Created PDF files

[Bubblehead1]

After creating a PDF file using the scanner, I try to edit it using a readily available editor and the message comes up: "This is not a valid PDF file!" Why is this message coming up? Isn't it a PDF file?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Bubblehead1 

---

@Bubblehead1 wrote:

After creating a PDF file using the scanner, I try to edit it using a readily available editor and the message comes up: "This is not a valid PDF file!" Why is this message coming up? Isn't it a PDF file?

---

Edits -

1. Simplify and structure the answer.
2. Removed content asking member to check the PDF file format.
3. Rewrite the comments regarding OCR

Answer:

The message indicates that the PDF format is not recognised by the software you are using to open / view / edit the file.

If the software does not recognise the format:  As far as that software knows, the file is not a PDF file and / or the file is not an OCR PDF editable file format.

"Readily available editor"

If this comment means you are trying to edit the PDF file:

1.  The file format is not in a format your software recognises for editing the file.

I cannot diagnose the first possibility for you (file may not be in a recognisable format).

There are help files available from Adobe to help determine if a file is formatted in PDF. 

To my knowledge, HP Scan and other parts of the printer software do not include checks "after the fact" to make sure what it creates is, indeed and in fact, a correctly formatted PDF file.

2.  The file format may be a PDF file but (the file) may not be an editable PDF file created using with OCR software.

The printer Specifications do not indicate the printer software supports OCR - that is, the ability to create an editable PDF format.

If the printer software for HP Scan does not include OCR, purchase OCR software or use a free OCR software.

OCR Scan Software

7 Best Free OCR Software Apps to Convert Images into Text - 2019

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn how to use your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One Printer series

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

2020 Year of the Rat

[Bubblehead1]

Your answer was very confusing to me.

HP Printer Envy 5530

When using the scanner function it creates a PDF document

As a PDF editor, I use a program named CAD-KAS PDF Editor 2.3

I have used the program many times to edit PDF files.

Why does the scanner create a PDF document that can't be edited?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Bubblehead1 

Edits -

Remove comment regarding first post - first post has been edited.

PDF files are not inherently editable.  Use OCR software to create a PDF file that can be edited.  Regular scanning to PDF creates a non-editable file format.

If you used OCR,

If the file is not able to be edited,

There may be an incompatibility between the OCR PDF file and your software.  

The source of any file format conflict is not something for which I can provide an answer.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.