How do I use Ally to convert a scanned PDF into readable text?
You will learn how to use Blackboard Ally to convert a scanned (image) PDF ,of a book chapter, for example, into a readable text PDF.
As part of the effort to make our courses as inclusive as possible, we should not have any files or documents which are not viewable/readable by all of our students. Follow these steps to convert your image PDF into a text PDF.
How do I know if my PDF is an image?
If you cannot select the text in a PDF, then it is an image.
If the text is selectable, then it is readable by a screen reader.
1. Upload your PDF file to your course.
Read this guide on how to upload a file.
2. Click on the Download icon.
3. Select Alternative formats.
4. Select OCRed PDF.
5. Click on Download.
6. Upload the new version to your course.
Although the new file does not have a perfect score with Ally (as there are no headings), it is at least readable by a screen reader. So, the next step would be to add headings to the PDF.
Selectable text.
The text within this PDF is now selectable and readable.
Article Summary
You have now learned how to convert an image/scanned PDF into a text PDF.