OCR PDF
Turn scanned PDFs into searchable, selectable text.
Runs in your browser — files never leave your device
or drop a file here
How to OCR a PDF
Add an invisible text layer to scanned PDFs so you can search, select and copy the text — without sending the document anywhere. Supports 14 languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Nepali, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
Add a scanned PDF.
Choose the document language and accuracy.
Click Run OCR and download the searchable PDF.
OCR PDF FAQ
Your browser fetches the OCR engine and language data from the jsDelivr CDN once. Your PDF itself is never sent anywhere.
No. The page images stay the same; an invisible text layer is added on top.
No. The tool runs entirely in your browser, so your files are processed on your own device and never leave it.
Yes. Every PDFCraftly tool is free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no email required.
Guides
- How to Copy Text from a Scanned PDFCan't select or copy text in a PDF? It's probably a scan. Use OCR to recognise the text, then copy it or save it all as an editable text file.
- How to Copy Nepali Text from a PDF (Preeti and Scanned Files)Nepali text from a PDF pastes as gibberish or won't copy at all? Learn why Preeti fonts and scans cause it, and get Unicode text with Nepali OCR.
- How to Make a Scanned PDF Searchable with OCRScanned PDFs are just pictures of text. Learn how OCR adds a searchable, copyable text layer, and how to get the most accurate results.
- How to Convert a PDF to Word Without Uploading ItConvert a PDF to an editable Word .docx in your browser. Keep headings, lists, fonts and images, fix tables afterwards, and handle scanned PDFs with OCR.
- How to Scan Documents to PDF with Your PhoneNo scanner? Use your phone's camera to create clean, readable PDF scans. Tips on lighting, angle and settings for results that look professional.
- How to Combine Your CV and Cover Letter into One PDFMany job portals accept only one file. Combine your CV, cover letter and certificates into a single, well-ordered PDF that looks professional.
More optimize tools
- Compress PDFNewShrink PDF file size while keeping the best quality possible.
- Compress JPGNewShrink photos and signatures to a size you choose, like 50 KB.
- Increase PDF SizeNewMake a PDF bigger in KB to meet a portal's minimum file size.
- Increase JPG SizeNewMake a photo or signature bigger in KB to meet a form's minimum size.
- Repair PDFNewTry to rebuild a damaged or corrupted PDF and save a clean copy.
- Remove AnnotationsStrip comments, highlights and markups from a PDF.