Make a scanned PDF searchable and editable
A scanned PDF is a set of pictures, so you cannot search it or correct a word.
Or drop a PDF here. Files stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
Text recognition (OCR) reads the page and turns what it sees into real text that you can search, select and edit. Recognition runs in your browser rather than on a server.
How to make a scanned PDF searchable and editable
- Open the scanned PDF, or scan a paper document with your camera.
- Run text recognition on the page.
- Search the recognised text or click it to make corrections.
- Select Download to save the searchable PDF.
What you get
Search inside scans
Once a page has been recognised, find and replace works on it like on any other PDF.
Correct the text
Recognised text can be edited in place, which is useful for fixing a typo in a scanned letter or form.
Recognition on your device
The recognition model is downloaded to your browser once and the pages are read locally.
OCR PDF: questions and answers
What is OCR?
OCR stands for optical character recognition. It reads the text in an image, such as a scanned page, and turns it into text a computer can search and edit.
How accurate is the recognised text?
It depends on the scan. Sharp, straight, well-lit pages of printed text give the best results. Handwriting and blurry photos are recognised less reliably, so check the text.
Does OCR work offline?
The recognition model is downloaded the first time you use it, which needs a connection. After that it can run without one.
Are my scanned pages uploaded for recognition?
No. The pages are read on your device.