OCR PDF
Make scanned PDFs searchable and editable with OCR. Recognize text in scanned documents and convert images to text-searchable PDF files.
Make Scanned PDFs Searchable
Use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert scanned PDFs and images into fully searchable, selectable text. Extract content from scanned documents.
- Convert scanned images to searchable text
- OCR recognizes 100+ languages
- Preserve original PDF layout
- Extract text for copying
- Perfect for archival documents
What is OCR?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is technology that converts images of text (from scanned documents, photographs, or screenshots) into actual, searchable, and selectable text. This allows you to search, edit, and copy content from scanned PDFs.
When to Use OCR
- Scanned Documents: Convert paper documents to digital text
- Old Archives: Make historical documents searchable
- Faxes: Extract text from faxed documents
- Forms: Digitize filled-out paper forms
- Books: Extract text from scanned books
OCR Capabilities
Supported:
- Printed and typed text
- Multiple languages
- Various fonts and sizes
Limitations:
- Handwriting recognition limited
- Poor quality scans may fail
- Very small text challenging
Best Results Tips
- Scan at 300 DPI minimum for clear text
- Ensure good lighting and contrast
- Straighten scanned pages
- Remove shadows and backgrounds
- Test with small documents first
- Review OCR output for accuracy
How to Use
- Upload Your Scanned PDF: Select the scanned PDF or image-based PDF you want to make searchable.
- Run OCR: Click Perform OCR to recognize the text in your document automatically.
- Download the Searchable PDF: Download your PDF with a selectable, searchable text layer added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OCR PDF tool free?+
100% free, no signup, no watermarks.
What languages does OCR support?+
The OCR engine recognizes text in 100+ languages.
Will OCR change how my document looks?+
No — the original page images and layout are preserved. OCR adds an invisible, searchable text layer on top.
Does OCR work on handwriting?+
OCR is optimized for printed and typed text. Handwriting recognition is limited and may not be accurate.