[challenger]

I have some typed documents in PDF format. I want to be able to search these documents using a Windows based word processing program. Currently the pages are nothing more than a picture logically speaking. Do I need an OCR program to convert the "images" to text? I realize there will be many inaccuracies involved but hopefully I can deal with this. I'm above average in computer skills for 56 years old but a total waste of time on average for those of a more viable age.
Thanks

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[Fish_Fiend]

You can do that but to get a decent siftware you will be out a couple hundred easily.

I have used the free tool here:

http://www.convertpdftotext.net

To some degree of success however. Hope this helps.

 

[biglenr]

I use Microsoft One Note... Copy the image to One Note, and you can do what you want with it.

There's plenty of freeware alternatives... This one has decent reviews.
http://www.a-pdf.com/text/

 

[Fish_Fiend]

One note is the one that will cost ya.

 

[biglenr]

Yep, unless you have it with a copy of Microsoft Office Professional. It's a very addictive program, once you start using it, you would go crazy having to give it up, especially when there's a lot of stuff you might forget otherwise.

 

[OptiMystic]

I have a free Google Drive account. When I upload a PDF, there is an option to convert to a Google document converting text. Results vary depending on what produced the PDF, but many of them work perfectly. I can then download as various formats, search within and across documents, etc. Microsoft has One Drive, pretty much the same thing, also free up to a certain storage amount. You need to be online and trust the cloud.

 

[OptiMystic]

Yep, unless you have it with a copy of Microsoft Office Professional. It's a very addictive program, once you start using it, you would go crazy having to give it up, especially when there's a lot of stuff you might forget otherwise.

I thought it was free now, with One Drive (which has a free level). I work with MS Office stuff, but for personal stuff I am more a Google guy. Google has Keep, which is very similar (semi-structured).

EDIT - Yup, it's free now:
http://www.onenote.com/download

 

[SnowCamp]

You need to be online and trust the cloud.

There are a lot of dumb statements posted on this site (I've probably made 10% of them) but this one is the all-time dumbest. You're trading security for convenience. If you are at all concerned about the security of your information, you stay off the cloud.

 

[biglenr]

I think he's saying that trusting the cloud is a requirement for using the program; it was a caution.

 

[OptiMystic]

I think he's saying that trusting the cloud is a requirement for using the program; it was a caution.

Exactly. I don't want to get into the discussion of whether or not to trust the cloud here; it can get as heated as religion or politics with just as much, if not more, misinformation and misunderstanding out there. Don't put anything out there beyond your comfort level, whatever that might be.

BTW, physical security is still far and away the #1 concern for individuals securing their own data. Thumb drives and computers get lost/stolen, print outs taken out of the trash, etc. #2 is out of your control - leaks by businesses that have your information. Security breaches of data stored by individuals in the cloud is largely a myth; people let their passwords get lifted or have poor ones and blame the cloud. Don't use it unless you can remember strong passwords and won't share them or write them down.

 

[biglenr]

I once attended a black hat conference, not the official one in Vega, just a regional one in Atlanta.... About 7-8 years ago, so the information is far from state of the art these days.

It scared the crap out of me, though.

 

[OptiMystic]

Because of the back story on another thread, there is an assumption on my part that the typed documents that Challenger has are not going to remain private, so I think the context of this particular thread is not ultra sensitive personal information, which I don't keep online either. BTW, "online" means any computer that ever connects to the net. As you likely found in the Black Hat sessions, there are ways to get at data on end user machines behind firewalls. You, or another user of your computer, do/does have to get fooled into clicking something if you have a good firewall but they can be breached.

 

[tallastro]

Back to the original question since I haven't noticed an answer to part of it. If the PDF is a scan of a typed document and essentially just a picture of the text, you'll need some sort of OCR to convert it. I haven't found a great free software package ever. The non-free convertpdftotxt.net seems to offer OCR. Let us know what you find and how it worked.

 

[ptt49er]

If you're only going to need it for a short time try this out for a 30day trail ...

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/PDF_Editor/

It's a direct competitor for Adobe. It's a good package.

 

[cnoffsin]

Foxit software is really good stuff. Use that 30 day trial.

 

[challenger]

I have a free Google Drive account. When I upload a PDF, there is an option to convert to a Google document converting text. Results vary depending on what produced the PDF, but many of them work perfectly. I can then download as various formats, search within and across documents, etc. Microsoft has One Drive, pretty much the same thing, also free up to a certain storage amount. You need to be online and trust the cloud.

Thanks! I trust the cloud about as far as I can throw it . I will use it however if need be in this case. I am looking to get my HOA documents into any sort of text file so hopefully what is in these replies will get help me. I'm certain these files have been converted but I have inquired many times and the answer is always NO!
As always I greatly appreciate the time taken in replying.

There are a lot of dumb statements posted on this site (I've probably made 10% of them) but this one is the all-time dumbest. You're trading security for convenience. If you are at all concerned about the security of your information, you stay off the cloud.

Um......a little harsh maybe? I saw it as a warning immediately. I know your reply was meant to be a heads up so thanks for that.
I hate to say it but I bet there are is a lot of our personal information "in the cloud" than we realise. Just look at the side bars on nearly every site you visit. Some people don't even notice it but the information (ads mainly) in areas of the screen have to do with recent searches on has done one their computer for goods, services etc. Pretty unsettling.

I once attended a black hat conference, not the official one in Vega, just a regional one in Atlanta.... About 7-8 years ago, so the information is far from state of the art these days.
It scared the crap out of me, though.

I had to wikify what specific black hat you were referring to. I've never heard of this organization before today. Maybe I need to get out more? Or should I stay in more? Yikes, I'm all confused. I don't know why anyone would care about any data I have anything to do with but I guess there are those that feel fulfilled by being able to hack information. Sure seems easier to do these days and I'd have thought it would be more difficult. I knew there was always a cloud hanging over my head . BTW, I imagine you meant to type "Vegas" yes? Still I suspect some of these computer dweebs would drool at the thought of driving a Vega. On second thought I'd like to have one myself. Getting a bit off track as usual-sorry.

If you're only going to need it for a short time try this out for a 30day trail ...

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/PDF_Editor/

It's a direct competitor for Adobe. It's a good package.

Awesome, on my way. Thanks!

 

[cnoffsin]

With that avatar you are supposed to say, "The dude abides."

(Sorry couldn't resist I saw the Big Lebowski out on the lawn at the Art Museum a couple weeks ago)

 

[challenger]

I added that to a reply in another thread. I'll put it in my signature because a lot of people don't know "The Dude". Could be the poor photo as well.
Great movie IMO. My only complaint would be the number of F bombs. Totally unnecessary to have F as every other word. Didn't bother me much when it first came out but now that I'm old and useless I suppose I'm grasping at anything to focus my sideways aggression on. 😀.
The Dude abides.
Thanks

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