Part 2: Using the Instant Access OCR

Part 3: A Sample Scan with TextBridge

Part 1: When to Use TextBridge Classic

TextBridge Classic is an optical character recognition (or OCR) program designed to convert scanned documents into the format necessary to edit the document within a word processing application. For a complete explanation of how OCR programs work, consult the document Understanding OCR, but for the best results using TextBridge Classic it is important to understand the program’s limitation and the most common misconceptions.

Under optimal circumstances, TextBridge Classic can recognize 90-95 percent of the characters in a document. Optimal circumstances mean that the document is a clean copy of a black and white text-only document, using standard fonts and type sizes, printed on a laser printer or professional printing press.

TextBridge Classic’s limitations:

• It is for TEXT only. It is unable to retain or interpret a graphic whether it is a color picture or a simple line art drawing.
• OCR programs are not for making exact duplicates of documents like a photocopier. Making exact copies should be done in programs like iPhoto Plus.
• It is able to recognize standard fonts and type sizes. Documents written in unusual fonts, like cursive script, or that are too large or small will not be properly recognized.
• Many people want to scan in forms and fill them out on their computers. Most OCR programs, like TextBridge Classic, are unable to recognize forms because they contain both text and graphic elements, such as the lines and boxes used to make the form. Also, most word processors are unable to have more than one character occupy one space at a time. There are specialized form programs that can be used with a TWAIN-compliant scanner available at software retailers.

Part 2: Using the Instant Access OCR

The Instant Access OCR feature allows TextBridge to interact directly with a word processor. When this icon is on the Windows taskbar, TextBridge can be accessed from any word processor that has been registered with the Instant Access OCR program. Many popular word processors are already registered with the Instant Access OCR, and they can be viewed by clicking on the icon. To register a word processor not found in the Registered Application list, follow these steps:

1. The Instant Access OCR needs to be running on the Windows taskbar. In most cases it appears on the taskbar when Windows is started, but if it does not appear it can be accessed by clicking on Start and selecting Programs and TextBridge Classic, then clicking on the icon for Instant Access OCR.
2. Once Instant Access OCR is on the taskbar, open the word processor that is going to be registered.
3. Click the Instant Access OCR icon on the taskbar. It will open to reveal a list of Available Applications and Registered Applications. The word processor and any other running applications will be under the Available Applications heading.
4. Highlight the name of the word processor and click the Add button. The word processor will now join the others on the list of Registered Applications.
5. Press the OK button and the Instant Access OCR returns to the taskbar.

Part 3: A Sample Scan with TextBridge

While the sample scan with TextBridge could be utilized on any word processor correctly registered with the Instant Access OCR as in Part Two above, this tutorial is going to use the Windows Wordpad. The steps used here would be nearly identical in another word processor.

1. With the Instant Access OCR running on the Windows taskbar, click on Start, select Programs, Accessories and Wordpad.
2. Click on the File menu in Wordpad and select TextBridge OCR. If TextBridge OCR is not on the File menu, then the Instant Access OCR was not running before the Wordpad was opened.
3. The TextBridge welcome screen appears and then becomes the main TextBridge window.
4. A pair of the icons depicts a scanner and a file folder. If the scanner is highlighted, then the source has already been selected. Proceed to step 5. If the file folder is highlighted, then the scanner needs to be selected now. To select the scanner:

1. Click on File and choose Select Scanner/Source.
2. On the list of driver types, choose TWAIN.
3. A list of scanners will be displayed. Choose the appropriate Mustek driver for the scanner being used and click Select.
4. It is not necessary to Test the scanner. Click the End button to return to the main TextBridge window.
5. The scanner icon should now be highlighted instead of the file folder.