Make a scanned PDF searchable (OCR)
A scanned PDF is a stack of pictures: you can read it, but your computer can't. You can't search it, select a sentence or copy a number. OCR PDF fixes that by recognising the text on each page and adding an invisible text layer behind the image. The pages look exactly the same, but now search, copy and screen readers work.
The text layer is placed exactly over the words on the page, so selecting a sentence highlights it where you see it. Searchable scans are also far more accessible: screen readers can read them aloud. Large documents take a little longer, because every page is read separately.
Choose the language the document is written in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Hindi or Arabic. Pages that already contain text are left as they are.
Recognition runs on our secure server. Your file is encrypted on arrival, processed in an isolated sandbox and deleted right after download, never kept longer than 10 minutes.
Drop a PDF here
PDF · or click to choose · you can also paste · up to 300 MB · stays on your device
Adds an invisible text layer so you can search and copy. Pages that already have text are left as they are.
Your privacy
Your file is sent over an encrypted connection and processed in an isolated sandbox. Files are encrypted, deleted right after download, and never kept longer than 10 minutes. We never look at, share or keep copies of your files.
How to use OCR PDF
- 1
Add your scanned PDF
Drop the file on the page or click to choose it.
- 2
Choose the language
Pick the language the text is written in.
- 3
Run OCR and download
Save the searchable PDF.
Questions and answers
Will my pages look different?
No. The text layer is invisible; the page images stay the same.
Which languages are supported?
English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Hindi and Arabic.
Is my document safe?
Files are encrypted, deleted right after download, and never kept longer than 10 minutes. We never look at, share or keep copies of your files.
How accurate is it?
Clean, straight scans at 300 dpi give the best results. Handwriting and very low-quality photos are recognised poorly.
Can I then convert it to Word?
Yes. PDF to Word also reads scanned pages with OCR directly.