Quick Start:

Download the scanned PDF software and open it > Add the scanned PDF > Go to the OCR tool to recognize text in PDF.

Way 1. How to Edit a Scanned PDF with OCR via SwifDoo PDF

A scanned PDF document is an image-based PDF created by a scanner scanning a paper document. In this case, you should use a PDF editor that supports OCR, such as SwifDoo PDF. The software is a compact and comprehensive PDF desktop program available on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. 

With SwifDoo PDF, you can easily OCR a PDF to make it editable. The good thing is that SwifDoo PDF will keep all the formatting. You will get a high-quality document. What's more, SwifDoo PDF offers a range of editing features to meet your needs. Without much ado, let's see how to edit a scanned PDF document with OCR using SwifDoo PDF.

Option 1. Edit Scanned PDF by Applying OCR

SwifDoo PDF’s OCR tool makes your image-only PDF searchable and editable, so you can change, delete, or add text and other content. After OCR, you can draw and type directly on PDF files. Download SwifDoo PDF and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the PDF editor and open a scanned PDF.

Step 2: Choose the OCR sub-menu under the Home or Edit tab.

Step 3: Now, you can select the document language, change the page range, and adjust other settings. Then tap OK to start.

Step 4: Wait for a while, and you will get an editable document. Now you can go to Edit or Annotate to make edits as needed.

Option 2. Edit Scanned PDF by Converting PDF to an Editable Document

The first method is to create a PDF that can be edited in PDF software. In fact, you can also convert a scanned PDF to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint and edit it easily.  Powered by advanced OCR technology, the SwifDoo PDF converts PDFs to other formats with the utmost accuracy. 

Step 1: Open a scanned PDF with SwifDoo PDF, tap the top Convert menu, and choose PDF to Word, or another conversion option you like.

Step 2: Go to Settings and make sure the OCR feature is enabled. 

Step 3: Then, select the location to save the converted file from the Output Path menu, and click Start. When done, open the document and edit it.

Both methods above answer how to edit a scanned PDF with OCR. When needed, you can recognize or convert specific pages of a PDF with OCR for editing. The overall formatting and layout of the created document remain intact after OCR recognition and conversion.

Before editing scanned PDF documents, you may need to compress, split, merge, unlock, and do something else to them. All these tasks can be completed in SwifDoo PDF. Many users trust the software thanks to its rich features, ease of use, and speed.

Way 2. How to Edit a Scanned PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Inc. developed both PDF documents and top-notch software applications to handle them. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC from the company is designed to do almost everything related to PDF files on Windows and Mac.

The software allows you to scan a document and edit its text. However, the Adobe subscription fee is a bit high for ordinary people. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, SwifDoo PDF would be a better choice.

Anyhow, take a look at how to edit a scanned PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on your Mac or Windows device.

Step 1: Drag and drop your scanned PDF into the opened software.

Step 2: Choose Edit PDF in the right tools panel or go to Tools at the top to click Edit PDF.

Step 3: The PDF software automatically converts the current scanned page to editable content. Edit text and images in this scanned PDF file.

When you scroll down the right panel that appears after clicking “Edit PDF”, find the “Settings” option, and you can change the document language.

Way 3. How to Edit a Scanned PDF Document for Free

Want to edit a scanned PDF document for free? Converting it to a Word document is a good way. Among a ton of online tools, the SwifDoo PDF online converter might be a stellar option. It can help you convert PDF to Word, Excel, and many more formats.

Let’s walk you through the way to edit your scanned PDF with the help of an online free PDF converter.

Step 1: Open SwifDoo PDF Online Converter and choose a conversion tool such as PDF to Word.

Step 2: Hit Choose file to upload a small scanned PDF, and the online free converter will convert the PDF to an editable document with the built-in OCR engine. 

Most online PDF editors only allow you to organize, compress, and add text, images, or other content to a scanned PDF. Conversion is the most feasible way to edit the original content in a scanned PDF document.

Conclusion

Working with PDFs reduces the risk of documents being lost or altered by unauthorized parties. People often scan their important documents into PDFs for long-term, secure archiving. However, editing scanned PDFs is always a pain point for users. That leads to the demand for PDF editors.

SwifDoo PDF editor meets most of your requirements at competitive subscription costs, with high security, a small size, and a fast response time. Get a 7-day free trial of the desktop software to edit scanned PDF files for free.