Joined on 06-04-2004
TechSoup Member
We have just leased a Konica-Minolta copier with scanning functions. However, it does not come with software to convert scanned documents to file formats (such as PDF and JPG). I am looking for inexpensive software to enable us to save the scanned documents as PDF files to print and to email or as graphics files (such as JPG) to use as clipart in documents.
What INEXPENSIVE options do you suggest? I looked on the TechSoup Stock pages under Adobe and Ulead. (I have used Ulead Photo manipulating software in the past.) Our organization is not eligible for Adobe software through TechSoup, and Ulead software is not currently available.
Thanks for your help with this.
Cheryl at Al-Anon Service Center
Joined on 06-04-2004
TechSoup Member
I just found out that Irfanview, which I already have on my computer, will save files in the PDF format, as well as in a number of graphics formats. That might work with the scanner. Please let me know if you know more about this function.
If that works, I just need suggestions for a good, inexpensive option to edit photos and other graphics files (something like Ulead PhotoImpact, but much cheaper).
Thanks again,
Cheryl
The Xerox copiers that we lease have scanning functionality, but all we can do is scan the document to a PDF format and email that document from the copier directly to an email address that is entered from the control panel on the copier. I have not taken the time to determine if there are more options available that we do not subscribe to, or if this is the extent of the capability.
This is a case where it might pay to read the manual. (You and me both!) :biglaugh;
What type of editing do you need to do? I have found that for most quick edits (cropping, resizing, etc...) Microsoft Paint works pretty well. (And you can't beat the price.)
I thought Irfanview could also do editing, but I haven't used it recently so I may be misremembering.
Google Picassa might suit your needs for a simple graphics program. There is no cost, so should be worth the look!
Joined on 10-12-2006
TechSoup Member
If you want more extensive graphics capabilities, GiMP is open source and free. It's got a bit of a learning curve, but I do quite a bit with it (and I'm a total amateur at graphic arts).
The following programs can convert documents to PDF. They install as a printer driver. Simply open the document in some program and then "print" to the driver. Little or no editing.
http://www.primopdf.com
http://www.win2pdf.com
Joined on 06-04-2004
TechSoup Member
Thanks for your suggestions of software. Irfanview does some editing, but sometimes I need to do something like add text to a graphic. Sometimes I do use Paint that comes with the operating system for that.
The documentation that comes with my new copier specifies that the customer will supply the software to use with the scanner.
Thanks for all your suggestions. I will check them out.
Cheryl
Joined on 06-09-2003
Davenport, Iowa USA
How does the copier present the data it scans to you?
Does it email you a tiff or pdf file
does it deposit a tiff or pdf on your desktop
does it hook up to your PC through a TWAIN driver?
If it uses twain you need a specific scanner software to scan the images into. If you use the email or deposit files on your PC or server, then any of the editing software will work depending on your work flow and needs.
Did the copier vendor have any suggestions on the software other customers have used?
Our copier came with one license of paper port to use. but we mostly email or have the file dropped on the PC hard drive.
Dave
Joined on 05-10-2007
TechSoup Member
I have used one of 2 methods for pdf conversions depending on what I'm trying to do; both are free and work well.
1. CutePDf Writer. Installs as a printer to "print" any document as a pdf. I tried other similar programs and they left watermarks or ads in the document. This one doesn't. Download it at http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp.
2. Open Office. This is a full-featured open source (free) office suite on par with MS Office, but it also has a pdf conversion feature if you want to make fillable forms. (CutePDF doesn't allow that). Download at http://www.openoffice.org/.
Joined on 06-04-2004
TechSoup Member
I found out that the scanner on the copier will save scanned documents as PDF files. I found a shareware program, PDF Fill Editor, that can convert PDF files to image files (such as JPG). Also, with the free Ghostscript 8.53 that the PDF Fill Editor downloaded when I installed it,
http://www.pdfill.com/download.html
I can view and convert PDF files (and convert other image files to PDF) in Irfanview.
I also found out that I had Corel Photo-Paint 8 already installed on my computer. I hadn't realized that it was installed when I installed WordPerfect 8 on the computer.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
Cheryl
Joined on 06-19-2007
TechSoup Member
Hello
My name is Natalie Mouyal
I work for Carr Buisness Systems
and We might be able to help you with a copier
solution we are in business for over 70 years and we have 21 core companies around the world.We deal alot with non-profit Org. and would love to see if we can help in any way please feel free to contact me at my office at 631-501-6801 ext.6801 and if I am not their you can reach me on my cell at 347-622-2529
Thank you
Natalie Mouyal
Document Mgt. Specialist