How do I type entries in a scanned form?

Usually scanners come with OCR (optical character recognition) software, but it sounds like your scanner didn't come with any. With OCR software, you'll be able to scan the document using it, or import an already scanned document, and "translate" it into a digital format, which you can then edit in MS Word or other program of your choice. You'll want to check out the exact features in each program, though, to make sure they support your needs.

I like ReadIRIS, which came with my scanner, but it's $130 retail. However, you can download a 30-day free trial here. If you need a long-term solution, you may want to check out SimpleOCR. I've never tried it, but I've head some good reviews, especially considering it's free.

Hope this helps,
John

has a a feature called form typer that allows you to fill out forms once they are scanned into the computer. I've scanned the forms I use for work, fill them out using form typer and fax them daily. So for me, the program is a real time saver. It isn't cheap but, I use it for all of my scanning needs.

I got what purported to be an OCR suite with high 90% recognition. It should have been a piece of cake to decode what I had but I got a garbled mess. I understand that for a few thousand, you can actully get pretty decent OCR decoders. I tried a few of the .pdf extractors too and got the right text with random formatting. Probably similar problems but I can't understand how they can't relate the position of the words in the target to the words in the finished scan and verify they are at least close. By the way, I was associated with OCR attempts 40 years ago that seemed to work as well for a lot more money, but progress since then seems to be snail-pace.

Thanks for your useful replies.
glb613, I tried Paperport and it worked. I was able to make entries in the form I scanned. It was a little cumbersome but it worked! Unfortunately, the form itself didn't scan very well in black and white, as required by Paperport. The form has some coloration that looked pretty bad in black and white. However, Paperport may be my solution in future forms. Thanks for the tip.
Mousearoma, the software you suggested may do the job but the cost is a problem. I haven't had much luck with OCR software and forms in the past, however.