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 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 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 Convert a PDF to Markdown for Notes, Docs and AI ToolsTurn PDF text into clean Markdown with headings and lists for Obsidian, Notion, GitHub docs or AI chat tools. When to use Markdown vs. plain text.
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- Increase JPG SizeNewMake a photo or signature bigger in KB to meet a form's minimum size.
- Remove AnnotationsStrip comments, highlights and markups from a PDF.