OCR guide

How to Make a Scanned PDF Searchable

A scanned PDF contains page images rather than selectable text. OCR reads those images and adds a text layer, which lets you search, copy, and select words in the resulting PDF.

Last updated: 2026-08-27

Steps

  1. Open PDF OCR

    Choose PDF OCR and add the scanned document.

  2. Select the language

    Choose the language that matches the scanned text so the recognition model can interpret it correctly.

  3. Run OCR

    Start recognition and wait while the browser reads each page.

  4. Review and download

    Download the searchable PDF, then check important text against the scan.

Know what OCR can and cannot do

OCR works best with clear scans, straight pages, and familiar fonts. Tables, handwriting, low contrast, and unusual layouts can reduce accuracy.

Treat OCR output as a searchable aid and review important names, numbers, and dates before relying on it.

The privacy detail

PDFmuto processes the document in your browser. The OCR engine downloads language data from a public CDN, but the PDF itself is not uploaded.

Large scans use substantial memory and processing time. Start with a small sample if you are unsure how your device will handle the document.

Related tools

  • PDF to ImagesConvert every PDF page to a PNG or JPG image.
  • Extract TextPull all selectable text out of a PDF into a text file.
  • PDF OCRRecognize text in scanned PDFs and make them searchable.