Orisod
OCR PDF
Run OCR on scanned PDF pages to add selectable text and optionally download the recognized words as a .txt file.
ℹ️ OCR is never 100% accurate. This reads each page as an image and recognizes the text on it, adding an invisible, searchable text layer on top of your original scan: the page still looks exactly the same, but you can now select, copy, and search its text. Recognition errors are more likely with low-resolution scans, unusual fonts, or handwriting. Proofread anything that matters (numbers, names, legal wording) rather than trusting the result blindly.
🔒 Processed on your device · No upload · No account · No watermark
OCR adds a text layer to page images
The tool renders each scanned PDF page, applies OCR (optical character recognition) and places the recognized text as an invisible layer aligned with the page image. This enables search, selection and copying while retaining the scan as the visible page. A plain .txt version is also available. Recognition and alignment are estimates, so proofread anything used for important work.
When a scan needs searchable text
- Search a scanned document for a word or phrase
- Copy a passage from a scan instead of typing it again
- Add a text layer after Orisod’s Extract PDF Text reports that no selectable text was found
- Download recognized OCR text as a plain .txt file as well as embedding it in the PDF
Frequently asked questions
Will the PDF look any different afterward?
The original scan remains the visible basis of each page, so it should look broadly similar. Rebuilding the PDF can still change compression, dimensions, metadata or other document structure. Compare critical pages rather than assuming byte-for-byte or visual identity.
How accurate is the OCR?
Accuracy varies with resolution, contrast, orientation, language, typeface and page condition. Handwriting and complex layouts are especially difficult. Treat recognized text as a draft and proofread material that matters.
Does this work with a large, many-page document?
The interface does not set a simple page quota, but device memory and processing time impose practical limits. OCR works page by page and long or high-resolution documents can take substantially longer than short scans. Keep the tab open and split very large files if needed.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
The document is rendered, recognized and rebuilt locally. On first use, the browser downloads generic OCR language data and may cache it; that download contains no pages from your PDF.
📖 Want the full picture? Read our guide: How to make a scanned PDF searchable with OCR