By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-01-17

100 % Helpful

PDF Editor Tips

How to Convert Scanned PDF to Editable PDF for Free

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-01-17 / OCR

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Dealing with scanned PDFs can be frustrating, especially when you need to extract or edit the text. Unlike regular PDFs, scanned documents are essentially images, making direct editing impossible. Converting scanned PDFs into editable formats unlocks the ability to modify, search, and repurpose content with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore how to tackle this challenge effectively. We’ll highlight top free tools that make converting scanned PDFs simple and accessible, along with step-by-step guides to get you started. Whether you’re handling work documents or personal files, these solutions will save you time and effort. Let’s dive in!

Part 1. Why Convert Scanned PDFs to Editable PDFs?

Part 2. Top Tool: Tenorshare PDNob — Convert Scanned PDF to Editable PDF

Part 3. Another 3 Helpful Tools to Make a Scanned PDF Editable

Part 4. Tips for Better OCR Conversion Results

Part 5. Conclusion

Part 1. Why Convert Scanned PDFs to Editable PDFs?

1. Common Use Cases

Converting scanned PDFs into editable formats is essential for various tasks:

Editing contracts, invoices, and forms: Make quick adjustments to critical documents without starting from scratch.
Adding annotations or comments: Collaborate efficiently by highlighting sections and providing feedback directly on the file.
Extracting text for reports or presentations: Save time by copying content for reuse in other projects.

2. Benefits of Editable PDFs

Switching to editable PDFs offers numerous advantages:

Time-saving and increased efficiency: Eliminate the need to manually recreate documents.
Easier editing without retyping: Adjust text, images, or layout directly within the file.
Compatibility with multiple platforms: Work seamlessly across different devices and software for added convenience.

Editable PDFs streamline workflows, making it easier to manage and modify digital content effectively.

Part 2. Top Tool: Tenorshare PDNob — Convert Scanned PDF to Editable PDF

Tenorshare PDNob is a powerful and user-friendly tool designed to simplify PDF management. One of its standout features is OCR (Optical Character Recognition), which allows users to convert scanned PDFs into editable formats effortlessly. With its intuitive interface and robust capabilities, Tenorshare PDNob is perfect for both personal and professional use.

Key Features of OCR PDF

High OCR Accuracy: Accurately recognizes text, even in complex documents or varying fonts. 99% Accuracy with No Format Loss.
Supports Multiple Languages: Ideal for multilingual documents, supporting a wide range of languages. 16+ Major Languages Supported.
Works Offline: Ensures better security and reliability by processing files locally.
Comprehensive Editing Tools: Beyond OCR, users can edit, annotate, and export documents in various formats.

Step-by-Step Guide toConvertaScanned PDF toaEditable PDFUseTenorshare PDNob

Download and install PDNob onto your computer. Once installed, launch the program and then click on the “Open PDF” button in the main window to open scanned document.

Once the document is open, the program will identify it as a scanned document and then ask you to perform OCR on the document. To do that, click on the “Perform OCR” button at the top. You may be prompted to download the OCR tool if this is your first time using the OCR tool.

In the dialogue box that appears choose the range of pages and the language and click “OK” and the program will convert the document into an editable document. Once the OCR process is complete, the document becomes editable. Make necessary changes using the editor tools. After editing, save the file in your desired format, such as PDF, Word, or TXT.

Why ChooseTenorshare PDNob?

Ease of Use: The straightforward interface makes it accessible for all users, regardless of technical expertise.
Reliable and Secure: Offline functionality ensures data privacy and fast processing.
Versatile Features: In addition to OCR, the tool offers advanced options for editing, merging, annotating, and more.
Cost-Effective Solution: Delivers premium results without the hefty price tag of other tools.

Tenorshare PDNob is the go-to choice for converting scanned PDFs into editable formats quickly and efficiently.

Part 3. Another 3 Helpful Tools to Make a Scanned PDF Editable

1. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a professional-grade tool with a robust OCR feature. It converts scanned PDFs into editable formats while preserving layout and formatting. However, the OCR feature is available only in the paid version, making it a premium choice for users requiring advanced features.

Limitations:

Requires a subscription for OCR functionality.
Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complex interface.
Higher cost compared to other tools.

2. OnlineOCR

OnlineOCR is a free web-based tool for converting scanned PDFs into editable text files. It supports multiple formats, including Word and Excel, and offers language support for OCR processing. This tool is ideal for quick, small-scale tasks without any software installation.

Limitations:

The free version has file size and page count restrictions.
Requires an internet connection, raising potential privacy concerns.
Limited editing options after conversion.

3. ABBYY FineReader

ABBYY FineReader is a comprehensive document management tool that excels in OCR capabilities. It delivers high accuracy in text recognition, even for challenging documents, and supports a wide range of languages. The software also allows extensive editing and collaboration features.

Limitations:

High upfront cost, making it less suitable for casual users.
Requires installation and may be resource-intensive.
Advanced features may feel overwhelming to new users.

These tools provide reliable options for converting scanned PDFs into editable files, each catering to different needs. While Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and ABBYY FineReader are feature-rich, OnlineOCR offers a simpler, no-cost solution for smaller tasks.

Part 4. Tips for Better OCR Conversion Results

1. Ensure High-Quality Scans: The clearer the scan, the better the OCR results. Ensure your scanned document is of high resolution (300 DPI or higher) to enhance text recognition accuracy.

2. Use Clean and Clear Fonts: OCR software performs best when the text is in standard fonts (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman). Avoid handwritten or distorted fonts, as they may not be accurately recognized.

3. Remove Background Noise: If the scanned PDF contains a busy or textured background, use image editing tools to remove distractions. A plain white background helps OCR software focus on the text.

4. Correct Document Orientation: Ensure the text is properly aligned and not rotated. OCR software may struggle with upside-down or sideways text, leading to errors.

5. Select the Correct Language: Always choose the appropriate language for OCR processing. Many tools, including Tenorshare PDNob, allow you to select languages for accurate character recognition.

6. Edit Post-Conversion: After running OCR, review and edit the document. OCR may still make errors, especially with complex or non-standard characters.

Part 5. Conclusion

Converting scanned PDFs into editable PDFs offers numerous benefits, including the ability to modify text, add annotations, and repurpose content efficiently. Tenorshare PDNob stands out for its ease of use, high accuracy, and offline capabilities, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing to edit scanned documents. Whether you choose Tenorshare PDNob or explore other tools like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, OnlineOCR, or ABBYY FineReader, there’s a solution to suit your needs.