Skip to OCR tool
Calculator All-in-OneRun OCR
Menu

PDF OCR

Extract text from scanned PDF pages.

Render scanned PDF pages in the browser, run OCR, and download plain text. OCR is helpful for search and copying, but it can misread letters, numbers, tables, handwriting, and low-quality scans.

Files processed in your browserPrivacy informationReport an OCR problem

What you will download

The result is an English plain-text .txt file, not a searchable PDF or a formatted Word document. To process pages after page 5, first extract them with Split PDF, then open that smaller file here. The OCR engine and language data need an internet connection to load, but your PDF is processed locally.

Choose a scanned PDF

For best results, use clear scans with upright text and good contrast. Start with fewer pages on mobile devices.

Browser OCRPlain text outputReview carefully
1Choose scanned PDF
2Select page limit
3Run OCR and review

Choose one scanned PDF to begin.

OCR safety note

Check every line

OCR output is not authoritative. Verify names, totals, dates, serial numbers, tables, and legal language against the original scan before relying on the text.

How to get cleaner OCR text

OCR quality depends on the scan. The clearer the page image, the more useful the extracted text will be.

1

Use high-contrast scans

Black text on a white background works best. Faded scans, angled photos, watermarks, stamps, and shadows can create mistakes in the extracted text.

2

Process a few pages first

OCR can be slow because it runs in the browser. Start with one or three pages to check whether the scan quality is good enough before processing more.

3

Proofread critical fields

Names, dates, totals, invoice numbers, addresses, and legal clauses should be checked against the original PDF before you copy or submit the OCR text.

When OCR is useful

Text extraction

Use OCR to create a searchable draft from scanned notes, receipts, old forms, printed letters, and simple reports. Do not treat OCR output as a certified transcript. Tables, handwriting, multi-column layouts, mathematical notation, and damaged scans often need manual correction.

FAQs

Does OCR preserve layout?

No. This tool extracts plain text and does not rebuild the original page layout.

Why is OCR limited to 5 pages?

OCR is CPU-heavy in the browser. The cap keeps the page responsive.

Can it read handwriting?

Handwriting may fail or produce inaccurate text. Review the output manually.