OCR PDF
Nexorra Digital offers a free OCR PDF tool that turns scanned PDFs into searchable documents. It works entirely in your browser, so you can convert files without signing up or installing software.
FreeNo sign-upNo watermarkFiles stay on your device
How OCR PDF works
When you upload a scanned PDF or image, the Tesseract engine runs locally in your browser and recognises each word. The engine then adds an invisible text layer on top of the original page, preserving the layout. You can then search, select, or copy the text just like any normal PDF. The language data is downloaded once, after which subsequent conversions are instant.
How to ocr a pdf
- 1Add a scanned PDF or image
- 2Choose the language
- 3Download a searchable PDF
Features
- Runs entirely in the browser, no file upload
- Supports English, Swahili, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, German
- Free with no watermark or sign-up required
- Works on modern phones and computers
- Handles large files limited only by device memory
- No daily usage limits
Useful for
- Convert scanned tender bids for easy keyword search
- Make school admission forms searchable for quick reference
- Extract text from printed invoices for accounting
- Digitise KRA certificates for record keeping
Questions
OCR PDF: common questions
Is OCR PDF free?
Yes, the OCR PDF service is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees, subscription charges, or watermarks added to your converted documents.
Are my files safe when I use OCR PDF?
Your files never leave your device. The OCR engine and language packs are downloaded once and run locally, so no data is transmitted to any server, ensuring full privacy and security.
Does OCR PDF work on a phone?
It works on any modern smartphone browser. The same Tesseract engine runs in the browser, allowing you to convert scanned PDFs directly from your phone without any additional apps.
What file formats can I convert?
You can upload PDF files and common image formats such as JPEG and PNG. The tool processes each page, adds a hidden text layer, and returns a searchable PDF that retains the original appearance.
How accurate is the text recognition?
The accuracy depends on the quality of the original scan and the language selected. For clear, high-resolution scans in supported languages, the engine typically recognises text with high precision, allowing reliable searching and copying.