How to Copy Text From Scanned PDF (Easiest Way in 2024)

In this article, we will show you how to copy text from a scanned PDF document using the online tool Lido. Simply follow the process below.

How to Copy Text from Scanned PDF

To copy text from a scanned PDF file, we will utilize Lido, a spreadsheet designed to simplify and automate repetitive tasks. You can register for an account here: https://www.lido.app/go/signup.

Step 1: Open a new Lido sheet from the Lido Files page.

Start by logging into your Lido account and navigate to the Files page. Here, you can create a new spreadsheet by clicking on "New file" which will serve as the workspace for extracting and managing text from your scanned PDF.

Step 2: Find the PDF Importer tool in the File menu.

Go to the File menu located at the top of the Lido interface. Select "Import from PDF" to launch the PDF Importer tool from the dropdown options. This tool is specially designed to extract textual data from PDF files, including scanned documents, into a spreadsheet format.

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Step 3: Choose the scanned PDF document you want to extract text from.

Upload the scanned PDF by clicking the upload option within the PDF Importer tool. Ensure you select the correct scanned document that contains the text you need to copy.

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Step 4: Choose the area containing the text you want to copy and press "Extract data".

Once your PDF is uploaded, use the tool to select the specific area of the document where the text is located. Adjust the selection box to precisely encompass the text you want, then click "Extract data" to initiate the text extraction process.

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Step 5: Check that the correct text appears and then press "Insert at active cell".

Review the text that has been extracted to ensure it is accurate and complete. If the text is correctly captured, click "Insert at active cell" to place the text into the spreadsheet at the currently selected cell. If more text needs to be extracted, click "Back" to reselect.

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Once finished, close the extraction tool by clicking X in the top right corner.

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Step 6: Highlight the column of text in the spreadsheet and press Cmd-C if you are using Mac or Ctrl-C if you are using Windows.

Once the text is in your spreadsheet, select the column or cells where the text resides. Copy the selected text using Cmd-C on Mac or Ctrl-C on Windows.

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Step 7: Use Cmd-V on Mac or Ctrl-V on Windows to place the text in the desired location. 

Navigate to where you want to transfer the extracted text, such as a blank Google Docs document or another text editor. Paste the text using Cmd-V on Mac or Ctrl-V on Windows to finalize its placement.

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Below is an example of pasting the text into a blank Google Doc:

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We hope you now have a better understanding of how to copy text from a scanned PDF.