ocr-pdf

How to apply online OCR software to a PDF

Follow these easy steps to apply optical character recognition (OCR) to PDF:

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/frictionless/how-to-images/ocr-pdf-how-to.svg | Multiple files being scanned to create searchable text with OCR with an arrow pointing to a PDF

  1. Click the Select a file button above, or drag and drop a PDF into the drop zone.
  2. Select a PDF document that you want Acrobat to recognize text in so you can search, copy, and highlight the text.
  3. After the file uploads, Acrobat will use OCR technology to recognize the text in it.
  4. Sign in to download the searchable PDF or get a link to share it.

Try our free PDF OCR tool

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/frictionless/how-to-images/s-illu-character-recognition-42.svg | A document file with a red capital A inside showing OCR text recognition

High-quality character recognition

The Adobe Acrobat online OCR tool scans your document to apply text recognition, creating easily searchable PDFs. You can also copy and highlight the recognized text.

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/seo-icons/s-illu-searchable-text-42.svg | A magnifying glass looking for searchable text within a PDF document

Convert PDFs into searchable text

Use the OCR software to transform your static PDFs into more useful documents with searchable text. Then search for a word or phrase to find key information quickly.

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/seo-icons/s-illu-extract-accessibility-42.svg | A representation of how OCR software creates accessible PDF documents

Extract text for accessibility

OCR also lets you enhance the accessibility of your PDF files by making document content readable by screen readers thanks to the recognized text.

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/seo-icons/s-illu-work-in-any-browser-42.svg | A browser window with an arrow showing how Acrobat works on any device

No extra software to install

You can use Adobe Acrobat tools in any browser, like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, so there’s no additional software you need to install to use the Acrobat OCR online reader.

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/seo-icons/s-illu-private-pdf-content-42.svg | A shield with a lock in the middle indicating PDF file security

Trusted file security and privacy

Adobe builds security measures into every PDF created with Acrobat. In addition, Acrobat uses encryption to keep your data secure when working with files online.

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/seo-icons/s-illu-trusted-pdf-tools-42.svg | An Adobe Acrobat PDF document using the best OCR reader online

The best OCR reader online

Adobe invented the PDF file format, so you can trust our OCR technology and the high quality of our PDF tools.

Questions on PDF OCR? We have answers.

What is OCR?

Optical character recognition (OCR) is a technology that converts scanned images of text into machine-readable text that you can search, copy, edit, and highlight. The OCR meaning lies in its ability to recognize text in scanned documents, transforming static PDF content into text you can reuse.

How can I tell if my PDF document includes scanned text?

The quickest way to find out if text in a PDF document is scanned is to try to select or highlight text in it. If you are unable to select or highlight text, then you are likely dealing with a scanned PDF file. You can make text in a scanned PDF searchable by applying OCR software using the Acrobat online tool. After uploading a PDF into the tool, the OCR engine processes your document to text recognition in the file, replicating the font style of the scanned or static text as closely as possible for text consistency throughout the PDF document. Once the OCR workflow is complete, sign in to download and open your new PDF. You’ll be able to search your PDF document for words or phrases or share it with others by email.

Can I recognize text in files that aren’t PDFs?

The Acrobat OCR online tool lets you recognize text in a PDF document for free. To make text editable, searchable, and selectable in other documents, including image file formats like PNG, JPG, and TIFF files, you can start a seven-day free trial of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

With Acrobat Pro, you can also edit recognized text in documents on your Microsoft Windows, Mac, or Linux. By using OCR technology to create editable text, you can reuse existing content instead of starting from scratch, saving time and money.

In addition, the Acrobat Pro free trial gives you access to advanced PDF features to keep your business workflows moving. Edit PDF text and images, collect e-signatures, create fillable forms, and convert to and from PDF, including converting text files (TXT) and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word docs.

What language does my PDF need to be in to use OCR software?

The Acrobat OCR PDF tool can be used on PDF documents in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and more. See a full list of supported languages for our OCR tools online.

More online OCR PDF resources

Content as a Service v2 - ocr-pdf - Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 16:21

https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.page/dc-shared/assets/images/shared-images/frictionless/create-an-account-image/create-an-account.svg | a text bubble, pencil icon and a stacked PDF icon representing free online Acrobat tools

Use Acrobat tools for free

  • Sign in to try 25+ tools, like convert or compress
  • Add comments, fill in forms and sign PDFs for free
  • Store your files online to access from any device

Create a free account Sign in

Review url
https://www.adobe.com/reviews-api/dc/production/ocr-pdf
Title

Rate your experience

Hide title
true
Rating verb
vote, votes
Rating noun
star, stars
Comment placeholder
Please give your feedback
Comment field label
Review Feedback
Submit text
Send
Thank you text
Thank you for your feedback!
Tooltips
Poor, Below Average, Good, Very Good, Outstanding
Tooltip delay
5
Initial Value
0

Try these Acrobat online tools

Convert from PDF

Convert to PDF

Reduce file size

Edit

Sign & Protect

Generative AI

Convert from PDF
Convert to PDF
Reduce file size
Edit
Sign & Protect
Generative AI