Run OCR on a scanned PDF
Make scanned PDFs searchable with OCR. Extract text from images and scanned documents.
Fast answer
Use OCR PDF when the file is a scan or image-based PDF and you need searchable or extractable text from it.
What this tool is best for
- Making scanned PDFs searchable before archiving or review.
- Recovering text from photographed or scanned document pages.
- Preparing a scan for export into other formats after recognition.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs
- A scanned or image-based PDF file.
Outputs
- A PDF or text-ready result with recognized content, depending on the specific flow.
About This Tool
OCR PDF uses Optical Character Recognition to extract text from scanned documents and images within PDFs. Convert image-based PDFs into searchable, selectable text documents.
Support for multiple languages ensures accurate text recognition regardless of the document's language. The original layout is preserved while adding a searchable text layer.
All OCR processing happens in your browser, ensuring your documents remain private.
Practical guide for this tool
Use OCR PDF when the file is a scan or image-based PDF and you need searchable or extractable text from it.
What this tool does
- Recognizes text in scanned or image-based PDF pages so the content can become searchable or easier to export.
- Helps with archives, photographed forms, scanned statements, and documents where text cannot currently be selected.
- Produces results that depend on scan quality, language, handwriting, layout, and image clarity.
When to use it
- Making scanned PDFs searchable before archiving or review.
- Recovering text from photographed or scanned document pages.
- Preparing a scan for export into other formats after recognition.
Practical examples
- Make an old scan searchable: start with archive-scan.pdf and check that the output matches archive-scan-searchable.pdf.
- Recover text from a photographed form: start with phone-scan.pdf and check that the output matches recognized-text-ready result.
Privacy and file handling
- Use this tool only on documents you own or have permission to process.
- OpenToolsKit is designed around browser-side processing where applicable, but you should still inspect the downloaded result before sharing it.
- Keep the original file until the output has been opened and verified.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running OCR on a PDF that already has selectable text.
- Assuming OCR output is perfect without checking names, numbers, and tables.
- Using low-quality photographed pages when a clearer scan is available.
Troubleshooting
- If recognition is weak, try a clearer source scan, deskew the pages, or increase contrast before OCR.
- If the PDF is damaged, repair it before attempting recognition.
Responsible use
- Use OCR only on documents you are allowed to process.
- Verify recognized text before relying on it for legal, financial, medical, or regulatory work.
How to Use
Upload Scanned PDF
Drag and drop your scanned PDF or click to select.
Select Language
Choose the document language for accurate recognition.
Process and Download
Click Process to run OCR and download the searchable PDF.
Use Cases
Digitize Archives
Make scanned document archives searchable.
Document Search
Enable text search in scanned documents.
Text Extraction
Extract text from scanned documents for editing.
When to use this instead of a related tool
Pdf To Docx
Use Ocr Pdf when the job is narrower or more direct than Pdf To Docx. Switch to Pdf To Docx if your problem is actually about its broader workflow or output.
Compare with Pdf To DocxRepair Pdf
Use Ocr Pdf when the job is narrower or more direct than Repair Pdf. Switch to Repair Pdf if your problem is actually about its broader workflow or output.
Compare with Repair PdfLimitations and edge cases
- Poor scan quality, handwriting, or unusual layouts can reduce OCR accuracy.
- If the PDF already contains selectable text, OCR may be unnecessary.
Examples
Make an old scan searchable
Input
archive-scan.pdf
Output
archive-scan-searchable.pdf
Recover text from a photographed form
Input
phone-scan.pdf
Output
recognized-text-ready result
Task pathways
Where this fits in pdf workflows
Organize and manage PDF pages hub
Choose the closest task in this PDF category before switching tools.
Go to Organize and manage PDF pages hubBuild a multi-step PDF workflow
Chain adjacent PDF actions when one tool is only part of the job.
Go to Build a multi-step PDF workflowBrowse all browser PDF tools
Scan every live PDF utility and route to the right next action.
Go to Browse all browser PDF toolsFrequently Asked Questions
What languages are supported?
Over 100 languages are supported including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more.
Will the original layout be preserved?
Yes, the original visual layout is preserved with a searchable text layer added.
How accurate is the OCR?
Accuracy depends on scan quality but typically exceeds 95% for clear documents.
Can OCR make every scanned PDF perfectly searchable?
No. OCR quality depends on the source image, layout, language, and scan condition. Always verify important recognized text.
What should I check before sharing output from OCR PDF?
Open the downloaded file and verify page order, readability, visible edits, and any privacy-sensitive details before sending or filing it.
Does OCR PDF upload my document to OpenToolsKit servers?
OpenToolsKit is designed around browser-side processing where applicable. Some browser features, third-party links, or unsupported file types can have different boundaries, so review the privacy page for details.
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