Make a scanned PDF searchable
To make a scanned PDF searchable, add the file and start. The words on each page are read in your browser and added as hidden text, so the document stays on your device and English text works best.
Each finished file counts as one task. Your count starts again every day. A free account raises the limit to 10 a day.
or drop files here. PDF, JPG, PNG or WebP. Up to 50 MB each.
How to make a scanned PDF searchable in 3 steps
- 1
Add your scan
Drop a scanned PDF onto the tool, or choose it from your device. You can also add photos of pages (JPG or PNG) instead.
- 2
Start reading
The tool reads one page at a time and shows its progress. You can cancel at any point.
- 3
Download your searchable PDF
Save the new PDF. The pages look the same, and the text can now be searched and selected. You can also save the text as a .txt file.
Why use PDFinish for OCR PDF
Your files stay on your device
Your pages are read by a text reader that runs inside this browser tab, using files served from our own site. The PDF is not uploaded and nothing is sent to another company.
The page keeps its look
We do not redraw your pages. The scan stays exactly as it was, with an invisible text layer placed over each word.
Plain about what it can do
Accuracy depends on the scan. Sharp, straight, printed pages read best, and we say so before you start.
No sign-up to begin
Your first 2 tasks each day need no account. Add an email later if you want 10 a day.
Honest pricing
Free to start. Pro starts at $2.99 a month and cancels in one click. We show your usage from the first page load and check limits before a task begins, never after.
Common questions
How can I tell if my PDF is a scan?
Try selecting a word with your mouse. If you cannot highlight individual words, the page is a picture, and OCR is what you need. Pages that already have selectable text are left as they are.
Which languages does it read?
English for now. Text in other languages or alphabets will not be read well. When more languages are added, a language choice will appear on this page.
How accurate is it?
It depends on the scan. Straight, sharp, well-lit pages of printed text come out best. Handwriting, very small print, faded copies and photos taken at an angle can be misread, so check names, dates and amounts that matter. The page image itself is never changed.
Can I use photos of pages instead of a PDF?
Yes. Add JPG or PNG pictures and they become the pages of a new searchable PDF, in the order you see them. Use one PDF or some pictures at a time, not both together.
Why does it take a few seconds for each page?
The reading happens on your own device, not on a fast server, so a long document takes a while. Keep the tab open until it finishes. You can press Cancel and your original file is untouched.
Is my file uploaded when I use OCR PDF?
No. The text is read inside your browser tab. The file is not sent to our servers.
Is OCR PDF free, and are there limits?
You can use it free. Without an account you get 2 tasks a day, and a free account (just an email address) raises that to 10. Free files can be up to 50 MB. Pro removes the daily limit and allows files up to 500 MB. We check the limits before a task starts, so a finished file is never held back.