Agent47
asked on
Scan image to editable PDF
I don't normally use PDFs (for anything other than graphic design) or Acrobat so forgive any verbal butechery that ensues.
I'd like to know if it is at all possible to scan in a blank paper form (say a job application) and convert it to a vector/text PDF file. Then make it editable so that a user can fill it out on their computer after downloading it.
If this is possible, what methods/software are necessary/recommended?
Thanks for all of your help,
Sincerely,
-47
I'd like to know if it is at all possible to scan in a blank paper form (say a job application) and convert it to a vector/text PDF file. Then make it editable so that a user can fill it out on their computer after downloading it.
If this is possible, what methods/software are necessary/recommended?
Thanks for all of your help,
Sincerely,
-47
weed
Well, yes, and no. It's generally not a good idea to use OCR on a page where formatting is key, like a job app or a form. It's better to re-create the form manually and in the process integrate PDF forms into it. InDesign or Illustrator and Acrobat are all you need.
ASKER
Display of Ignorance: What is OCR?
Optical Character Recognition. It's the process of converting scanned text into editable text.
ASKER
Ahh.. tricky.
I'm actually asking for a co-worker. I had offered to create the forms for her manualy, as I create my own PDF files for graphic projects but she needs 50+ Official forms in editable PDF to enable her to fill them out on the computer.
I just ain't gots that kinda time! :)
I'm actually asking for a co-worker. I had offered to create the forms for her manualy, as I create my own PDF files for graphic projects but she needs 50+ Official forms in editable PDF to enable her to fill them out on the computer.
I just ain't gots that kinda time! :)
Well, she's not going to get editable forms by scanning them in. She'd have to do alot of editing on each page to get it to an editable point.
ASKER
Kind of what I figured, but I just wanted to see if there was any way we could avoid having to re-create the forms as some of them are official government forms and crap like that.
Crapsticks.
Well, I must say: I appreciate your confirmation!
Crapsticks.
Well, I must say: I appreciate your confirmation!
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Any OCR (including Paper Capture Plugin) on a complex form isn't going to cut it. Youll still have to define the form fields.
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ASKER
Crap on a stick!
Just when I thought I got what I was looking for, it looked as though it wern't.
Tell you all what I'm gon' do. Since there isn't really a 'correct' answer to this post, I'm just going to divvy up the points now. Especially before anyone else gets in here and dilutes them.
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Agnet 47
Just when I thought I got what I was looking for, it looked as though it wern't.
Tell you all what I'm gon' do. Since there isn't really a 'correct' answer to this post, I'm just going to divvy up the points now. Especially before anyone else gets in here and dilutes them.
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Agnet 47
ASKER
Um, on this new site, how do I divide points?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Basically, I'm just looking for a solution to enable her from having to print and type (with a typewriter, remember those :D) the forms out individually.
So if it's possible to scan in a doc and create form fields, thereby enabling the form to be filled out on a computer, that would be gravy. For clarification, webwoman, you just confirmed that my need is possible?
-47
So if it's possible to scan in a doc and create form fields, thereby enabling the form to be filled out on a computer, that would be gravy. For clarification, webwoman, you just confirmed that my need is possible?
-47
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Ahh... i get it now. Alright. She can do it, but she'll have to manually edit the fields.
I don't think she'll mind doing that, seeing as once it's done, she'll be able to fill them out on the computer.
It would beat the hell out of hoaving to fill out the same form repeatedly via the artifact that is a typewriter.
ALSO: How do I divvy points on this newfangled (and broken on MAC OSX) EE Site?
thx, -phore-t-7
I don't think she'll mind doing that, seeing as once it's done, she'll be able to fill them out on the computer.
It would beat the hell out of hoaving to fill out the same form repeatedly via the artifact that is a typewriter.
ALSO: How do I divvy points on this newfangled (and broken on MAC OSX) EE Site?
thx, -phore-t-7
There's a button near the comment field for splitting points.
Not broken here under OS X. Ugly, but not broken.
Not broken here under OS X. Ugly, but not broken.
ASKER
I freely use "broken" and "ugly" interchangably when it comes to appearance 'cause this definitely ain't what I'd call "fixed."
:)
4 tea 7
:)
4 tea 7
She'll also need the FULL version of Acrobat, NOT just the Reader. The full version costs -- about $250 US (unless she qualifies for an academic discount). Well worth it though. She'd be able to make PDFs from just about anything. Basically, if you can print it, you can make it a PDF. Doesn't matter what app, or if you have output from multiple apps. You can set security on it too.
It's a really great utility. Totally easy to use (unless you're doing really advanced stuff with scripting). I've taught people to create forms, bookmarks, etc. in less than an hour.
It's a really great utility. Totally easy to use (unless you're doing really advanced stuff with scripting). I've taught people to create forms, bookmarks, etc. in less than an hour.
ASKER
Sah-weeet! Yeah, I think we've got Acrobat kicking around the office somewhere. Thanks WebWoman. You are the 'Woman. :D