How do I scan a document so I can edit the text in word processing software?

• You can scan a document using a process called OCR (Optical Character Recognition). To edit the text, use a word processor with your output format.

  Character types and originals that may be difficult for OCR software to recognize include:

  • Handwritten text
  • Items that have been copied from other copies
  • Faxes
  • Text with tightly spaced characters
  • Text that is in tables or underlined
  • Cursive or italic fonts and font sizes less than 8 points
  • Originals with creases or wrinkles