OCR PDF – Searchable PDF
Recognise text in scanned PDFs and add an invisible text layer so you can search, select and copy. Many languages, runs on your device.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: OCR PDF
- Select your scanned PDF.
- Choose the document language(s).
- Download the searchable PDF.
A scanned PDF is just pictures of pages – you cannot search it or copy text. OCR (optical character recognition) reads the text and adds an invisible layer, so the PDF looks the same but becomes searchable. Unlike most OCR services, FreePDF does this on your device.
Common uses
- Make scanned contracts and archives searchable.
- Copy text from scanned books or articles.
- Prepare scans for PDF to Word or Split by Text.
Tips for best results
- Choose the correct document language for best accuracy.
- Straighten tilted pages with Deskew PDF first.
- Clean, 300 DPI scans give the best results.
Why use FreePDF for OCR PDF?
| FreePDF | Typical upload-based sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to a server | No – processed on your device | Yes |
| Sign-up required | Never | Often for bigger jobs |
| Hourly / daily task limits | None | Common on free plans |
| Watermark on output | Never | Sometimes |
| Works offline after loading | Yes, for most tools | No |
Frequently asked questions
Does the page look change?
No – the original page stays, an invisible text layer is added on top.
How long does it take?
About 2–6 seconds per page on a modern device. The first run downloads the language model (1–4 MB).
Does OCR change how my pages look?
No – the original page stays, an invisible text layer is added on top.
How long does it take?
About 2–6 seconds per page on a modern device. The first run downloads the language model (1–4 MB).
Is OCR PDF really free?
Yes. Every tool on FreePDF is 100% free with no file limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FreePDF processes your files directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your documents never leave your device, so they stay completely private.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. FreePDF works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.