OCR: convert an image or scanned PDF to text
Recognise the text in photos, screenshots and scanned PDFs in 12 languages, and turn them into editable text or a searchable PDF.
Free · no sign-up · your files never leave your device🔒 100% private: your files are processed on your device and are never uploaded to a server.
How to use OCR: image or PDF to text
Add images or a PDF
Several photos at once, or a complete scanned PDF.
Choose the languages
Up to three languages at a time for mixed documents.
Copy or download
Text to copy, a .txt file or a PDF with searchable text.
What makes this tool different
- Scanned PDFsTurn an image-only PDF into one you can search and copy from.
- 12 languagesSpanish, English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Catalan, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Arabic.
- Multiple pagesProcess many images or pages in a single pass.
- PrivateRecognition runs in your browser.
OCR: image or PDF to text: what it is for
OCR turns text trapped in images into editable text: photographed notes, screenshots, receipts or scanned documents.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with handwriting?
It is designed for printed text; clear handwriting may work partially.
What is a searchable PDF?
It is the same scanned document, but with an invisible text layer that lets you search for words, select and copy.
How do I improve the result?
Use sharp, well-lit, straight images, and select only the languages that appear in the document.