How to use OCR PDF
Choose a scanned PDF, select the OCR language, then run the tool. It reads each page and downloads recognized text as a TXT file.
What the result contains
OCR accuracy depends on scan clarity, orientation and the selected language. It does not create a searchable PDF.
Practical tip
Straighten and rescan faint pages when recognition misses words, and proofread names and numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to run this tool.
Are my files uploaded?
No. OCR PDF runs in your browser, so your file is processed on your own device and is not uploaded to our server. The page only downloads the free code libraries it needs.
Should I check the downloaded file?
Yes. Open the result and confirm its pages and content before sharing or deleting your original.
When to use OCR
- Scanned documents: get the text out of scanned contracts, letters and records.
- "I can't select the text": some PDFs are just pictures of pages. OCR reads the words so you can copy them.
- Research and study: pull quotes from scanned book pages, articles and old papers.
- Going paperless: turn printed notes and documents into text you can search and edit.
Good to know before you start
OCR PDF reads English, French, Spanish and German. Pick the language your document is written in, because the wrong language setting causes many mistakes.
The result is a plain TXT file with the recognized text. It is not a searchable PDF.
For the best accuracy:
- Scan at 300 dpi or higher, in black and white or greyscale.
- If the whole document is sideways or upside down, fix it first with Rotate PDF.
- Trim dark scanner edges with Crop PDF.
- Rescan faint or blurry pages instead of trying to fix them.
Why use OCR with PDFCloudy
Many online OCR tools upload your scans to a server. Here the text is recognized on your own device, which is a better fit for scanned IDs, medical records and signed contracts. No account is required.
More questions about OCR
Does it work on handwriting?
OCR is designed for printed text. Neat handwriting may partly work, but expect errors and check the result carefully.
Why are some words wrong?
The usual causes are low scan quality, tilted pages, faint print or the wrong language setting.
How long does it take?
Each page is read on your device, so long documents and older computers take longer. Keep the tab open until the download starts.
Can I get the text into Word?
Open the TXT file and copy the text into Word. If your PDF already has selectable text, PDF to Word is quicker.
How do I turn photos of pages into a PDF first?
Use Scan to PDF to combine your page photos into one PDF, then run OCR on it.