Is OCR PDF free to use?

Yes. Every avalpdf tool, including OCR PDF, is free with no sign-up and no daily limit.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. The work happens inside your browser tab, so the file itself never leaves your device.

Does OCR PDF work on a phone?

Yes — it works in mobile browsers on Android and iPhone as well as on desktop.

OCR PDF

Make a scan searchable by recognising its text on your device.

Drop your PDF here

Or click to browse. Your file is read on this device only.

Processed entirely in this browser tab. Nothing is uploaded anywhere.

Do more with your file

Edit PDF

Add text, cover mistakes and drop images straight onto a page.

PDF Annotator

Draw, highlight and mark up pages with your mouse or finger.

PDF Reader

Open and read any PDF page by page, with zoom and text search.

About OCR PDF

OCR PDF (optical character recognition) reads the text in scanned pages and adds an invisible text layer, so you can search, select and copy words from what used to be just a picture.

When people use it

Making a scanned archive searchable.
Preparing a scan for conversion to Word or plain text.
Copying quotes from a photographed book page.

Tips for better results

Clear, straight scans at 300 DPI give the best accuracy.
Recognition runs on your device and can take a while on long documents.
Always proof-read numbers and names in the recognised text.

How to use OCR PDF

1Open the OCR PDF page on avalpdf.
2Drop your file in, or click to browse for it.
3Choose your options — the defaults suit most files.
4Run the tool and download the finished file.

Questions about OCR PDF

Is OCR PDF free to use?: Yes. Every avalpdf tool, including OCR PDF, is free with no sign-up and no daily limit.
Are my files uploaded to a server?: No. The work happens inside your browser tab, so the file itself never leaves your device.
Does OCR PDF work on a phone?: Yes — it works in mobile browsers on Android and iPhone as well as on desktop.