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PDF OCR — Text extraction

Detect and extract text from scanned or image-based PDFs (OCR). Copy the result or use it for search and editing.

Tool interface

Free upload limit: 50MB

Result

Run the tool to see output...

About PDF OCR — Text extraction

PDF OCR — Text extraction uses optical character recognition to detect and pull text out of scanned or image-based PDFs—pages that are really pictures of paper—so you can copy, search, or quote the content. Legal discovery, research, and accessibility workflows lean on OCR when originals came from fax or camera scans. Specify an OCR language (such as eng) so the engine uses the correct alphabet and models.

Garbage in, garbage out: 300 DPI grayscale scans usually beat shaky phone photos. Tables, columns, and faint thermal receipts stress every OCR stack, so spot-check numbers and headings in the result panel. This tool returns plain text you can copy; it does not always produce a new searchable PDF file—use your PDF workflow’s “searchable PDF” export if you need that exact format.

Large uploads must stay under the site limit; Split PDF helps with long books. After extraction, Translate PDF can move text to another language when your deployment supports it.

Do not OCR material you may not copy or redistribute. Sensitive personal records should stay on offline tools when regulations require. OCR is not redaction—use Redact PDF when you must remove content, not just hide it in a viewer.

Supported formats

This tool accepts PDF. Always respect the upload limit shown next to the form before sending large documents.

How to use

  1. Upload your file in the file field.
  2. Complete the extra fields (password, page ranges, quality, and similar).
  3. Click Run tool.
  4. Download or read the output below.

If processing fails, check the upload size limit on the form, try fewer or smaller files, or retry in a fresh tab.

Security & privacy

Files and text you send are processed to produce your result and are not intended for long-term storage on your behalf. Avoid uploading passports, bank details, medical records, or legally sensitive material unless you accept the risks of any online service. For confidential workflows, prefer offline software on a device you control. Read our privacy policy for site-wide practices.

Related tools

More utilities in the same category—open another tool in one click.

Image to PDF

Convert JPG or PNG images into one PDF (multiple images supported; up to 20 files).

JPG to PDF

Convert JPG images to PDF in seconds. Easily adjust orientation and margins in your viewer before export.

Merge PDF

Combine PDFs in the order you want with the easiest PDF merger available.

Split PDF

Separate one page or a whole set for easy conversion into independent PDF files.

Compress PDF

Reduce file size while optimizing for maximal PDF quality.

PDF to Word

Convert PDF files into editable DOC and DOCX documents (requires a document engine such as LibreOffice — not bundled here).

Frequently asked questions

Answers for PDF OCR — Text extraction—expand a question to read more.

What does PDF OCR — Text extraction do?

PDF OCR — Text extraction lets you: Detect and extract text from scanned or image-based PDFs (OCR). Copy the result or use it for search and editing.

How do I use PDF OCR — Text extraction?

Upload your file, fill in the fields (for example page ranges, password, or settings), then click Run tool.

Do I need an account or paid software?

No account is required for core use. You run the tool here in your browser—no separate desktop license is needed from us. Your organization may still block downloads or uploads on its network.

Are my files stored on your servers?

Inputs are processed so we can return your result. Temporary files are removed according to the retention settings configured for this site. Avoid uploading highly sensitive documents on shared or public devices.

What is the upload size limit?

Typical uploads are limited to about 50 MB per request on this site (see the note under Run tool). If a file is too large, compress it first or contact the site operator to raise the limit.