Creating searchable PDF files from a Canon MFP scan

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Creating searchable PDF files from a Canon MFP scan

(MacBook Pro OS 11.6.3) I have a Canon MFP imageCLASS MF267dw that stopped producing searchable PDF scanned files 6 months after purchase. There is no precipitating event, such as a software update. I have been on the phone with Canon support three times for over 6 hours total and they still have no explanation why and no fix. Supposedly the problem has gone to the "engineers" and Canon Support are awaiting a response. There is no toggle or check box to make the PDF scan searchable on the MF Scan Utility for a Apple computers. It is there for the PC. Why? They say the OCR program is default in the printer utility for Apple computers. They have no explanation. Trust me . . . I have done every work around including (several) clean uninstalls/reinstalls of the latest version of the utility and driver software, installed the latest printer firmware update, tried 3 different Apple computers, used TimeMachine to open earlier versions of the MF Scan Utility, even an earlier clone of my MacBook Pro when the scanner produced searchable PDF files. Unfortunately any scan under any condition from the imageClass yields a non-searchable PDF file. I attempted 5 third-party applications, including Adobe Acrobat who created the PDF format, and none were able to search the files. I downloaded the Canon mobile print/scan app for this imageClass - same results. I'm essentially hearing they don't know why the scanner stopped producing searching file, how to fix it and they advised me to buy a third-party scanning utilitiy. Adobe Acrobat offers one for $15 a month. I shouldn't have to - it's an advertised feature of this printer and described in the user manual. I finally asked them to replace the printer - they refused. They suggested (as they always do when the don't know the solution) it's an Apple software problem. It is not. I need this feature for my business and I'm loosing business while they're figuring it out. If anyone has a clue as to what's going on or how to fix it, I'd be thrilled.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Feb 15, 2022 6:45 AM

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Answer 1

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VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 15, 2022 8:21 AM in response to Rod Miller

Rather than fool endlessly with Canon Support, Vue Scan Professional (free trial) supports the scanner on this MFP without any Canon software or drivers. It has a feature that creates searchable PDF OCR text PDF files¹. This permits the Find feature in any PDF viewer to locate text in the PDF.

¹ From the VueScan Professional manual on their Support site:

That excerpt comes from a previous PDF VueScan manual, which is now online only at the above support site.

I purchased VueScan Professional in 2010 for a flatbed scanner that Canon had already ceased support. I still use that same scanner today with macOS Monterey 12.2.1 with the current release of VueScan and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Since 2010, I have never paid for a VueScan Professional update, nor do I receive any benefit from the vendor for mentioning their product here.

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 16, 2022 2:57 PM in response to Rod Miller

On the VueScan site, just click the Try VueScan for Free button. This just downloaded VueScan64-9.7.78.dmg. When you open that installer, drag the VueScan app onto the indicated application folder. When VueScan launches, set the Input Options to Professional.

On my M1 mini running macOS 11.6.4, I just scanned a text document, setting the Output panel as shown below, and this resulted in a searchable PDF as a result. That OCR text means that Spotlight can find the individual words in that PDF too, as I just tested this too.

This Universal2 application contains both X86-64 and Arm64 binaries that are run based on the Mac's hardware architecture. I did not need to choose any of the options (e.g. open in Rosetta) on the Get Info panel when running it on my M1 Mac.

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Answer 3

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 17, 2022 10:37 AM in response to Rod Miller

Hey V . . . VueScan responded:

You can solve this by disabling TLS or HTTPS in the scanner.

The Menu path is as follows:

Network Settings ->

TCP/IP Settings -->

Network Link Scan Settings -->

Use TLS --> No

PERFECT! Works like a charm . . . I hoped that Canon MF Scan Utility would behave now. Wrong! No change. VueScan is offering a 15% discount on their software . . . so your initial suggestion is good! If I ever get a fix from Canon, I'll repost and see if you're still around just in case you'd like to know the solution. I haven't given up so if you learn or discover any other possibilities, I'll all ears! Thank you for your guidance and help.!

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Answer 4

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 16, 2022 6:17 AM in response to Rod Miller

Lazy of Canon to bury that information in the Catalina driver update information, and show no drivers available for Big Sur.

And you are going through the process of resetting the print system because simply installing the drivers does not make them recognized by the device. Apologies if the following is redundant:

Install the current Canon drivers for your device
Visit System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
1. Right, or control-click the ImageCLASS MF267dw icon in the Printers listing
2. Choose Reset printing system… from the secondary menu
3. This will remove the printer from the Printers list and should pop a dialog allowing you to re-add the device by selecting the newly installed Canon drivers.
Click on the newly re-added device, and then see if there are further configuration options present on the Printers & Scanner's panel, or under Options.
Test print, and then see if Apple's Image Capture (or Canon's compatible scanning application) can detect and drive the scanner.

