What is OCR PDF and how does it work?

OCR PDF makes a scanned document searchable. A scan is only a picture of a page, so there's no text to select or search. OCR reads the text out of the image and adds an invisible text layer underneath it.

How do I use OCR PDF online?

Upload your file using the box above — drag it in, browse for it, or bring it in from your cloud storage. A preview appears so you can check you've picked the right file. Run OCR PDF, then download the result. You can rename it before you save it.

Is my file secure when I use OCR PDF?

Yes. The file you send to OCR PDF travels over an encrypted HTTPS connection and is processed automatically on our servers. It is never made public, never shared with anyone, and nobody reads it.

Does HuntPDF store my files after OCR PDF has run?

No. Your upload is deleted the moment OCR PDF finishes with it, and the file it produces is removed as soon as you have downloaded it, or when you upload another file, or when you close the page. Nothing is kept, and nothing is used to train anything.

Will the original quality and formatting be maintained?

Yes — the scan itself is untouched. The recognised text sits behind the image, so the document looks identical but is now searchable and selectable.

Can I use OCR PDF on mobile?

Yes. OCR PDF works in any modern browser on phones and tablets — iPhone, iPad or Android — with nothing to install. You can upload straight from your device or from your cloud storage.

Can I rename my file before downloading it from OCR PDF?

Yes. The file OCR PDF gives you back keeps the name of the file you uploaded by default. If you'd rather call it something else, edit the name in the field next to the download button before you save it.

Do I need to install any software to use OCR PDF?

No. There is nothing to download, install or sign up for — OCR PDF is used from your browser and does the work on our servers, so it behaves the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

How long does OCR PDF take?

Most files are finished in a few seconds. A large or page-heavy file takes a little longer, because OCR PDF runs on our servers rather than on your device — but you won't be waiting around. You can upload files up to 250MB.

Is OCR PDF free to use?

Yes. OCR PDF is free, with no signup, no watermark on the result and no daily limit for normal use.

OCR PDF (Image to Text) Online

Turn a scanned PDF into a searchable one — text you can select, copy and find. Each page is read and given an invisible text layer.

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Processed securely over HTTPS on our servers, then deleted after processing. No file is stored, shared, or used for training.