Have you ever scanned a document and then realized you needed to make a few edits? It’s a common scenario. While having a PDF version of a document offers numerous advantages, editing a scanned PDF can seem tricky.
Firstly, digital files are incredibly easy to share. Sending a PDF via email or file-sharing services like Google Drive is quick and efficient, unlike physical copies which require postal services and days of waiting. Secondly, the idea of editing the text within a scanned document is appealing.
However, the scanning process often treats the document as an image. The text within the scanned image isn’t recognized as editable text, leaving you unable to make changes. But don’t worry! carw.store, your automotive repair expert website, is here to guide you through simple methods to edit scanned PDF documents without any hassle. Let’s explore the ways to make your scanned PDFs editable.
Editing Scanned PDFs with PC Applications
One effective approach to edit scanned PDF files is by utilizing desktop applications. The advantage here is that you gain access to a wider range of features, often without needing a constant internet connection. Many of these applications not only allow editing but also offer functionalities like creating PDFs, merging documents, and converting file formats.
1. Download Foxit PhantomPDF
To begin, you will need to acquire PDF editing software. Foxit PhantomPDF is a robust option. Visit 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’ll be asked to enter some personal information. Fill in the required details and click “Download Free Trial”. You can choose between EXE or MSI versions – both serve the same purpose for installation. After the setup file downloads, run it to install the application on your computer.
2. Launch Foxit PhantomPDF
Once installed, open the Foxit PhantomPDF application. Upon launching, click on the Free Trial option. You’ll see different options like Business, Standard, or Education. For the purpose of editing scanned PDFs, any of these options will work as they all include the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature needed. The variations primarily lie in advanced features beyond basic editing. Select your preferred option.
Next, you will be prompted to register by entering personal details. Click Register Now after completing the form. A message will confirm your successful registration and activation of the 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.
3. Perform OCR on Your Document
Now it’s time to use OCR on your document. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is the technology that allows the software to recognize text within images and PDF files. By recognizing the text, it becomes selectable and editable.
Navigate to the Convert tab in Foxit PhantomPDF and select the OCR menu. You will see two choices: 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”, and then click OK. Wait for the OCR process to complete. The duration depends on the size and complexity of your document.
4. Edit Your PDF Freely
After the OCR process, your scanned PDF file should now be editable. Be aware that there might be slight alterations to the original layout and formatting. OCR is not always perfectly accurate, especially with blurry scans, which can lead to misrecognized or missing characters.
To begin editing, select the Edit tab and click on the Edit Text menu. You can now modify the text in your scanned PDF as needed. Once you’ve finished editing, remember to save your changes by pressing CTRL + S on your keyboard or by navigating to the save option in the File menu.
Editing Scanned PDFs Online via Browser
If you prefer not to install software or need a quick solution, editing scanned PDFs through your web browser is a viable alternative. This method eliminates the need for software downloads and installations. Let’s explore how to edit scanned PDF files online using a browser.
1. Visit an Online OCR Service Website
To edit a scanned PDF online, you’ll need to find a website that offers Optical Character Recognition (OCR) services. Numerous online OCR services are available. For this guide, we will use NewOCR.com. NewOCR.com is a user-friendly site that doesn’t limit the number of PDF files you can upload, making it a convenient choice. Type “https://newocr.com” into your browser’s address bar and press Enter to access the site.
2. Upload Your Scanned PDF File
On the NewOCR.com homepage, you will find a Choose File button. Click this button to locate the scanned PDF file on your computer and upload it to the website’s 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 data privacy.
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 a wide range of languages. After choosing the language, click the OCR button to initiate the text recognition process and make your document editable.
3. Edit and Download Your File
Once the OCR process is complete, the text extracted from your PDF will be displayed in a text box. You can directly edit the text within this box, or copy and paste it into a document editor of your choice for more extensive editing. Furthermore, NewOCR.com allows you to download the recognized text in DOCX and TXT formats, providing you with editable files that you can save and work with offline. Congratulations! You have successfully extracted editable text from your scanned PDF file using an online browser tool.
Keep in mind that online OCR tools accessed through browsers may not always be as precise as dedicated desktop applications. Additionally, text formatting such as fonts, sizes, and margins might differ slightly in the final output compared to the original PDF. This is often due to the limited feature set of online tools compared to more comprehensive software.
These are two effective methods for editing scanned PDF files: using desktop applications and online browser tools. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you have a stable internet connection and require high accuracy and advanced features, using a desktop application, even during a free trial, might be preferable. For occasional edits or when you need a quick, software-free solution, online browser-based OCR tools are a convenient option. Choose the method that best suits your needs and start editing your scanned documents today!