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Answer 5

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 16, 2022 11:59 AM in response to Rod Miller

VueScan Professional can be downloaded as a free trial. That is time efficient.

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Answer 6

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 17, 2022 11:01 AM in response to Rod Miller

You are welcome.

Eureka. VueScan works as advertised. Good on them for the TLS info.

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Answer 7

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 17, 2022 7:54 AM in response to Rod Miller

Power your printer off, shut down the Mac, power on the printer, and then power on the Mac. Any change with VueScan?

Were you scanning color media on input, or should that be grayscale to match the output panel selection for 16-bit gray?

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Answer 8

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 15, 2022 3:34 PM in response to Rod Miller

You have already paid for VueScan when measured against the cost of your time in dealing with Canon.

Just so you know, I went to the Canon site and looked up the ImageCLASS MF267dw. Canon shows no drivers or software available for macOS 11.*. For Catalina, the last driver updates were in Jan 2022, so they may help if you haven't installed them already.

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Answer 9

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,338 points

Feb 17, 2022 8:59 AM in response to Rod Miller

I am using a Canon flatbed scanner that is older than 2010, and it works just fine with the current VueScan. Any response from VueScan support yet?

EST

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Answer 10

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 15, 2022 11:11 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks VikingOSX . . . this was one of several third-party applications Canon suggested I purchase to work around the problem. Adobe Acrobat has one for a $15/mth subscription. If I have to, I will buy my way out of this dilemma just out of frustration but I shouldn't have to. I already paid for the printer and application. It has worked perfectly until a month ago when for no identifiable reason, it just stopped making searching PDF documents. I am trying to find a friend with a PC to come and give it a try and see if we can jump-start it to work again. So far my iMac and 2 MacBook Pros can't make it work. I don't buy this is an Apple problem. I'm not sure it's a MF Scan Utility software problem either since I can use earlier versions when OCR worked but the result is the same. I think it's the software IN the printer that isn't working, but no one else believes that. They won't replace a printer that works . . . well, it doesn't work. Any other ideas? Rod

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Answer 11

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 15, 2022 5:10 PM in response to VikingOSX

You're right about wasted time . . . but there's a principle somewhere in all this, and an issue accountability. I know, my case number has probably been put in the "crazy man" box to ignore! Sad, but likely. When I asked Canon support about their drivers and software, as you noted, they pointed this out in the Driver/Software Details for the macOS Catalina v10.15 download:

They said the software supports OS 10.11.6 - to macOS 12.1.

On 1/14 I spent 3 hours on the phone with Canon uninstalling, downloading and reinstalling the latest software. So I'm willing to try it again . . . am I the only Mac user with this printer having this problem? I doubt it . . . I think this printer is broken. Thanks again for taking the time to try to help me with this.

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Answer 12

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 16, 2022 11:36 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks again for taking the time to help. I did all of these install instructions under the "supervision" of a Canon "expert," several times. But I did them again precisely as you prescribed. The printer is recognized, prints and scans with the Canon utility but it still will not produce a searchable pdf document. I tried the Apple Image Capture application. It recognized the printer and executed a scan. Same result, no searchable pdf document. A puzzler and dilemma. Care to chase this rabbit further down the hole? I really do appreciate you trying to help. I feel pretty helpless. There has to be a fix or the printer needs to be replaced - not likely. Again, thank you! Rod

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Answer 13

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 16, 2022 12:34 PM in response to Rod Miller

More frustration. I downloaded the free version of VueScan, installed, rebooted. Opened the app. It identifies the printer. I set preferences and hit scan . . . no response. Went to the support page and followed instructions, reset options, etc. Tried the flatbed and tried document feeder. Nada . . . I'm not an expert but I'd say an advanced computer user (been using one for 35 years) so I think I did it right . . . but the app does nothing. Hmmm . . .

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Answer 14

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 16, 2022 12:56 PM in response to Rod Miller

I suspected the default download is for Monterey that was released yesterday but it's universal - VueScan 9.7.78. February 15, 2022. macOS 10.15-12.0 Universal - so it should work on my MBP OS11.6.3 but doesn't.

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Answer 15

Rod Miller Author

Level 1

60 points

Feb 17, 2022 7:41 AM in response to VikingOSX

I followed all the steps you mentioned for he download and installation of the version released 2/15/2022. I set the option to Professional and did the settings you suggested. You'll note at the bottom of each screen shot the Canon MF260 is identified so it is able to connect through the network.

Still no response from the printer. I submitted the problem through the VueScan portal and will see what they say. Hmmmm. . . (again). Any more ideas? I'm still chasing this rabbit now with VueScan. I think the printer is broken!

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Creating searchable PDF files from a Canon MFP scan

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