A method is provided for identifying, correcting, modifying and reporting imperfections and features in pixel images that prevent or hinder proper OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and other document imaging processes. One embodiment of this invention provides that run length compressed images can be analyzed and corrected directly for improved performance. Major steps included in this invention for the enhancement of images for OCR and document imaging are: The detection of undesired printed matter and the deletion of undesired printed matter. Detection of undesired printed matter includes successive generation of entries into an array listing of undesired printed matter to be deleted. Deletion of undesired printed matter follows in a separate step for all types of undesired printed matter.