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Richard34720003phz7
Participating Frequently
Feb 21, 2024 10:49 PM UTC
Question

How to make scanned typed text readable?

I have a very old typed manuscript on brittle yellowed typing paper that I scanned.  I have it in JPG and PDF formats.  The text is fine for most of the pages, but in some of them the original was light, fuzzy, and unreadable, the scanned image is the same way.  I have Phtoshop Elements 24.  Can the text be made readable on the poor pages in PE 24 or is some other software better for this?  If so how do I do it?

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    2 replies

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Feb 22, 2024 12:42 AM UTC

    Glenn's suggestion of making a better scan is probably the best idea.  But you can improve what you have by using a Levels adjustment.  (Press Ctrl+L)  Simply move the blacks slider to the right on the histogram to increase the contrast.

     

     

     

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    Glenn 8675309
    Glenn 8675309
    Legend
    Feb 21, 2024 11:55 PM UTC

    Try and scan it in at 600 or 1200 ppi.

    Here are two "I just walked in the door" things you might try:
    I ran the first one about 5 times.




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