Step-by-step guide
How to OCR a Scanned PDF
Scans — make searchable / read text from images
OCR PDF turns scanned documents and image-based PDFs into searchable files. When you cannot select text, the page is still a picture — OCR adds a text layer so you can search and copy. Choose searchable PDF or plain text, pick language and quality, then download. Cloud processing uses encrypted transfer; uploads are deleted within two hours. Pair with Document Scanner for phone captures, or Extract Text when you only need copy-paste content.
Step 1 — Upload your file to OCR PDF
Open OCR PDF from PDFTrusted and you will see the upload screen shown here — the same layout you get in the live tool, with the orange drop zone and Select button.
You can add files in two ways: click Select file (or Select files) and choose from your computer, or drag files from your folder and drop them onto the dashed orange area. On phones and tablets, tap the button to pick from your gallery or files app.
Supported formats for this tool: PDF (.pdf). If a file type is not listed, export it to a supported format first — for example save Word documents as PDF before merging.
After a valid file is added, the workspace moves to the options step automatically. If you see an error, check the format and file size (limits are listed at the bottom of this guide).
Step 2 — Choose your OCR PDF options
Once your file is loaded, the main options panel appears — this is what you use to control the result. The screenshot matches the real sidebar and controls in the workspace.
Read each option below before you click the action button. Picking the wrong preset is the most common reason people need a second attempt — especially with compression, split modes, and security settings.
When you are satisfied with your choices, press the primary action button (OCR) and wait for processing to finish. Most files complete in seconds; long scans or many pages take longer.
Step 3 — Download your finished file
When processing completes, you see a success screen with a green checkmark and a download button — exactly as in the screenshot.
Click Download to save the new PDF (or ZIP of files) to your device. The file goes to your usual Downloads folder unless you chose another location.
Use Process another file or Start over to run the tool again without refreshing the page. You can share the downloaded file by email, upload it to a portal, or open it in your PDF reader — the same as any file you save locally.
We do not store your document on our servers after browser processing. Keep your own copy safe; we cannot recover a lost download.
Privacy — browser-based processing
OCR PDF on PDFTrusted runs in your browser on your device whenever the tool supports on-device execution. In that mode, your document is processed on your own device — it is not uploaded for that step.
We apply a encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), access controls, and short retention for cloud jobs across our platform. Short retention for cloud jobs — When a tool uses cloud-assisted processing, uploaded files are handled only to complete your request and are automatically deleted within two hours. We do not keep a personal document library of your uploads. Always use a trusted device and network for sensitive material.
Works in the browser on phone, tablet, and desktop — no install required. No installation is required — open the tool, process, download, and close the tab to clear in-browser working data for that session.
Keep a backup of originals. Delete downloads from shared computers when you are finished.
OCR PDF — file size & page limits
The OCR PDF workspace is designed for everyday documents in your browser. These are practical limits — not marketing numbers — so you know what to expect before you start.
Maximum file size: about 25 MB per PDF (or per file where noted).
Maximum pages: about 30 pages per PDF for most page-based tools.
Standard PDF limits apply in the browser workspace.
If your file exceeds these limits, split or compress it first, or process it in smaller parts.
When people use OCR PDF
- Scanned job applications
- Old paper archives
- Permits and government forms
Tips for best results
- Use a clear scan or steady phone photo.
- Pick the correct language for best accuracy.
- Proof names and amounts before filing.
Common questions
Do I need OCR if I can already select text?
No. Skip OCR on digital PDFs that already allow highlighting. Use OCR when the page is a scan or photo and text is not selectable.
How accurate is OCR on phone photos?
Clear, flat, well-lit pages work best. Glare and skew cause wrong letters. Reshoot or use a higher quality mode before you trust legal names and amounts.
Is my scanned PDF uploaded?
Yes — OCR needs a short encrypted cloud step. Files are processed for your request and deleted within two hours. We do not use them for advertising or public model training.
What should I do after OCR?
Search and copy text, compress for a portal, convert to Word to edit, or send to PDF to Excel when tables matter. Always proof critical numbers.
Can I use OCR PDF on my phone?
Yes in a mobile browser. Large multi-page scans feel faster on a laptop. Split the PDF if the job is only a few pages.