I need to scan editable text (OCR)

[ginaferrari]

I need to scan editable text (OCR) but the process to install this feature is too **bleep** complicated and I cannot get it to work. This was a included standard feature before you abandoned the old software and went to HP Smart App. I would call it the HP Pretty Dumb app.

I tried reinstalling the previous HP software and it worked...once. Now that app goes to a page that does not offer the OCR option. This is very useful tool that I believe many users miss in HP Smart app.

I need to RE-ADD this feature and need help doing so.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ginaferrari 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying that out so clearly—and I’m genuinely sorry you’ve had to wrestle with this. I completely understand how frustrating that is when editable text was once a seamless part of your workflow.

Let’s walk through how to restore OCR functionality on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 using Windows 11.

 

How to Re-Enable OCR Scanning on HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 (Windows 11)

1. Install HP Full Feature Software (Pre-June 2022 Version)

HP Scan with OCR support is only included in the full software package—not in HP Smart.

• Go to HP’s OCR Scan Support Guide.
  https://support.hp.com/sg-en/document/ish_6106412-6106481-16
   
• Download the Full Feature Software and Drivers for your printer from HP’s Driver Page.
• During installation, ensure HP Scan is selected as part of the install options.

Note: If your driver package was downloaded after June 2022, you’ll need to install HP Universal Scan separately to enable OCR.

 

2. Install HP Universal Scan (If Required)

• On the same driver page, look for HP Universal Scan in the software list.
• If available, download and install it.
• This adds the “Save as Editable Text (OCR)” option back into HP Scan.

If Universal Scan is not listed, your printer may not support it officially under Windows 11. In that case, proceed to the next workaround.

 

3. Use Legacy Readiris OCR Software

HP previously bundled Readiris OCR with select printers. You can still manually install it:

• Download Readiris 14 Pro for HP.
• Install the software and launch it independently to scan documents and convert them to editable formats like .doc, .rtf, or .txt.

You’ve already done the hard part by trying to reinstall and troubleshoot. With these steps, you should be able to restore the functionality you relied on. If you run into any snags during installation or setup, I’ll be right here to walk through it with you. Let’s get your workflow back to full strength.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye