PDF OCR online to make scanned pages searchable
Reviewed September 23, 2026
Use OCR PDF when a PDF looks like a document but its text cannot be selected or searched because the pages are scans or image-based.
NetroDoc sends OCR jobs through the isolated OCR queue, supports English, Dutch, Arabic, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and limits OCR PDF jobs to 25 pages.
How to use OCR PDF
Upload the file
Choose a supported PDF file or drop it into the workspace.
Review and start
Check the selected action, configure any available options, and start processing.
Download the result
When processing finishes, download the generated searchable PDF file to your device.
What happens during processing?
OCR analyses visible characters and adds or exports machine-readable text. Accuracy depends on image sharpness, contrast, orientation, language, and print quality.
OCR supports English, Dutch, Arabic, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. OCR PDF jobs are limited to 25 pages and run in the isolated OCR queue.
Make a scanned PDF searchable while preserving its pages.
OCR PDF, PDF to TXT, or Image to Searchable PDF?
Choose the tool based on the source file and the output you need after recognition.
OCR PDF
Use it when you want to keep the PDF pages and add machine-readable searchable text.
PDF to TXT
Use it when the PDF already contains selectable text and you mainly need a plain-text export.
Image to Searchable PDF
Use it when the source is a JPG or PNG rather than an existing PDF document.
When is this tool useful?
Compatibility
Create a result that works with the application, website, or device you need to use.
Sharing
Prepare a practical file for email, messaging, upload forms, or collaboration.
Document workflow
Continue editing, reviewing, archiving, or publishing in the required format.
A clean output copy
Keep the source file unchanged and download a separate processed result.
How to improve OCR results
- OCR accuracy drops with blur, low contrast, skewed scans, handwriting, unusual fonts, or very small characters. A clearer source generally produces better recognition.
- Rotate sideways pages before OCR when possible. Correct orientation helps the OCR engine interpret text lines and reading order.
- If the PDF already has a clean selectable text layer, OCR may be unnecessary. Try searching or selecting text first.
Temporary and private processing
The uploaded file is processed in a temporary server workspace. The current pipeline does not intentionally send it to an external conversion or cloud API.
Temporary job files are removed by the application workflow after completion or failure. No NetroDoc account is required.
Privacy →OCR PDF FAQ
What is the maximum upload size?
The current site-wide upload limit is 100 MB per request.
Does the tool modify my original file?
No. Your local source file is not overwritten; NetroDoc generates a separate download.
Do I need an account?
No account or sign-in is required.
Can every file produce an identical result?
Results depend on the source file and the capabilities of the destination format. Review the downloaded file before relying on it.
Where is my file processed?
It is processed in a temporary workspace on the NetroDoc server and is not intentionally sent to a third-party conversion API.
Which languages can OCR PDF recognize?
The current OCR pipeline supports English, Dutch, Arabic, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.