Direct OCR on a PDF electronic image

retexan599

New Member
I have some electronic documents in the form of un-editable pictures in PDF files. I need to convert them to editable text, not necessarily in PDF format. What I have been doing is printing these PDF files, scanning them on my HP 3970 scanner as a document [using the option to “Scan for editable text (OCR)]” and saving as a MS Word file. I am using the HP Photo & Imaging Software Version 2.1 that came with the scanner. What I would like to do is convert the original electronic documents directly from their PDF picture file to the editable text without the printing step. My questions:

1. Is it possible for me to do this direct conversion with the HP software I have?
2. If not, what are other ways I could do this; e.g. with other software?
3. Is there an internet online service that can do this without me buying new software?

Thanks.
 

retexan599

New Member
One Answer To My Own Question....

I found out about an add-on to Microsoft Office called: "Microsoft Office Document Image Writer." and have now installed it from my Office XP disk. What I do with this re my original problem:

1. Use Acrobat PDF selection tool to copy to clipboard.
2. Open “Microsoft Office Document Imaging” – choose Edit\Paste Pages
3. Do the OCR and/or convert to a Word document for editing.
4. Resulting Word document looks pretty good.
 
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