In this article, we will show you how to convert a scanned PDF to a searchable PDF file with our Lido app. Simply follow the steps below!
To convert a scanned PDF into a searchable PDF, we will use Lido, a spreadsheet app that simplifies and automates tasks for you. You can sign up for a free account with this link: https://www.lido.app/go/signup.
Here's how to convert a scanned PDF to a searchable PDF easily using Lido's custom formula, IMPORTPDF:
First, log into your Google Drive account. Click "New" and then "File upload" to upload your scanned PDF. This step ensures that Lido can access your file online.
Log into your Lido account and go to the Files page. Click "New file" to create a new spreadsheet for organizing the data you'll extract from your PDF.
In your Lido spreadsheet, click the plus (+) icon to add a new worksheet where the converted data will be stored.
In cell A1, type "=IMPORTPDF(GOOGLEDRIVEFILE" without the quotation marks to connect to your Google Drive account.
Click "Add Credential" and follow the instructions to link the Google account where your PDF is stored. This connection allows Lido to access your file. Ensure you complete all the steps to set up your account properly.
After linking your Google account, press the comma key to continue the formula. Click "Select a file" to open your Google Drive files.
Find and select the scanned PDF you uploaded in Google Drive. This action links the selected PDF to your spreadsheet formula.
Finish the formula by closing the parentheses after the Google Drive URL and typing "Sheet1!B2" to specify where the converted data should start, beginning at cell B2 in Sheet1. The complete formula looks like this:
=IMPORTPDF(GOOGLEDRIVEFILE(<email>,"<drive-credential>"),<output-cell>)
Press ENTER to apply the formula.
Right-click on cell A1 and select "Run action" from the context menu. This will execute the IMPORTPDF formula and start converting the scanned PDF to a searchable format.
Switch to Sheet1 and review the converted data. Ensure all information is accurately displayed and searchable within the cells.
Select all the converted data in your Lido spreadsheet and copy it by right-clicking and selecting "Copy" or using the keyboard shortcut (CTRL + C).
Open Google Docs, create a new document, and paste the data. Then, click "File," choose "Download," and select "PDF Document" to save your file as a searchable PDF.
We hope you now know how to convert a scanned PDF to a searchable PDF file.