OCR PDF
Extract text from scanned documents
Drop PDF file here
Upload a scanned PDF to extract text
Browser Processing
Files processed locally in your browser
Auto Delete
Files automatically deleted after processing
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Works Everywhere
Any device, any browser, no installation
How to OCR a PDF
Upload PDF
Select or drag your scanned PDF into the upload area.
Select Language
Choose the document language for accurate text recognition.
Process
Click process to extract text from your document.
Download
Download your searchable PDF with extracted text.
Why Use OCR on PDFs?
Scanned documents are essentially images - you can't search, copy, or edit the text. OCR transforms these image-based PDFs into fully searchable, selectable documents.
OCR Benefits
- Full-Text Search: Find any word in your document instantly with Ctrl+F.
- Copy & Paste: Extract text for use in other documents.
- Accessibility: Screen readers can read OCR'd documents aloud.
- Archival: Create searchable archives of paper documents.
Best Results
Scan at 300 DPI or higher. Ensure documents are straight and well-lit. Select the correct language for your document. Clean, printed text produces the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCR?
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is technology that recognizes text in images and scanned documents, converting them into searchable, selectable, and editable text.
What languages are supported?
We support 50+ languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, and many more.
Will OCR work on handwritten text?
OCR works best on printed text. Handwritten text recognition has limited accuracy and may not produce reliable results for most handwriting styles.
How accurate is the OCR?
For clear, high-quality scans of printed documents, accuracy typically exceeds 95%. Lower quality scans, unusual fonts, or skewed images may reduce accuracy.
Can I copy text after OCR processing?
Yes! After OCR processing, you can select and copy text from the PDF just like a normal digital document.
Is the OCR service free?
Yes, our OCR tool is completely free with no registration or software installation required.
How do I improve OCR accuracy?
Use high-resolution scans (300 DPI or higher), ensure good lighting and contrast, straighten skewed pages, and select the correct document language.
Can I search within the OCR'd PDF?
Yes, after OCR processing, you can use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to search for any text within the document.
How long does OCR processing take?
Processing time depends on page count and complexity. A typical 10-page document processes in 30-60 seconds. Larger documents may take several minutes.
What's the difference between OCR and PDF to Word?
OCR adds a searchable text layer to your PDF while preserving the original image. PDF to Word converts the entire document to an editable Word format.