Convert Scanned PDF to Text in Microsoft Edge
Convert scanned PDF documents to editable text easily using pdfFiller in your web browser.
What is OCR and How Does it Work?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents or images captured by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data. pdfFiller's OCR tool specifically allows you to convert scanned PDFs into editable text, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to manage their documents efficiently. Unlike native PDFs, which contain text that can be selected and edited directly, scanned PDFs are essentially images of text. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the need for OCR to extract and convert the text from these images into a format that can be manipulated.
Why Can't I Edit Scanned PDFs?
Scanned PDFs cannot be edited or extracted without applying OCR because they are essentially images of text. When you scan a document, it loses its editable format, making it impossible to modify or extract text directly. This limitation can hinder productivity, especially for small businesses that rely on efficient document management. To convert scanned PDFs to editable text, you must use OCR, which recognizes the characters in the scanned image and transforms them into a format you can edit.
How to Access OCR and Scan Tools in pdfFiller
To access the OCR and scan tools in pdfFiller, start by uploading your scanned document. Once uploaded, locate the OCR button in the toolbar. Alternatively, you can find the OCR tool card in the All Tools panel without needing to open a document. This straightforward navigation allows you to quickly access the tools necessary for converting scanned PDFs to text.
Uploading Scanned Documents to pdfFiller
To upload scanned documents for conversion, you can use various methods. Supported file types include PDF, JPG, and PNG. Simply drag and drop your files into the upload area or use the upload button to select files from your device. Be mindful of any file size limits to ensure a smooth upload process.
Step-by-Step: Running OCR on Scanned PDFs
- Upload your scanned PDF document to pdfFiller.
- Click on the OCR button in the toolbar.
- Select the language of the text in your document.
- Click the "Start OCR" button to begin the recognition process.
- Wait for the OCR process to complete; this may take a few moments.
- Once finished, you will be notified that the text is now selectable.
- Proceed to edit the document as needed.
- Save your changes to keep the editable version of your scanned PDF.
Editing Your Scanned PDF After OCR
After applying OCR, you can edit your scanned PDF by entering Edit Mode. This mode allows you to modify text, add comments, or fill out forms directly on the document. To access Edit Mode, simply click the edit button after the OCR process is complete. Make sure to save your changes to ensure that your edits are retained in the document.
Scanning Images to PDF: A Quick Guide
To scan images and convert them to PDF, start by uploading your image files, such as JPG or PNG. pdfFiller will automatically convert these images into a PDF format. Note that this process does not apply OCR automatically, so if you need to edit the text later, you will have to run OCR on the resulting PDF.
Converting Scanned PDFs to Word and Excel
To convert scanned PDFs to Word or Excel formats, first apply OCR to the scanned document. Once the text is recognized, you can select the conversion option to export the document into your desired format. This process allows for easy editing and manipulation of the content in applications like Microsoft Word or Excel.
Extracting Text from Scanned Documents
Extracting text from scanned PDFs is straightforward with pdfFiller. After running OCR, you can use the extraction tools to copy recognized text. For bulk extraction, select the template, navigate to Tools, and choose Extract in Bulk. This feature allows you to upload multiple scanned files and download the extracted data as a spreadsheet, streamlining your document management process.
Clean Up and Sharpen Scanned PDFs
To improve the clarity of your scanned PDFs, pdfFiller offers Clean Up features that allow you to erase black borders, auto deskew, and remove speckles. Additionally, the Sharpen option enhances the visual quality of the document, making it easier to read. These enhancements are distinct from OCR and do not convert text but improve the overall appearance of the scanned document.
Comparison with Other OCR Tools
pdfFiller's OCR capabilities stand out when compared to competitors. Adobe Acrobat is known for its comprehensive features but can be costly for small businesses. Users may find it complex compared to pdfFiller. Smallpdf offers basic tools for PDF management but lacks advanced OCR capabilities. In contrast, pdfFiller provides more robust features for document conversion. ABBYY FineReader is highly accurate in OCR but may require extensive setup, while pdfFiller is ready to use without IT involvement.
Next Steps After Converting Scanned PDFs
After converting scanned PDFs to editable text, you can integrate this process into your broader document workflow. This includes filling out forms, signing documents, and sharing them with colleagues or clients. pdfFiller simplifies these steps, allowing small and medium-sized businesses to manage their documents efficiently and effectively.