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Scanning a family tree

Scanning a family tree

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_Rickk_
Member
79
03-22-2025, 08:25 AM
#1
I have a family history document from the 1920s and I am interested in converting it into a digital format. I need an app that can scan the paper, rebuild the tree layout digitally, and allow me to edit the names in text form. I’ve looked at popular family tree applications, but none offer this feature. There are many more available, but it’s quite time-consuming to contact publishers for assistance. Do you have any recommendations or ideas?
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_Rickk_
03-22-2025, 08:25 AM #1

I have a family history document from the 1920s and I am interested in converting it into a digital format. I need an app that can scan the paper, rebuild the tree layout digitally, and allow me to edit the names in text form. I’ve looked at popular family tree applications, but none offer this feature. There are many more available, but it’s quite time-consuming to contact publishers for assistance. Do you have any recommendations or ideas?

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Assou23
Member
121
04-08-2025, 04:52 PM
#2
I’m searching for an application that can read the document, rebuild its tree structure digitally, and allow you to edit names in editable text. Any recommendations? You could try pdfFiller; it lets you scan, edit, fill, sign, fax, and save PDFs online with high quality and ease. It works on PC, tablet, or mobile devices—perfect for saving time and money!
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Assou23
04-08-2025, 04:52 PM #2

I’m searching for an application that can read the document, rebuild its tree structure digitally, and allow you to edit names in editable text. Any recommendations? You could try pdfFiller; it lets you scan, edit, fill, sign, fax, and save PDFs online with high quality and ease. It works on PC, tablet, or mobile devices—perfect for saving time and money!

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schillie9
Junior Member
12
04-09-2025, 12:08 AM
#3
The family tree was created in the 1920s, correct? Are you holding a physical copy on paper? Do you have a scanner available to convert documents into digital files for your PC? Should the scanner already include software that transforms analog forms into digital versions? Or is there something missing? Once it's an image on your computer, you can easily edit or update names using an image editor.
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schillie9
04-09-2025, 12:08 AM #3

The family tree was created in the 1920s, correct? Are you holding a physical copy on paper? Do you have a scanner available to convert documents into digital files for your PC? Should the scanner already include software that transforms analog forms into digital versions? Or is there something missing? Once it's an image on your computer, you can easily edit or update names using an image editor.

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pehrique
Junior Member
13
04-13-2025, 05:15 PM
#4
The paper measures approximately 20" by 30". Yes, I might be able to set up a tripod near my phone to capture images of the tree. Standard OCR tools usually only recognize words and names, not the lines or connections between elements.
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pehrique
04-13-2025, 05:15 PM #4

The paper measures approximately 20" by 30". Yes, I might be able to set up a tripod near my phone to capture images of the tree. Standard OCR tools usually only recognize words and names, not the lines or connections between elements.

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LightAngels
Member
63
04-17-2025, 05:51 AM
#5
There are wand scanners available that allow manual movement across paper and data capture. For example, the Iriscan Book 5 wifi review is available online. Would this meet your needs?
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LightAngels
04-17-2025, 05:51 AM #5

There are wand scanners available that allow manual movement across paper and data capture. For example, the Iriscan Book 5 wifi review is available online. Would this meet your needs?

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Evolution88
Member
216
04-23-2025, 11:54 AM
#6
Here’s a revised version of your message:

Thanks! That’s a helpful suggestion, but it will generate an image of the tree. I’m searching for an OCR application that can convert that photo into a structured family tree that allows editing, linking nodes, and adding more details. It seems there isn’t one available... This forum response is a good solution, meaning I’ll need to start scanning and working.
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Evolution88
04-23-2025, 11:54 AM #6

Here’s a revised version of your message:

Thanks! That’s a helpful suggestion, but it will generate an image of the tree. I’m searching for an OCR application that can convert that photo into a structured family tree that allows editing, linking nodes, and adding more details. It seems there isn’t one available... This forum response is a good solution, meaning I’ll need to start scanning and working.

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taco2006
Member
203
04-23-2025, 06:45 PM
#7
A suitable image editing tool could accomplish this. For instance, GIMP works well. However, it requires significant effort—building layers, isolating components (making each an individual element)—before you can edit text and add nodes, etc.
Similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4ufehbJw8U
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taco2006
04-23-2025, 06:45 PM #7

A suitable image editing tool could accomplish this. For instance, GIMP works well. However, it requires significant effort—building layers, isolating components (making each an individual element)—before you can edit text and add nodes, etc.
Similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4ufehbJw8U