When a document is processed with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software, it is divided into several fields, called zones, before the conversion. Zones are specific areas of the page which are identified as text, graphics, or empty space.

The parts of the page that are not identifies as zones are ignored during the conversion process.

This tutorial will help you work with zones more efficiently using one of the top OCR software OmniPage (for more detailed information about different OCR applications, please visit http://www.ocrworld.com/software/5-in-depth/149-top-ocr-software.html).

Zones can be either detected automatically, or manually created by the user in the Image View. In order for the options to appear, the Image View needs to be active.

Specifying Zone Types
•    Click Draw/Select Zones.
•    Select the desired zone.
•    Select your preferred zone type.

Tool Palette
•    Draw/Select Zones - Select zones and draw rectangular zones.
•    Polygon - Draw irregularly shaped zones.
•    Modify Zones – This option allows you to add or subtract rectangular areas from zones, as well as to join and split zones.
•    Reorder Zones – You can reorder zones in order to modify the text order on the page.
•    Apply Template – You may apply a custom zone template.
•    Erase Image – This is very useful if you would like to erase smudges or stains.
•    Insert Row Dividers – This is used to insert row dividers in tables. A single cell cannot be split using this tool. You will need to export the table to a spreadsheet program.
•    Remove Row or Column Dividers.
•    Move Row or Column Dividers.
•    Remove/Replace All – This will remove any row and column dividers from a table.

Zone Info Palette
•    Automatic – Automatically detects zones and zone types in the specified area.
•    Single-column text - Text will not be broken into separate columns.
•    Multiple-column text – For text areas with multiple columns.
•    Table – This is used for text arranged in rows and columns.
•    Graphics – For signatures, photos, and drawings.
•    Reverse text – You can use this option for white text on a dark background – it will be recognized as normal text.
•    Ignore  – Omit image areas during auto-zoning.
•    Zone Contents – For numeric zone contents for text zones.
•    Zone Style – Apply zone styles to individual zones.
•    Style Set for Page – Set the style set for the current page