Best practices
- Run OCR first on scanned or image-based files when the next step depends on searchable or editable text.
- Use OCR for image-based PDFs before extraction workflows.
- Validate extracted output on representative sample pages.
OCR PDF
Turn scanned PDFs into searchable text with OCR. Choose language, keep layout, and download a new searchable PDF with auto-delete.
When and how to use OCR PDF
OCR PDF is designed for pulling usable text, images, metadata, or scan content out of PDFs for review and reuse.
The key controls on this page are Languages, Output, Deskew. Check them before you process final files.
If this run affects client delivery, approval, or archive quality, validate the output once before you share it. The related how-to and use-case pages below cover the most common real-world edge cases.
Common issues
- Skipping OCR or using weak source scans often leaves you with incomplete text or unusable extraction output.
- Column order issues in dense table extraction scenarios.
- Language mismatch during OCR reduces recognition quality.
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Privacy
- Auto-delete timer after each job
- Manual Delete now control on status page
- No file retention after expiration
Current access
- Unlimited file, page, and range usage
- No plan-based gating
- All current features enabled
Platform status
- Future paid settings are preserved in code
- Paid-access flows are currently disabled
- Single public experience for every user
How it works
- 1. Upload your source file(s) for OCR PDF.
- 2. Adjust settings based on your output goal.
- 3. Start processing and track live progress.
- 4. Download the result and delete files immediately if needed.
Need more detail? Read the full guide.
FAQ
How do I make a scanned PDF searchable?
Use OCR PDF, choose the correct language, and process to generate a searchable text layer over the scanned document.
What's the difference between OCR and text extraction?
Text extraction reads existing digital text. OCR recognizes text from scanned images or image-based PDF pages.
Which OCR language should I choose?
Choose the language that best matches the document text for higher recognition accuracy, then run OCR.
Does OCR keep the original layout?
OCR keeps page layout while adding a searchable text layer, but recognition accuracy depends on scan quality and language settings.
How can I OCR a scanned PDF while keeping the original layout and making text searchable?
Run OCR with the correct language so an invisible text layer is added while preserving the original page layout.
How can I ocr pdf online for long reports and research documents?
To use ocr pdf online, upload your file, select OCR language and output mode, then process and download the result.
Can I ocr pdf for scanned PDFs after OCR?
OCR PDF follows a clear workflow: upload input, configure settings, process, and download output.
What is the fastest workflow to ocr pdf while keeping accuracy?
OCR PDF follows a clear workflow: upload input, configure settings, process, and download output.