OCR PDF
Turn a scanned PDF into one you can search, select and copy. Same file, same look, now with real text. Free, no watermark.
Up to 20 MB · 5 scanned pages
to OCR up to 20 scanned pages per PDF.
Can't fetch it from here? Use the Chrome extension
The free URL to Text extension copies the page you have open, even pages behind a login or that block servers.
Something look wrong, or missing a feature? — we read every message.
How to OCR a PDF
- 1
Choose the scanned PDF
A scan from a copier, a phone scanning app or a fax. Pick its language if it isn't English.
- 2
We read every page
The words on each scanned page are recognized and placed exactly over the picture, invisibly.
- 3
Download the searchable PDF
Search it with Ctrl+F, select and copy text, or copy all the text from this page.
Why make a PDF searchable
- Find things fast: search a scanned contract, statement or manual for a name or number.
- Copy instead of retyping: select a paragraph from a scan and paste it into an email or document.
- Use it with AI: ChatGPT, Claude and other tools read searchable PDFs far better than pictures of pages.
- Accessibility: screen readers can read the text out loud.
OCR PDF FAQ
What does OCR PDF do? +
It reads the words on scanned pages and adds them to the PDF as an invisible text layer. The file looks the same, but now you can search it, select and copy the text, and it works with screen readers and AI tools.
Is it free? +
Yes, with no watermark. Without an account you can OCR 5 scanned pages per PDF; sign in free for 20.
Which languages can it read? +
English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Indonesian. Pick the document's language for the best results.
Does it change my PDF? +
Only by adding the text layer. The images, page sizes and look of the file stay exactly the same, and pages that already have text are left as they are.
Can I just get the text? +
Yes. The text appears under the download button, ready to copy or save as a .txt file.
Can it read a password-protected PDF? +
Yes, if you know the password. The searchable copy you download has no password.
Is my file kept? +
No. Your PDF is deleted as soon as the searchable copy is made. We don't keep or share it.
What's the largest PDF it takes? +
Files up to 20 MB and up to 500 pages.
Only need the text, with tables and Markdown? Use PDF to Text. Text in a photo or screenshot? Use Image to Text.
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