Free Software for Editing Scanned Documents Without Tampering Indications
Editing scanned documents can be a tedious task, but with the right tools, you can perform these edits without leaving any traces of tampering. This guide will walk you through a straightforward process that minimizes any signs of manipulation. We'll also discuss common pitfalls and how to avoid them.How to Edit Scanned Documents Using Google Drive
Google Drive offers a user-friendly solution for editing scanned documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Upload your scanned PDF document to Google Drive. Right-click on the PDF file and select 'Open with Google Docs.' Google Docs will automatically perform OCR and convert the scanned text into editable text. Make your edits directly within Google Docs. Once you're done, download the edited document as a PDF or in other formats.Best Practices for Editing Scanned Documents
While using Google Drive and Google Docs can simplify the editing process, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure that your document does not appear tampered with. Here are some tips to help you avoid detection:MinimizingTampering Indicators
When you edit a scanned document in Google Docs, the changes are embedded within the document’s metadata. This metadata can be viewed by anyone with enough technical knowledge. To avoid detection, follow these guidelines:
Revise Metadata: Ensure that the document’s metadata, such as the document’s edit history and timestamps, are consistent and do not show any odd changes. You can use tools like Microsoft Word to check and modify these metadata. Delete or Disable Tracking Changes: When you use Google Docs to edit a document, you might use the 'Track Changes' feature. However, this leaves a trace of the changes. To avoid this, go to the 'Review' menu and disable 'Track Changes' before saving your document. Manually Edit Text Layers: If you notice any traces of editing, such as faint marks or lines, manually remove them using the 'Text' layer feature in Google Docs or by resaving the document in another format without the layers.Avoiding Alterations to File Properties
File properties, such as the creation date, file size, and file type, can also be used to detect tampering. Here's how to avoid altering these properties:
Use a Consistent Format: Ensure that your document's format, including the file type, is consistent. Changing the file type or creating new formats might raise suspicion. Regular Save Schedules: Save your document at regular intervals, but not every time you make a minor change. This helps maintain a natural edit history without frequent modifications. Professional Formats: Use professional document formats, such as PDF, instead of less common formats, to reduce suspicion.