Below we show how to OCR convert PDF documents, for free.

Step 1: Select your PDF file

Files are transfered safely over an encrypted SSL connection. Documents stay private and are permanently removed after processing.

Rather skip the uploading and work with your files locally?
Try Sejda Desktop. Offers same features as the web service, and the documents are converted locally.

Click Upload PDF files and choose files from your computer. Can also drag and drop files anywhere on the page.

Step 2: Select the language of your document

The OCR conversion process works best when the language is specified. This way ambiguous words are easier resolved based on the language dictionary.

Step 3: Select the output formats, searchable PDF and/or plain text

Convert your scan PDF to a searchable PDF file that contains text. Or convert your PDF to a plain text file containing just the text.

Tip: Output both a searchable PDF and the plain text file version

By default you'll get a searchable PDF document as a result, where the invisible text is overlayed on the original images at the correct locations.

To inspect the accuracy of the OCR process, open the plain text file and review the extracted text inside.

Accuracy of the OCR process

Higher resolution documents consistently lead to better results. Don't compress your scans before running the OCR process.

Unfortunately we can't guarantee 100% accuracy on the recognized text, this is a best-effort approach.