PDF? OCR? Ay dios!

[Liagd]

I scanned some docs on my pc and saved them as pdfs. But I need to edit them. So after trying out a couple free pdf conversion tools online, I realize that I actually need something that can convert scanned pdfs to word docs. I guess I need some kind of OCR tool, right? I can email the pdfs to myself to edit them on my mac which would be preferable.

I also have the hard copies but I need to revise them for a client that I'm freelancing for. Is there a better way to do this? Should I scan them again into a different format? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Darth.Titan]

If you need an editable format, you will need some type of OCR software. A word of warning though: OCR is very hit and miss as far as accuracy in my experience.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

I use OmniPro. It is one of the better OCR's, but like it has been said, OCRing in general is not great.

 

[tfitzmann]

OCRKit or ExactScan

Hi Liagd,

I think you have two profitable options:

1. You can try OCRKit. It works pretty good with all kinds of images and PDF and offers excellent accuracy.

2. If you are in need of a scan software, that provides OCR, you can try ExactScan Pro. Works with most of the scanners and is really worth the try.
The clou is, that you can even "rescan" existing PDF or images, so you have OCR documents afterward.

You can download both programs for a 14-day-demo on the developer's website.