Make PDF Searchable Online (OCR)
Convert scanned PDFs into searchable PDFs while keeping the original page appearance.
Drop your file here or click to choose
Convert nowPDF only — up to 50 MB per file. One OCR credit is used per PDF page.
Browser-only tools keep files on your device. Server-processed uploads are automatically deleted within 60 minutes.
Free conversions available — no sign-up required.
OCR language
Choose the main language or a mixed-language pair printed in the PDF. OCR is optimized for clear printed text; handwriting may be inaccurate.
Turn an image-only or scanned PDF into a searchable PDF without changing how the pages look. OCR recognizes clear printed words and adds an invisible text layer, so you can search, select and copy text while keeping the original scan intact. It is optimized for printed documents; handwriting, signatures and stamps may need manual review.
How it works
- Upload your scanned or image-only PDF.
- Choose the printed language, or a mixed-language option when the PDF combines languages, then start OCR.
- Download the searchable PDF and use Ctrl+F or your PDF reader's search tool to find text.
Why use this tool
- Keeps the original scanned page image and visual layout.
- Adds an invisible OCR text layer for search, selection and copy-and-paste.
- Works with multi-page scans, contracts, invoices, receipts and archived documents.
- Supports common single-language and mixed-language documents, including English combined with German, French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese.
- Best results come from a straight, high-contrast scan at about 300 DPI; handwriting, signatures and stamps are less reliable.
- Pages that already contain selectable text can be skipped to save processing time.
- Files are automatically deleted within 60 minutes after processing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a searchable PDF?
A searchable PDF keeps the original page image but includes an invisible text layer created by OCR. You can search for words, select text and copy it without changing the visible scan.
Is this the same as converting a scanned PDF to Word?
No. This tool preserves the original PDF appearance and adds searchable text. Use Scanned PDF to Word when you need an editable .docx document.
Can I make an image-only PDF searchable online?
Yes. Upload the image-only PDF, choose its main language and download a searchable PDF after OCR finishes.
Which OCR languages are supported?
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese and Japanese are available. Mixed-language options include English paired with German, French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese, Simplified Chinese + English, and Simplified + Traditional Chinese. Choose a mixed option when both languages appear on the same page.
Does this OCR recognize handwriting?
The OCR engine is optimized for clear printed text. Handwriting, signatures, stamps and faint annotations can be misread, so review important names, dates and numbers after processing.
How can I improve OCR accuracy?
Use a straight scan at about 300 DPI with good contrast and even lighting. Crop out large borders or shadows, choose the correct printed language, and use a mixed-language option when needed.
Will the original layout change?
The scanned page remains the visible background. OCR text is placed as a hidden layer, so the page should look the same while becoming searchable.
How are OCR credits charged?
One OCR credit is used for each page in the uploaded PDF. OCRmyPDF can skip pages that already contain selectable text, but the request is still charged by page. Cached OCR results also count as OCR usage under the current credit policy.