Make a scanned PDF searchable (OCR PDF)
Make scanned PDFs searchable and selectable.
How it works
- 1
Drop your scanned PDF or image.
- 2
Choose the document language.
- 3
Download the searchable PDF.
Add an invisible text layer to scanned PDFs so you can search, select and copy text while the page looks exactly the same. Runs in your browser.
A searchable PDF looks identical to your scan but has hidden, selectable text. That makes scanned archives findable with Ctrl+F, indexable by desktop search, and copyable. Ideal for contracts, books and records.
What people use it for
- Search and copy text in scanned archives.
- Make scanned PDFs accessible to screen readers and indexers.
- Keep the exact scan appearance while enabling Ctrl+F.
Tips for best results
- Pick the correct language before you start.
- Large scans take longer; the first run downloads the language data.
- The result contains the original images plus an invisible text layer.
Your files never leave your device
Unlike most online PDF tools, Intelli File does not upload your documents to a server. Everything runs in your browser using your own device, so contracts, IDs and financial records stay private. Only a small usage counter is sent so we can apply daily limits.
Read how we handle privacyWhat to do next
After this, you may want to OCR to Text, Compress PDF, or PDF to Text.
Frequently asked questions
Will the pages look different?+
No. Each page keeps its original appearance, with hidden text placed underneath for search and copy.
Why is the file bigger?+
Pages are stored as images plus the text layer, so size depends on scan quality.
Does it work for Chinese documents?+
Yes. Choose a Chinese language option before running.
Can I do this for photos?+
Yes. Drop a JPG or PNG and download a searchable PDF page.