Introduction
Welcome to step three in the process of digitizing your books and creating a digital library. In this blog, we will discuss the software that can be used to convert your physical books into digital PDF format. With this format, you can conveniently access your library from any tablet device, such as an iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab. Let’s dive right in!
Software for Digitizing Books
When it comes to software for digitizing books, there are several options available. In the previous episode, we discussed the Epson ES 200 scanner, which comes with its own software. While the scanner software provided by Epson is decent, I personally prefer using a software called “NAPS2” (Not Another PDF Scanner 2).
Why NAPS2?
NAPS2 offers a range of features that make it my preferred choice for digitizing books. One of the standout features is the ability to easily create a custom page size. By using a ruler to measure the dimensions of the book, you can set up a custom page size in NAPS2. This ensures that the scanned pages fit perfectly, resulting in high-quality digital copies.
OCR and Beyond
While NAPS2 does offer optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities, I personally do not use it for this purpose. Instead, I save OCR for the next step in the digitization process, which involves using Adobe Acrobat software.
Adobe Acrobat: Beyond OCR
Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool that goes beyond OCR. In addition to converting scanned images into editable text, Adobe Acrobat also offers features like page straightening and a function known as “clear scan” (now referred to as “editable text and images”). These features allow you to significantly reduce the size of the scanned document while maintaining its quality. This is a game-changer when it comes to creating efficient digital libraries.
Clear Scan: The Key to Efficiency
One of the most valuable features of Adobe Acrobat is the “clear scan” function. By utilizing this feature, you can convert your scanned document into editable text and images. This not only makes the document searchable but also drastically reduces its file size. With smaller file sizes, you’ll be able to store more books in your digital library without sacrificing quality or consuming excessive storage space.
Try NAPS2 Today!
If you’re interested in digitizing your books, I highly recommend giving NAPS a try. It’s a free software that anyone can download and use. Simply head to the NAPS2 website, download the software, and start exploring its features. I believe you’ll find it to be a valuable tool in your digitization journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, digitizing your books and creating a digital library is an excellent way to make your collection more accessible and portable. In this blog, we discussed the software options available for this process. While the Epson scanner software is a viable choice, I personally prefer using NAPS2 for its custom page size feature. Additionally, Adobe Acrobat takes the digitization process to the next level with its OCR, page straightening, and clear scan capabilities. I encourage you to download NAPS2 and explore its features. Stay tuned for the next video where we’ll delve into the details of Adobe Acrobat and its powerful features. Thank you for reading!