What does OCR PDF do?
OCR PDF is a free online tool that can make a scanned PDF searchable using Tesseract OCR. The PDF result from OCR PDF is a separate copy to inspect before you use it elsewhere. One possible use is scanned correspondence made searchable for reference.
PDF OCR renders each source page and uses Tesseract to add recognized text to a new PDF. It is planned for scans that look like text but cannot be searched or chosen.
The form lets you choose a reading language. Matching the language to the page can improve how words are interpreted.
OCR gives you a searchable reading copy, while the original scan remains the reference for what was printed. DPI means dots per inch.
This path renders at 300 DPI before reading text. Clear print gives the reader engine more useful shapes.
A correct page image can still have a wrong search layer. Check names and totals against the scan, rather than trusting a successful search alone.
For printed records given a machine-readable reading layer, choose a copy whose source content suits that purpose. Keep a local source for another trial.
Make scanned PDF text searchable online: steps
Before using OCR PDF, decide what the new copy must contain and where it will be used. Check that the scan is upright and reasonably sharp, then choose an offered language matching its text. Review the upload area and all values required by the current OCR PDF form.
Choose the source
Search a rare name and compare it with the scanned line. For OCR PDF, choose one source from your device. Keep a source copy for another attempt.
Review the form values
Language controls a value used by OCR PDF. The starting Language value is eng.
Run the file task
Use Process OCR PDF after checking the source and form values. Wait for the job to finish. An error means this attempt failed.
Save and check the output
Search for a distinctive sentence and compare recognized names, dates and amounts with the visible scan. Store the output on your device. Name this copy separately from the original.
Search scans: uses for OCR PDF
OCR PDF can help with archived reports searched for named topics. It can also be used for course readings prepared for text lookup. The PDF result from OCR PDF must suit the intended reading or editing step, so keep the source until that check is complete.
- Scanned correspondence made searchable for reference.
- Archived reports searched for named topics.
- Course readings prepared for text lookup.
- Printed records given a machine-readable reading layer.
Formats and limits for OCR PDF
The OCR PDF form accepts PDF sources. Each OCR PDF upload can be up to 300 MB, which equals 300 MiB. The allowed suffixes on the OCR PDF page do not prove that a source has valid content inside it.
| Accepted formats | Maximum file size | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 300 MB per file (300 MiB upload limit) |
Reading can misread handwriting, tables or low-quality scans. Language choice does not promise that the corresponding model is installed on the server.
How this tool works
OCR PDF uses qpdf and Poppler and Tesseract to handle the source on the server. The OCR PDF request uses your chosen input rather than any local editing project left on your device. Check the PDF contents produced by OCR PDF before treating them as ready for another app or reader.
For OCR PDF, your browser uploads the source to our file-processing server. This is a server task, not local editing.
Files are due for deletion within 1 hour. Cleanup runs during normal service operation. Keep a local download for future use.
OCR PDF questions and answers
If OCR PDF gives an unexpected result, start by checking the source type and the values used in the form. Check the PDF contents from OCR PDF as well as the filename or displayed message. For another result type, compare OCR PDF with the separate tools described in these answers.
What matters when using OCR PDF?
Check a table total before copying it into another record. View that area at its intended display size. Note any differences that affect your purpose.
Why try OCR Image to Searchable PDF?
OCR Image to Searchable PDF offers another task beside OCR PDF: convert an image to a searchable PDF using Tesseract OCR. OCR Image to Searchable PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from OCR PDF is not a listed input type for OCR Image to Searchable PDF.
Why try Extract PDF Text?
Extract PDF Text offers another task beside OCR PDF: extract all text content from a PDF. Extract PDF Text returns TXT. The stated PDF output from OCR PDF matches a listed input type for Extract PDF Text.
Why try Rotate PDF?
Rotate PDF offers another task beside OCR PDF: rotate all pages of a PDF. Rotate PDF returns PDF. The stated PDF output from OCR PDF matches a listed input type for Rotate PDF.
What if my PDF result does not open?
For a failed OCR PDF result, first confirm that the download completed and that the viewer supports PDF. Try another local viewer for that format.
Record any error message for support. Keep private source material out of the report.
How do I report a problem with OCR PDF?
Contact support with the OCR PDF page name, source format and the error you saw. Mention any relevant form settings you chose. Do not send passwords or private attachments.