How to Convert a Scanned Text Document Into Word

Converting a scanned text document into Word is a fairly easy task.

At times, you may want to alter and edit a text document, which isn't a Microsoft Word document, in the Word program. You might even have the document only as a hard copy that you received as a fax or through the mail. Luckily, with a few steps, you can easily scan, convert and open the document in Word--a process that only takes a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Scan your document. Save your document as a PDF. The steps to accomplish this depend on your scanner. Most scanners have you set the document on the scanner and then pick how you want it to be formatted and where you want it saved.

2. Go to Microsoft's Document Conversion list (see Resources). This is a list of third party software applications that allow you to change a PDF to a Word document.

3. Download and install a document converter from the list mentioned above. (Follow the on-screen instructions, generally a series of click-throughs, to do so.)

4. Open your document converter. Then open the PDF that you saved in Step 1. Follow the instructions on how to convert your PDF to a Word document. Some converters have drop-down menus that let you choose how to convert the document.

5. Save the document.

6. Open your Word application. Click "File" on the main menu. Scroll down, click "Open..." and browse for your converted document.

7. Highlight the name of your document and click the "Open" button.

References

• Microsoft: Convert documents between PDF and Word

Resources

• Microsoft's Document Conversion list