Scanned documents in PDF, jpeg, gif or png formats may not appear editable, but you can change that by using Google Drive. In Google Drive, select “Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format” from the settings menu, upload the document and open it as a Google Doc.
  • Step 1. Go to http://www.drive.google.com. Log on if you are are already. Please note that you need a Google account to use this service. It is free to sign up and use 15 GB storage size.

  • Step 2. Click the gear icon. It is at the far-right of the screen, below your username initial.

  • Step 3. Click Settings.

  • Step 4. Tick the “Convert Uploads” box..

  • Step 5. Click Done.

  • Step 6. Click My Drive. My Drive is at the upper-left corner of the window below the search bar and has a drop-down arrow.

  • Step 7. Click Upload Files.

  • Step 8. Find a scanned file, click it and click Open.

  • Step 9. Find the uploaded file. You should see it in the list of files in your Drive.

    Note: If you do not see the file, make sure the button on the far-right of your drive next to the arrow says “Last Modified”. If it does not, click it and select that option.

  • Step 10. Right-click the scanned file and hover your mouse on "Open with". You should see an option for "Google Docs". Click it and your file will open as an editable Google Doc.

    Note: You can download the converted file to editable file formats, like Microsoft Word (.docx) and Plain Text (.txt) by selecting “Download” instead of “Open With Google Docs” when you right-click the file you uploaded.