Guide to Common Document Scanning & Conversion Terms | MetaSource (2024)

Guide to Common Document Scanning & Conversion Terms | MetaSource (1)

The “Let’s Learn” series helps make navigating document scanning and document management space a little easier so you can get the best solution for your business challenge.

What is document scanning?

Document scanning is the process of capturing paper documents and converting them to a digital format via a document scanner or multi-function printer. Document scanning is also commonly referred to as document conversion or document imaging.

What are my document scanning options?

Typically, companies will take one of the following approaches (or a combination of both) with their scanning initiative:

  • Backfile conversion is the process of converting large quantities of paper documents or files that have accumulated over a period of time to electronic files.
  • Day-forward scanning is the scanning of documents starting at a specific point in time and continuing to scan all documents received after that point in time on a regular basis.

Once you determine what you want to scan, there are several options on who will be scanning the documents:

  • Do-it-yourself (DIY) scanning is when your staff converts paper documents to electronic images using document scanning software and a document scanner at your office.
  • Outsourced document scanning is the delegation of non-core operations, such as document scanning, from internal production to an external entity specializing in the management of that operation.
  • Hybrid document scanning is a combination of DIY and outsourced scanning.

What kinds of specialty document scanning services are available?

In addition to standard documents, there are a variety of specialty document scanning services that are available. Some of the most common services include:

  • Large format scanning is the converting of oversized documents such as engineering drawings, blueprints, circuit drawing, maps and other large format documents into digital images.
  • Mailroom scanning is when mail is received directly at a document scanning facility and is opened, prepped, scanned into a digital image and delivered to the intended recipient electronically.
  • Non-destructive book scanning is the scanning of bound books using a V-shaped cradle that provides optimal image capture and output clarity of any size or type of book including lab books, research books, vital record books, deed books etc.

Start Scanning Today

Determining what documents you need to scan and choosing the right scanning option are key to a successful document scanning initiative. Contact us today to learn more.

Guide to Common Document Scanning & Conversion Terms | MetaSource (2024)

FAQs

How do I scan a document and change the wording? ›

Scan a document as a PDF file and edit it in Word

In Word, click File > Open. Browse to the location of the PDF file on your computer and click Open. A message appears, stating that Word will convert the PDF file into an editable Word document. Click OK.

What is the standard for scanning documents? ›

The resolution a document is scanned at is generally determined by it's intended use, here are some typical examples:
  • Web graphic – 96 dpi.
  • Standard archive document – 200 dpi.
  • Document required for optical character recognition (OCR) – 300 dpi.
  • Plans/drawings for vectorization – 400 dpi.

How to use a scanner step by step? ›

Jump to a section:
  1. Step one: Ensure your scanner is turned on and connected.
  2. Step two: Open your scanning software.
  3. Step three: Place the pages you want to be scanned into the scanner.
  4. Step four: Scan document.
  5. Step five: Check scan preview.
  6. Step six: Save scanned document.
Feb 26, 2024

Can you scan a document and convert it to text? ›

Open a PDF file containing a scanned image in Acrobat for Mac or PC. Click on the “Edit PDF” tool in the right pane. Acrobat automatically applies optical character recognition (OCR) to your document and converts it to a fully editable copy of your PDF. Click the text element you wish to edit and start typing.

Is it possible to scan a document and edit the text? ›

The best way to edit a scanned document is by using a PDF editor with Optical Character Recognition (OCR). OCR is a technology that turns text from images, scanned documents, and PDFs into text that you can edit, search, and interact with. However, not every PDF editor or scanner comes with OCR.

What is the best scan setting for documents? ›

For normal paper documents, a DPI value of 300 is optimal in most cases. Furthermore, for a satisfactory output, a color setting of 24 bits is necessary. Most printers have resolutions of 600 or up to 2,400 DPI, thus scanning at a greater DPI value is pointless because the printer won't be able to replicate it.

What are common scanning resolutions? ›

The industry standard for office documents is 300 PPI, but color, faded, or rare documents may be scanned at 600 PPI or even as high as 2400 PPI in order to capture every line of the image. DPI refers to the resolution value of a physical printer.

What is the most common type of scanning? ›

X-rays (radiographs) are the most common and widely available diagnostic imaging technique. Even if you also need more sophisticated tests, you will probably get an X-ray first, as X-rays can show some abnormalities better than the more sophisticated tests.

Is it possible to convert scanned PDF to Word? ›

If the file contains any scanned pages, select OCR from the menu bar on the right. Keep in mind that OCR is a Premium feature. Click the Convert to Word button. Download your PDF to Word converted file.

How to convert scanned document to PDF? ›

How to convert JPG files and scanned documents to PDF:
  1. Open the file in Acrobat.
  2. Click on the Enhance Scans tool in the right pane.
  3. Choose the file you want to convert: To begin, choose “Select a file” and click “Start.” ...
  4. Edit your PDF: Click on the “Correct Suspects” icon (magnifying glass). ...
  5. Save as new PDF file:

How to convert scanned document to Word for free? ›

How to convert PDFs to Word
  1. Click the Select a file button above or drag and drop files into the PDF drop zone.
  2. Select the PDF you want to convert to the DOCX file format.
  3. Watch Acrobat automatically convert the file from PDF to an editable Word document.
  4. Download the converted Word document or sign in to share it.

How to scan a document for dummies? ›

How to Use a Scanner
  1. Connect the scanner to your PC. ...
  2. Place the material to be scanned into the scanner, just as though you were using a photocopier. ...
  3. Press the scan button on the scanner, which is the button to acquire a digital image. ...
  4. Preview the scan. ...
  5. Select the scan area in the scanner software. ...
  6. Set other options.
Mar 27, 2016

How does a scanner work for dummies? ›

How scanners work. Scanners work by shining light at an image, document, or object. In simple terms, the reflected light is then directed onto photosensitive technology via mirrors and lenses, then converted into electronic data that is used to form a digital copy of the original.

What is the easiest way to scan? ›

Scan a document
  1. Open the Google Drive app .
  2. At the bottom right, tap Camera .
  3. Point your device's camera at a document. ...
  4. Take a photo of the document that you'd like to scan. ...
  5. Adjust your scanned document. ...
  6. Tap Done.
  7. Create your own file name or select a suggested title.

How do I convert a scanned PDF to Word and edit it? ›

How to Convert PDF to Word with OCR
  1. Navigate to our PDF to Word converter.
  2. Select the file you want to convert to Word.
  3. If the file contains any scanned pages, select OCR from the menu bar on the right. ...
  4. Click the Convert to Word button.
  5. Download your PDF to Word converted file.

Is it possible to scan a document and edit the text for free online? ›

Yes, it's possible to scan documents and edit them for free. All you need is a free scanner app Adobe Scan or the free OCR tool OnlineOCR, and the best free online PDF editor PDFgear.

How to convert scanned documents and images into editable Word? ›

How to convert JPG to Word with OCR
  1. Go to the JPG to PDF tool.
  2. Upload the JPG you wish to convert, select the formatting settings, and click Convert to PDF.
  3. Download the PDF.
  4. Upload the PDF you just downloaded to PDF to Word.
  5. Select OCR from the settings for the most accurate conversion.
  6. Click Convert to Word.

How do I edit PDF text? ›

Edit text in a PDF
  1. Edit text in a PDF.
  2. Open the PDF you want to edit in Acrobat, and then select Edit in the global bar.
  3. The PDF switches to the edit mode, and the Edit panel displays. ...
  4. The Edit panel includes options to modify the page, add content, redact a PDF, and convert various documents to PDF forms.
May 9, 2024

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