. Complete the form and click Register Now. A message will confirm your successful registration for a 14-day free trial. After successful installation and registration, open the application, click on Open File, and select the scanned PDF file you wish to edit.
Step 3: Perform OCR on the Document
Now, it’s time to apply OCR to your document. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is a technology that recognizes text characters within images and PDF files. By recognizing the text, it enables you to search for keywords and edit the file’s content.
Navigate to the Convert tab and select the OCR menu. You will 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 document, click Current File, choose “Editable Text” as the OCR type, and then click OK. Wait for the OCR process to complete. This may take a few moments depending on the size and complexity of your document.
Step 4: Edit Your PDF Freely
Once the OCR process is finished, your scanned PDF file should be editable. Be aware that there might be slight alterations to the original layout and formatting. OCR technology is not always perfectly accurate, and some characters might be misinterpreted or missing, especially if the scan quality is not optimal.
This often occurs if the scanned document is slightly blurry, making it challenging for the software to accurately recognize the characters. To start editing, go to the Edit tab and click on the Edit Text menu. You can now edit the text in your scanned PDF as needed. Once you’re done editing, remember to save your changes by pressing CTRL + S on your keyboard or by using the save option in the file menu.
Editing Scanned PDFs Online via Browser
If you prefer an alternative to desktop software, or if you need a quick solution without installing any applications, editing scanned PDFs directly in your browser is a viable option. This method eliminates the need for downloads and installations, and is often free, though it may come with limitations compared to dedicated software. Let’s explore how to edit scanned PDFs online.
Step 1: Visit an Online OCR Website (NewOCR.com)
To begin, you need to find a website that offers online OCR services. Numerous options are available on the internet. For this tutorial, we will use NewOCR.com. NewOCR.com is a popular choice because it generally does not limit the number of PDF files you can upload and process. Type “https://newocr.com” into your browser’s address bar and press Enter to visit the site.
Step 2: Upload Your Scanned PDF File
You will find a Choose File button on the NewOCR.com homepage. Use this button to locate the scanned PDF file on your computer and upload it to their server. Rest assured, your documents are typically secure. Most reputable online OCR services, including NewOCR.com, automatically delete uploaded files from their servers to ensure your data privacy.
After selecting your PDF file, click the Preview button. On the next page, you can choose the language used in your PDF document. NewOCR.com supports a wide range of languages, including English. After selecting the language, click the OCR button to convert your document into editable text.
Step 3: Edit and Download the Text
The text from your PDF will be extracted and displayed in a text box on the webpage. You can now copy and paste this text into a document editor of your choice to make edits. Furthermore, NewOCR.com allows you to download the extracted text in DOCX and TXT formats. This allows you to obtain an editable file version of your scanned document. Congratulations, you have successfully extracted editable text from your scanned PDF!
It’s important to note that online OCR tools may not be as accurate as desktop software. Also, the text formatting (font, size, margins) in the final output might differ slightly from the original document. This is primarily due to the limited features offered by most free online services compared to dedicated desktop applications.
In conclusion, you now have a few methods to edit text in scanned PDF files. Whether you choose to use desktop software or an online browser tool, each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have a reliable internet connection and require high accuracy and advanced features, using desktop software, even for the duration of a free trial, might be preferable. For occasional use or quick edits, online browser-based OCR tools offer a convenient and accessible alternative. Happy editing!
