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OCR PDF to Make Scans Searchable

Add a hidden text layer to a scanned PDF so you can search it, select words and copy them.

or drop files here

Accepts PDF

Encrypted upload. Files are deleted automatically after 1 hour.

About OCR PDF

OCR PDF turns a scan that is only pictures of pages, like a signed contract, an old manual or a stack of receipts, into a PDF you can search with Ctrl+F and copy text from. Every page goes through text recognition, and the words are placed as an invisible layer exactly over where they appear. The page you see doesn't change at all, with the same images, stamps and layout.

The engine reads English and Chinese. Once the text layer is there, Compare PDF and the word search in Redact PDF can work with the file too. Clear, straight scans give the best results, so run Deskew PDF first if the pages are crooked. The file is saved with _ocr added to its name.

How to use OCR PDF

  1. 1
    Upload the scanned PDF

    Click Choose file or drop the scan here. Up to 50 MB free, 1 GB with VIP.

  2. 2
    Run OCR PDF

    Click OCR PDF. Each page is recognized in turn, which takes a little while for long scans.

  3. 3
    Download and search

    Save the file ending in _ocr and press Ctrl+F in any PDF reader to try it.

Why use Cubfile for this

  • Layout untouched

    The scanned page stays exactly as it was; only an invisible text layer is added.

  • Search and copy

    Find words with Ctrl+F, and select or copy text as in any digital PDF.

  • English and Chinese

    Printed English and Chinese are recognized, including mixed lines.

  • Works with other tools

    With a text layer in place, Compare PDF and Redact PDF's word search can use the file.

FAQ

OCR PDF: questions and answers

What does OCR PDF actually change?
Nothing you can see. It adds hidden text behind each page image, positioned over the real words, so readers can search and select them.
Can I OCR PDF files in other languages?
The engine is built for English and Chinese. Other scripts and accented letters are recognized poorly, if at all.
Can I edit the text afterwards?
The page is still an image, so words can be copied but not edited in place. For editable text, use PDF to Word, which handles scans too, or Image to Text.
How big a scan can I process for free?
Up to 50 MB per file, with 2 tasks a day on a free account or 2 in total as a visitor. VIP handles scans up to 1 GB with no daily limit.
Is my scanned document private?
Yes. It's uploaded over HTTPS, recognized in an isolated process and deleted along with the searchable copy one hour later. Nobody looks at it.
Share OCR PDF with a friendIt runs in any browser, and they can try it without signing up.

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