[NJTechDiv] Huge pdf file to OCR

[Mario Brusco]

Tracy, according to FS/Vispero companion:

Here’s what you need to know about using JAWS OCR on a large scanned PDF:

1. Checking Progress:
• When you use JAWS OCR on a PDF (using Insert+Space, then O, then D), 
the recognized text appears in the JAWS Results Viewer as it is processed.
• As OCR progresses, new text is added to the end of the Results Viewer. 
If you use JAWS reading commands (like the arrow keys or Insert+Down 
Arrow for "Read All"), you can navigate through the text that has 
already been recognized.
• If new text is added while you are reading, JAWS will announce the 
current line again, indicating that OCR is still running.

2. File Size Limits:
• There is no specific documented limit on the size of a PDF that JAWS 
OCR can process, but larger files will take longer.
• For very large PDFs (like your 98-page scan), it is normal for the 
process to take a significant amount of time.

3. What to Do:
• You can check the Results Viewer window (JAWSKey+Space, then O, then D 
again will not interrupt the current process, but will prompt you if OCR 
is already running).
• Use standard JAWS reading keys to see if new text is appearing in the 
Results Viewer. If text is still being added, OCR is still running.

Summary: There is no direct progress bar, but you can check the Results 
Viewer for new text. There is no strict file size limit, but very large 
or complex scans will take longer to process.



-------- Original Message --------
From: Tracy Carcione via NJTechDiv <njtechdiv at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:34 PM EDT
To: 'New Jersey Technology Division List' <njtechdiv at nfbnet.org>
Cc: carcione at access.net
Subject: [NJTechDiv] Huge pdf file to OCR

I am taking a class, and the teacher gave a very large pdf to use, about
98 pages, and it’s a scan, “empty document”.

I started OCR on it about 45 minutes ago, and I’m guessing it’s still
running.

Is there any way to check if it’s running, and how far it’s gotten?

Is there any limit on how big a file Jaws can OCR?

Thanks.

Tracy


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