OCR PDF
Make a scanned PDF searchable, selectable, and copyable by adding an invisible text layer.
Upload OR Drag Files
Supports PDF
or click here and press Ctrl+V / ⌘+V to paste a file
or press Ctrl+V / ⌘+V to paste a file
Your pages will look exactly the same.
We add an invisible text layer so you can search, select, and copy text — English recognition, no visual changes. Up to 5 files at a time.
Takes a bit longer than other tools — we're reading every page.
Processing Document
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Privacy Guaranteed
Your files are processed securely and this download link will expire automatically after a few days.
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How to Use OCR PDF
Fast, private, and 100% free with no account creation or file size restrictions.
1. Upload Files
Drag and drop your file into the secure dropzone above, or browse directly from your phone, tablet, or desktop.
2. Configure & Process
Adjust options, arrange pages, set password protection or compression quality, and click the convert button.
3. Instant Download
Save the resulting file immediately. All files are encrypted and automatically deleted from our servers within 48 hours.
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Turn a scanned PDF into a searchable, copyable document
Add an invisible text layer to a scanned PDF so you can search, select, and copy its text.
Upload Your Scanned PDF
Upload one or more scanned or image-based PDFs.
We Read Every Page
We run English text recognition on each page and add an invisible, searchable text layer on top.
Download the Searchable File
Your pages look exactly the same, but the text is now selectable, searchable, and copyable.
Built to Unlock Text Trapped in Scans
Everything you need to make a scanned document work like a normal PDF.
Private Processing
Your file is uploaded over an encrypted connection and removed from our servers shortly after processing.
Real Search and Copy
Once processed, you can Ctrl+F to search the document and select/copy text exactly like a native PDF.
No Visual Changes
The page images stay exactly as they were. We only add an invisible layer on top, so nothing about the look changes.
Unlimited Usage
No file limits and no subscriptions. Process as many scanned PDFs as you need at no cost.
Batch Processing
Upload several scanned PDFs at once. Each processed file is returned together in a single zip download.
Cross-Platform
Works in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, with no software to install.
Who Uses OCR PDF
Common reasons a scanned document needs to become searchable.
Legal and Compliance Teams
Daniel scanned a stack of signed contracts and needs to search across them for a specific clause.
Researchers and Archivists
Aisha digitized a set of old scanned reports and wants to be able to search their content later.
Office Admins
Tom needs to copy a paragraph of text out of a scanned invoice, but the file has no selectable text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this change how my PDF looks?
No. Each page image stays exactly as it was. We only add an invisible text layer on top so the content becomes searchable.
What languages are supported?
Text recognition currently runs in English only.
Why does this take longer than other PDF tools?
Making a PDF searchable requires reading every page with text recognition, which takes longer than operations like rotating or splitting.
Can I OCR multiple PDFs at once?
Yes. Upload several scanned PDFs and each processed file is returned together in a single zip download.
Does this work on a PDF that already has text?
It's built for scanned or image-based PDFs. Running it on a PDF that already has real text will still work, but it isn't necessary since the text is already searchable.
Is my file kept private?
Yes. Uploaded files are processed automatically and removed from our servers shortly after. We never share or inspect your documents.
Is OCR PDF free to use?
Yes. There is no cost, no subscription, and no account required.
Can I use this on my phone?
Yes, the tool is fully responsive and works in any modern mobile browser on iOS and Android.