Scanning with IRIS/OCR

[CoastalWorld]

When I had my HP J6480, it came with an HP Solution Center app, that provided the means to scan documents via OCR as text. With it's demise, I have now purchased an HP 8720 All in one, which I assume also came with the OCR software, however I am unable to find any means of scanning with it. I have tried scanning with the HP Smart app, but it does not contain an OCR option. Can anyone advise if this is possible with my HP 8720?

[Dragon-Fur]

@CoastalWorld

The OCR software is in the Full Feature Software installation package.

When I extracted the package contents, OCR is listed under "Optional".

When I start the installation it appears that the I.R.I.S. OCR software is indeed part of the normal installation.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Drivers

The User Guide (Page 47) suggests that if the option is not available in the Printer Assistant > Scan > Scan Document or Photo as Save as Editable Text (OCR) then you should (re)install the Full Feature Software, select Customize Software Selections and select (check the option) to install the OCR software.

Examples

Example 1

Printer Assistant shortcut on the Desktop named for your printer >

Print, Scan & Fax > Scan a Document or Photo >

Select "Save as Editable Text (OCR)

Example 2

HP Scan Extended 

Place document on glass / in ADF > open program > Select "Save as Editable Text (OCR)

NOTE:  The Printer Assistant software for your newer device may actually look more like the HPSE software presentation.

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[CoastalWorld]

When I couldn't find the option to scan as text under any of the apps provided by the installation, I have now checked what was installed and found that the OCR/IRIS program was installed. My problem now was getting access to this option, on one of the HP applications, either HP Smart or Assistant, which was not there.

As a last resort, I double clicked the Printer Icon, and then the scan, and finally there was the option to scan as text. My question now, is why it is apparently "hidden" under the printer icon, but not included in the HP Smart or HP Assistant apps that installed with the printer??

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@CoastalWorld

I am glad you found the feature.

The printer icon on your desktop named for your printer is the Printer Assistant.

Years back, the name for this software (icon on the Desktop named for the printer) was "Solution Center".

 HP Printers - HP Printer Assistant Software Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I don't use the HP Smart software for printing from PC.  

I can offer the following information:

HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

The document appears to imply that "scan to text" may not be included in HP Smart, though it does appear the App supports "scan to email", and / or scan a document or photo.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

[CoastalWorld]

Dragon-Fur,

Thanks you cleared up a lot. Throught the Assistant was another separate app, but glad to know it is the printer icon. Also, having used the Solution Center with my J6480, glad also to see the Assistant is the alternate to the Solution Center which had all of the options and settings needed. 

Thanks again,