or drop files here
- Make scanned PDFs searchable
- Language auto-detected — or pick it
- Upload, OCR, download — no clutter
A scanned PDF looks like a document but behaves like a photo. You cannot search it for a name, copy a paragraph out of it, or paste a clause into an email. OCR PDF reads the words on every page and adds an invisible text layer, so the pages keep their look while the text becomes searchable and selectable. It works well for scanned contracts, signed forms, old letters, receipts, and pages you photographed with your phone. Pick the main language of your document from more than 35 options, apply OCR, and download your searchable PDF. Your scan is processed on a secure connection, and temporary files are removed after processing, with any leftovers cleared within 1 hour. The result has no watermark, and the page has no ads.
How to OCR a PDF online
- 1Drop your scanned PDF into the box above, or tap Choose files to pick it from your phone or computer.
- 2Select the main language of your document in the Document languages list. Type in the search box to find it fast.
- 3Click Apply OCR. The text on every page is recognized over a secure connection in a short moment.
- 4Download your searchable PDF or share it straight from your phone, then search, select, and copy text like in any digital file.
Why people make their scans searchable with PDFTrusted
- Searchable PDF output — find any word inside the scan with your PDF reader's search
- More than 35 languages — from English and Spanish to Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, and Japanese
- Same pages, selectable text — the scan keeps its look while the words become copyable
- Made for phone scans — photographed receipts, forms, and letters work, not only flatbed scans
- Ready for AI tools — a searchable scan can go straight into Summarize PDF or Chat with PDF
- Secure and clean — temporary files are removed after processing, and nothing is stamped on your file
Questions about OCR PDF
Is OCR PDF free to use?
Yes. OCR PDF is part of your free advanced uses, which give you 3 cloud jobs a day across OCR, Office conversion, and AI tools. Free covers scans up to 50 pages and 25 MB, which is plenty for most forms, letters, and receipts. There are no ads on the page and no watermark on your searchable PDF.
Is it safe to upload scanned documents here?
Yes. Your scan travels over an encrypted connection and is used only to create your searchable PDF. Temporary files are removed after processing, and any leftovers are cleared within 1 hour. Download the result and keep your own copy on your device, so the file you rely on stays with you.
How accurate is the text recognition?
Printed text on clear scans comes out sharp and searchable. For phone photos, lay the page flat, avoid shadows, and fill the frame with the document. Choosing the language the page is written in also helps a lot, because the recognizer then knows which letters and accents to expect.
How do I make a scanned PDF searchable?
Upload the scan, choose its language, and click Apply OCR. PDFTrusted adds an invisible text layer on top of each page image. Open the downloaded file in any PDF reader and use search to jump to names, dates, or invoice numbers, or select text to copy it into an email or document.
Can I OCR a PDF on my iPhone, Android phone, or Mac?
Yes. OCR PDF runs in Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, so there is nothing to install. On a phone, pick the scan from your Files app or downloads, apply OCR, and share the searchable PDF to email or a messaging app. It works the same way on Mac, Windows, and tablets.
How many pages can I OCR at once?
Free handles scans up to 50 pages and 25 MB per file, which covers most letters, receipts, and forms. For a longer scan, split it into parts with Split PDF and run OCR on each part, then join the results with Merge PDF. The Pricing page shows what each plan includes.
What if some words are still not searchable after OCR?
Check that the selected language matches the page, then run OCR again. If pages are sideways or upside down, straighten them first with Rotate PDF. A flatter, brighter rescan also helps, since clean printed text is what OCR reads best. Most documents become fully searchable after one of these quick fixes.
Can I turn a scanned PDF into an editable Word document?
Yes. Open PDF to Word and choose OCR mode, and the scan becomes a DOCX you can edit in Word or Google Docs. If you only need to search or copy text, OCR PDF is the quicker choice. You can also run Summarize PDF on the searchable file to get its key points.
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