How to Edit Scanned Documents on Mac
Scanning documents has become a common practice in today’s digital age. However, once scanned, these documents are often in a format that cannot be easily edited. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to make changes or add information to the document. Fortunately, if you own a Mac, there are several methods available to edit scanned documents. In this article, we will explore the various options and provide step-by-step instructions to help you edit your scanned documents with ease.
Method 1: Using Preview
Preview is a built-in application on Mac that allows users to view and edit various file formats, including scanned documents. Here’s how you can use Preview to edit your scanned documents:
Step 1: Open the scanned document in Preview. To do this, right-click on the scanned document file and select “Open With”, then choose “Preview”.
Step 2: Once the document is open in Preview, click on the “Show Markup Toolbar” button located on the top right corner of the window. This will reveal a toolbar with various editing tools.
Step 3: To add text to the document, click on the “Aa” button in the toolbar. Then, click on the area where you want to insert the text and start typing.
Step 4: If you need to highlight or underline certain portions of the document, use the drawing tools available in the markup toolbar. You can also use the “Text Selection” tool to select and delete or copy portions of the scanned document.
Step 5: Once you have made the necessary edits, save the document by clicking on “File” in the menu bar and selecting “Save”.
Method 2: Using OCR Software
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software is another effective way to edit scanned documents on Mac. This software recognizes the text in scanned documents and allows you to edit it. Here’s how you can use OCR software to edit your scanned documents:
Step 1: Download and install an OCR software on your Mac. There are several options available, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro, Abbyy FineReader, and Readiris.
Step 2: Open the OCR software and import the scanned document into the program. Follow the software’s instructions to perform OCR on the document.
Step 3: Once the OCR process is complete, you can edit the text in the document using the software’s editing tools. These tools typically include options to add, delete, or modify text.
Step 4: After making the necessary edits, save the document in a format that allows further editing, such as a Word document or a PDF.
FAQs:
Q: Can I edit scanned documents on Mac without using external software?
A: Yes, you can edit scanned documents on Mac using the built-in Preview application, as mentioned in Method 1. However, if you need more advanced editing capabilities or if the document contains a large amount of text, using OCR software is recommended.
Q: How accurate is OCR software in recognizing text in scanned documents?
A: The accuracy of OCR software can vary depending on the quality of the scanned document and the software itself. However, modern OCR software has significantly improved in accuracy and can typically recognize text with a high degree of precision.
Q: Can I edit scanned documents on Mac using online tools?
A: Yes, there are several online OCR tools available that allow you to edit scanned documents. These tools typically require you to upload the scanned document to their website and perform the OCR process online. However, it is important to ensure the security and privacy of your documents when using online tools.
In conclusion, editing scanned documents on Mac is possible using either the built-in Preview application or external OCR software. By following the instructions provided in this article, you can easily edit your scanned documents and make the necessary changes or additions. Whether you choose to use Preview or OCR software, it’s important to choose the method that suits your needs and ensures the accuracy of your edits.