OCR PDF
Upload a scanned or image-based PDF below, pick a language, and click Make PDF Searchable. The tool runs OCR on every page and adds an invisible text layer over the scan, so you can select, copy and search the text (Ctrl+F) in any PDF reader — while the original page image stays exactly as it was. Everything happens locally in your browser — your file never leaves your device.
Read the guide: How to OCR a PDFOCR PDF
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How the OCR PDF works
- Your PDF is read into the browser and each page is rendered to an image by pdf.js.
- Each page image is passed to Tesseract.js, an OCR engine that runs locally in your browser via WebAssembly.
- Recognised text is positioned over each page as an invisible text layer, aligned with the words on the scan.
- The result is a searchable PDF — the original page image stays visible, and you can select, copy and search the text (Ctrl+F) in any PDF reader.
See also: PDF to Word Converter, Compress PDF, Merge PDF and Split PDF.
Useful tips
- Use the highest level for small or fine print — more resolution means better recognition.
- Pick a language that matches the document for the best accuracy.
- Scanned PDFs with clear, printed text and good contrast give the best results.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF sent to a server?+
No. The entire OCR process runs in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server, so it is safe to OCR sensitive documents like contracts, invoices or personal records.
What does a searchable PDF do?+
It keeps the original scanned page as the visual background and adds an invisible text layer on top, aligned with the words on the page. You can select text with your mouse, copy it, and use Ctrl+F to find any word — the document looks the same as the scan.
Does OCR change my original PDF?+
No. The tool creates a new searchable PDF — your original file is never modified. You keep both: the original scan and the new searchable version.
Can OCR recognise handwritten text?+
OCR is designed for printed text. Handwriting varies too much between people for reliable recognition, so the tool does not claim to read handwritten content. For best results, use clear, printed documents with good contrast.
What languages are supported?+
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch. More languages can be added over time — the selector is built to grow.
Are uploaded files secure?+
Yes. The entire process runs locally in your browser — your PDF is never uploaded to a server. Nothing leaves your device, so it is safe to process sensitive documents.
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