PDF5 min read
How to turn a scanned PDF into editable, searchable text
A scan is just pictures of pages. OCR reads those pictures and gives you text you can search, copy and edit — privately, in your browser.
Quick answer
Open Searchable PDF to keep the pages looking the same while adding selectable text, or OCR PDF to get the text itself. For one picture, use Image to Text.
How to tell if your PDF is a scan
Try to select a word. If you can only drag a box over a whole page, it is a picture. Search (Ctrl or ⌘ + F) also finds nothing.
Which tool to use
- Searchable PDF: same look, plus an invisible text layer so you can search and copy.
- OCR PDF: extracts the text so you can edit or reuse it.
- Image to Text: a single photo or screenshot.
- Then PDF to Word if you want a Word document.
Getting accurate results
- Scan straight, at 200 to 300 DPI.
- Good light and no shadows for phone photos.
- Black text on a plain background reads best.
- Proofread numbers, names and dates. OCR can confuse similar characters.
Frequently asked questions
Does it support languages other than English?
Currently English only.