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NAPS2
Start here if you want a searchable PDF and prefer a desktop app. Scan a stack of paper or import an existing PDF, download the language you need, and turn on OCR before saving. NAPS2 can skip pages that already contain text. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and has no direct text-file export.
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OCRmyPDF
Use this command-line tool for a folder of scans you want to process consistently. It adds a searchable text layer to a PDF, can straighten tilted pages, and can save a separate plain-text file with the text it recognized. The setup takes longer than NAPS2, but you can reuse the same options across jobs.
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gImageReader
Pick this when you want to read just part of a page, such as a clipping or a column. Open a PDF or image, draw a selection over the area, and correct the result in the app before saving it as plain text. It can also generate a searchable PDF from its layout-aware recognition mode.
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Google Drive
For a small scan you are comfortable uploading, open the file in Google Drive with Google Docs to get editable text in your browser. Google recommends a file of 2 MB or less. This is handy for a letter or a photo of printed text. Expect to rebuild tables and columns by hand.
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Paperless-ngx
Choose this if you want a searchable archive for a steady stream of bills or receipts. A self-hosted installation can watch a folder for new scans, run OCR, keep the originals, and let you search across your documents from a browser. Set up the server and backups before making it part of your filing routine.
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