Converting scans into text

[chopemon]

I'm looking for a good (free) program that will convert scanned text into an editable text format that can be used in Word.

I've seen that there are some free ones about but was wondering if anyone has used one before and can recommend a decent one that isn't crammed full of spyware?

Cheers!

[EvilBoris]

First one that appeared on google searching for freeware OCR was http://www.simpleocr.com/

no idea what it is like mind.
Probably not the most helpful post now I think about it!

[VR46]

Sure my scanner came with software to read text, might be worth checking your installation disc.

[honeymustard]

You're better off scanning in and then editing the image in Photoshop. I can't imagine the free software being very reliable.

[briareos_kerensky]

Haven't tried any free OCR software, but I once used Scan to Office and it did a fantastic work in text recognization and word/excel table building.

[charlesr]

I use Omnipage Pro 9. It came free with my Canon scanner a few years ago. I see they are on v16 now and it's really expensive. V9 worked pretty well for text, so I imagine any free up to date OCR software will do what you want.

[chopemon]

Cheers guys.

Thanks for the link Boris, it was the first one I clicked last night but was worried about all kinds of spyware that may come with it.

Thanks again!