PDF OCR – Convert Scanned PDFs to Editable Text ILovePDF | Free Online PDF tool
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PDF OCR – Convert Scanned PDFs to Editable Text

OCR PDF Processor

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How to Use PDF OCR

  1. Upload Your PDF
    Click the “Upload PDF” button to select the scanned or image-based PDF you want to extract text from. If you selected the wrong file, just click the “Back” button to re-upload the correct one.
  2. Download the OCR PDF
    Once uploaded, the system will automatically process the file using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). After it’s done, you’ll be directed to the download page. Click to download the editable OCR PDF. To convert another file, click the “Back” button.

Why Use a PDF OCR Converter?

Make Text Editable: Extract text from scanned documents or images in PDF format.

Search & Copy Easily: Once converted, you can search, highlight, and copy text from your PDF.

Automatic Conversion: No manual steps — just upload and download.




Features

Convert Scanned PDFs to Searchable Text

Transform image-based or scanned PDFs into fully searchable and selectable text documents using advanced OCR technology.

Multi-Language OCR Support

Recognizes text in a wide range of languages, making it suitable for international documents and multilingual content.

Preserve Original Layout

The processed PDF retains the original layout, images, and formatting—only the text layer is added for search and selection.

Privacy-First Processing

Your files are processed securely and are not stored after conversion, ensuring your data remains private.

No Registration Required

Start processing your PDF instantly—no sign-up or personal information needed. Just upload, process, and download.

Search and Copy Text

After OCR, you can search for words and copy text directly from your PDF, making it easier to work with scanned documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to specific questions about OCR processing for PDFs.

  • What types of PDFs can be processed with OCR?
    Both scanned/image-based PDFs and regular PDFs can be processed. OCR is especially useful for documents where the text is not selectable.
  • Will the OCR process affect the original images or formatting?
    No, the original images and formatting are preserved. The OCR process adds a hidden text layer for search and selection.
  • Which languages are supported for OCR?
    The tool supports a wide range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and more.
  • Can I process multi-page PDFs?
    Yes, multi-page PDFs are fully supported. Each page is processed and made searchable.
  • Will OCR work on handwritten text?
    OCR is optimized for printed text. Handwritten text may not be recognized accurately, depending on legibility.
  • Are tables and columns preserved after OCR?
    The tool attempts to preserve the original layout, including tables and columns, but complex layouts may not be perfectly reconstructed.
  • Can I search and copy text after OCR?
    Yes, after processing, you can search for words and copy text directly from the PDF using any standard PDF reader.
  • Is there a file size limit for OCR processing?
    The tool can process PDFs up to 100MB in size. Larger files may require splitting before uploading.
  • Will OCR remove existing text or annotations?
    No, existing selectable text and annotations are preserved. OCR only adds a new text layer for previously unsearchable content.
  • Can I process password-protected PDFs?
    No, password-protected or encrypted PDFs are not supported. Please remove any passwords before uploading.
  • Does the tool support color and grayscale PDFs?
    Yes, both color and grayscale PDFs are supported. The OCR process works regardless of the color mode.
  • Will the processed PDF be compatible with all PDF readers?
    Yes, the output PDF is compatible with all standard PDF readers and supports search and copy features.
  • Can I process multiple PDFs at once?
    No, you can only process one PDF at a time. To process another, upload it after finishing the current one.