Acrobat
Turn scanned PDF images into editable text using OCR.
Learn how to convert PDF images into text using the Adobe OCR tool. Easily edit, search, or modify text in PDFs.
Published by Adobe Acrobat India on 22 August 2024
You may have used your phone to scan notes or reports and convert them into PDFs. While PDFs make it easier to access databases and share information, scanned PDFs present a challenge. They are saved in an image format, which preserves the document layout but prevents text recognition, search, or copying.
OCR technology is an excellent solution to address this issue. It uses AI and ML to intelligently identify text, making it searchable and editable. OCR is fast, accurate, and convenient. Let's delve into OCR and understand how to convert an image PDF to a text PDF using Adobe OCR.
How does OCR scanning work?
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, also known as OCR text recognition. This technology automatically extracts data and converts it into machine-readable PDFs within seconds. OCR enables you to convert scanned documents, camera images, and PDF images into editable text.
Steps involved in OCR scanning.
OCR technology involves several steps before creating an editable file version:
- Acquiring the image - Any scanned document or image is analysed to identify text and background.
- Pre-processing - The image is cleaned to remove additional elements or pixels, making it easier to analyse.
- Text recognition - OCR identifies the text and targets each character for enhanced recognition.
- Layout recognition - Advanced OCR analyses the entire layout, including tables, charts, and symbols, for accurate conversion.
- Post-processing - Once the analysis and recognition are complete, the OCR tool stores the data in an editable or PDF version.
To work with OCR, you must understand that it combines a physical device to capture the scan and associated software, translating the text into readable form. The software utilises AI and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) to assess different languages, writing styles, and handwriting. It works in layers, analysing the image at every level for a set of characters, elements, fonts, and symbols.
How to convert scanned PDF images to editable text using OCR?
Reduce the effort of data entry by learning how to convert image PDFs to text PDFs. Use Adobe's online OCR PDF tool to quickly convert your scanned PDF images into text.
- Open your web browser and navigate to Adobe Acrobat online services. Under the Convert menu, select the ‘OCR a PDF’ tool.
- Click on ‘Select a file’ to upload your scanned PDF/ image from your computer, or drag and drop the file.
- After Acrobat uploads the file, OCR technology automatically makes your document searchable with recognisable text.
- You can now search, edit, or copy text in your PDF. Sign in to your Acrobat account to download the file or get a link to share it with your network.
Applications of OCR technology.
Using OCR to convert PDF images into text can open up several possibilities. OCR can be applied to many industries and professions, allowing you to allocate resources towards more productive tasks and save time.
You can use OCR to:
Automate data entry.
You can reduce the time spent manually entering details from screenshots or scanned documents by simply using the OCR tool to search and copy text within documents and paste it into your worksheet. This tool also reduces the chances of errors.
Reduce physical document storage.
If you can scan and edit PDFs, you won’t have to store physical documents. For students, OCR makes handling handwritten notes extremely efficient. As a professional, you can simply scan and modify contracts and use the ‘Request e-signature’ feature to authenticate any documents — all without the hassle of printing.
Create accessible databases.
With OCR scanning, you can easily extract text from images in PDFs and create your searchable database. If you are on the go but still need urgent information from the office, look through your cloud storage for an editable version of the scanned document. Use Adobe to organise your PDFs and modify them as needed.
Streamline workflows.
With Adobe Acrobat OCR, reduce turnaround times, eliminate potential errors, increase efficiency, and stay organised.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a scanned image to a Word document?
With our online PDF to Word converter, you can easily convert scanned images into editable Word documents. This tool helps transform your scanned PDF into a Word document, allowing you to easily edit the text and add notes or drawings.
How do I make a scanned PDF searchable?
Use the OCR functionality in Acrobat’s image PDF to text PDF converter to make your scanned PDFs searchable. This OCR technology uses AI and ML to convert scanned images into editable and searchable text within the PDF.
Can OCR convert handwritten notes to PDF text?
Yes. Using the Adobe OCR PDF tool, you can easily convert legible handwritten notes to PDF text. Modern OCR applications with AI expertise can handle many styles, but complex notes might require editing. The converted text can be saved as a searchable PDF document.
Is using Adobe Acrobat safe for scanned conversion?
Adobe Acrobat can safely convert and work with your documents. We are committed to maintaining the security and privacy of your files through industry-standard protocols and employing encryption to prevent data hacking or leakage.
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Turn scanned PDF images into editable text using OCR.
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Do you need to extract text from scanned images? Follow this step-by-step guide to convert scanned PDF images into editable text in Word effortlessly.
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