OCR a Scanned PDF Online
Upload a scanned PDF, run local OCR, then search within your session or export a copy with a searchable text layer.
Drag and drop a PDF file here
or
Files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our servers.
Files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our servers.
How ocr pdf works
- Choose a PDF file using the uploader above, or drag it in.
- Use the thumbnail rail and contextual panel to set up OCR PDF.
- Review the result in the page preview before exporting.
- Export — PageFlow builds a new file locally and downloads it to your device.
What this tool changes
- Adds a hidden, searchable text layer behind the existing scanned page images (when exporting a searchable copy).
What it preserves
- The visible page images are unchanged.
Good to know
- OCR accuracy is reduced for low-resolution scans, handwriting, rotated pages, mixed languages, complex tables, and decorative fonts.
- Initial language support is English; additional languages are added only once verified reliable.
- OCR runs entirely on your device, so processing time depends on your hardware.
Frequently asked questions
- Is OCR perfectly accurate?
- No OCR engine is perfect. Recognition quality depends heavily on scan resolution, font, and layout. Always review recognized text for anything important.
- Where does OCR processing happen?
- Locally, in a background worker in your browser. Page images are never uploaded.