PDF OCR
FreeMake scanned PDFs searchable — adds an invisible text layer you can copy & search
Drop a PDF or image here or click to browse
Extracts text from every page of a scanned PDF.
About PDF OCR
Ever tried to copy a line from a scanned PDF and ended up selecting nothing? Scans are just pictures of pages, so the words inside them are invisible to your computer. PDF OCR fixes that by reading the image and quietly adding a text layer underneath, so the page looks exactly the same but suddenly becomes searchable, selectable, and copy-friendly.
Upload your scanned PDF and the tool runs optical character recognition right in your browser, then hands back a new PDF that keeps the original look while letting you find words with Ctrl+F. It is free, needs no account, and your file is processed without being stored or shared, so private documents stay private.
Common uses
- Make a scanned contract searchable before signing
- Find a clause in a long scanned manual using Ctrl+F
- Copy quotes from a scanned book chapter
- Prepare paper records for an archive that needs text search
- Turn an unsearchable invoice into one you can index
How to use
- 1
Upload your file
Click the upload area or drag & drop your file. Supports APPLICATION/PDF. Up to 50 MB.
- 2
Click "Process — PDF OCR"
Click the process button. Your file is converted instantly on our secure servers.
- 3
Download your result
Preview and download your converted file. No watermarks, no quality loss, no expiry.
Why ToolHub?
- 100% Free — no account needed
- Works in your browser — no software required
- Instant results
- Secure and private
- No data stored
- Simple to use
FAQ
Does the page look different after OCR?
No. The original image stays on top and the recognized text sits invisibly behind it, so the page looks identical but is now searchable.
Can I copy text out of the result?
Yes. Once the text layer is added you can select, copy, and search the words just like a normal digital PDF.
Will it work on a low-quality scan?
It works best with clear, straight scans. Blurry or skewed pages may produce some recognition errors, especially with unusual fonts.
Can I use PDF OCR on mobile?
Yes — ToolHub is fully responsive and works on iPhone, Android, tablets and all modern browsers. No app install needed.