A Searchable PDF is actually a PDF image file. The data is not static (like a photocopied sheet is) as the document has the ability to contain several layers of information i.e. image layer and text layer.
However a PDF created by a scanner on your multifunction device is like a photocopy on your screen. It’s not editable or searchable as it’s much like a photocopied piece of paper. You cannot search for a word or a phrase, even if you use a PC. If a PDF was created by typing a Word document and then turned into a PDF with a converter you can effectively press the “search” icon and find a word or the phrase you require. In other words these converted PDF’s usually have layers so the data is searchable.
If you decide to add the Searchable PDF option when deciding on what options to procure for your Olivetti network printer and multifunction device, this allows for a scanned PDF to become searchable! This option is actually a module built into the FIRMWARE of the copier – in other words, it will be in the menu / software built into the Olivetti device itself.
A great feature, when a PDF is searchable, is that you can search using your OS explorer for a phrase and all the documents relating to that phrase will list. This applies to PDF just as it would to Word or Excel. Therefore it gives you the ability to search for files and not solely search for data in a file that is already open.
Searchable PDF is a popular request by government departments and companies where most of their paperwork is scanned, especially on units like the Olivetti MF552.
Post By: Justine Wittels – Olivetti Imports SA
