Choose Files
or drop files here
Searchable PDF output
Add a text layer behind scanned pages so you can search and copy content.
Client-side OCR engine
Tesseract runs in your browser — scans never uploaded to our servers.
Secure — files never uploaded
Your files are processed locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded to our servers.
How to OCR a PDF online
Make a scanned PDF searchable in four steps.
- 1
Upload scanned PDF
Select an image-based or scanned document.
- 2
Choose language
Pick the OCR language for best accuracy.
- 3
Run OCR
Text recognition runs locally — may take longer for large files.
- 4
Download
Save the searchable PDF to your device.
Everything you need for PDF OCR
Searchable scans without sending documents to the cloud.
Start immediately — no fuss
Use OCR PDF directly in your browser. No sign-up, no software install.
Works on any device
Desktop, tablet, or phone on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
No watermarks on output
Download clean results on Free and Plus — no branding stamped on your files.
100% browser-based privacy
Your files are processed locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded to our servers.
Combine with other PDF tools
Chain tools together — merge, compress, convert, protect, and sign in one workflow.
Optional Premium upgrade
AstraPDF Plus removes file-size caps, fair-use limits, and ads — still 100% private in your browser.
When to OCR a PDF
Scanned contracts
Search and copy text from signed scans.
Archives
Make legacy document scans searchable.
Pull plain text after OCR.
Reduce file size first.
OCR PDF FAQs
Common questions about ocr pdf with AstraPDF.
Need more power?
OCR unlimited documents
AstraPDF Plus removes file-size caps, fair-use limits, and ads — still 100% private in your browser.
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Need more power? See our pricing plans or browse all tools on the homepage.