Do you want your tonnes of paper documents to be digital files that you can edit? You can quickly convert those scanned images into editable PDFs with the correct tools. This is made possible by optical character recognition (OCR) technology, which reads text in your papers. The OCR tool in Adobe Acrobat offers a smooth way to OCR a PDF, making it a priceless tool for instructors and students. You may use this to turn scanned images into editable PDFs.
In this article, you'll learn how to use Adobe Acrobat's OCR tool to recognise text and create editable PDFs from scanned images.
Why does OCR technology matter?
OCR technology is essential for digitizing printed materials and enabling editing and accessibility. Students who need to OCR a PDF to turn printed textbooks into searchable documents and teachers who wish to digitise quizzes or handouts will find this especially helpful.
Getting started with OCR in Adobe Acrobat
The OCR work in Adobe Acrobat is an effective tool that lets users create editable PDFs and recognise text in scanned images. Here's how to make good use of it:
Step 1: Access the OCR PDF tool
Go to the Adobe Acrobat online services website and select the OCR PDF tool to get started. This service is helpful for users without desktop software because it can be accessed using any online browser.
Step 2: Upload the scanned PDF
You can drag and drop the desired file into the space provided on the webpage or select it. Adobe Acrobat can open a variety of file formats; however, for this procedure, be sure the file is in PDF format.
Step 3: Apply OCR technology
After the file is uploaded, Adobe Acrobat will automatically use its OCR technology to recognise text in the document. Depending on the file's size and complexity, this could take a few moments.
Step 4: Download or share the editable PDF
Once OCR has been applied, the document becomes a searchable and editable PDF. You must log in to your Adobe account to download or share the file. This ensures that your document is safe and that only authorised individuals may access it.
Converting an image to a PDF with OCR
Another way to use OCR is by converting an image file directly into a PDF. This can be done through Adobe Acrobat’s online services as well. Here's how:
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Navigate to the PDF converter tool: Find the tool on Adobe Acrobat’s online services page.
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Upload your image: Drag and drop your image file into the converter.
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Apply OCR: Adobe Acrobat will recognise text within the new PDF document once the image is converted to a PDF.
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Download your PDF: Sign in and download your newly created PDF.
Using OCR for a single image
At times, you may just have to remove text from a solitary picture. Adobe Acrobat makes this easy:
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Open the image in Adobe Acrobat: On a Mac or PC, open the PDF containing the scanned image.
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Use the edit PDF tool: Click on the "Edit PDF" tool in the right pane. Adobe Acrobat will automatically apply OCR to your document.
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Edit the text: Click the text element you want to edit and start typing. Adobe Acrobat will match the new text to the original font.
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Save your document: To keep your changes, choose "File > Save As" and give your document a new name.
Extracting text from multiple images
If you have a multi-page document with several images, the process is similar but includes a few extra steps:
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Open Adobe Acrobat Pro: Start by opening your multi-page PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
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Export the PDF: Go to "Tools > Export PDF".
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Choose an export format: Select either a Word document or rich text format (RTF) and ensure the "Include Images" option is checked.
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Save and edit: Export the file and save it. The text from all images within the PDF will be recognised and included in the exported document, allowing for easy editing.
The benefits of OCR for students and educators
OCR technology offers several advantages for students and educators:
1. Editable PDFs
OCR recognises text in scanned images, enabling the creation of editable PDFs that can be easily modified, annotated, or copied.
2. Searchable content
OCR a PDF feature, allows you to search for specific words or phrases within scanned documents, making it easier to find relevant information.
3. Accessibility
Editable PDFs created through OCR are more accessible for users with disabilities, as screen readers can read the text aloud.
4. Collaboration
Editable PDFs can be shared more easily with classmates or colleagues, facilitating collaboration and feedback on scanned materials.
Why choose Adobe Acrobat's OCR tool?
Using Adobe Acrobat's OCR to recognise text is a simple way to convert scanned images into editable PDFs. This technology allows documents to be edited and searched, which increases productivity and saves time. The OCR feature in Adobe Acrobat is a dependable solution for anyone who needs to digitize notes, whether a student or an educator providing resources.
Are you ready to use OCR for easier document management?
