OCR PDF
Convert scanned PDF files into searchable documents online. Use OCR to recognize text and export as searchable PDF, Word, Excel, or TXT securely.
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Max file size: 50 MB
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Secure
Your files are transferred and processed securely over encrypted HTTPS.
Fast
Convert your scanned PDFs in seconds with powerful OCR technology.
Easy to Use
Simple and intuitive interface makes OCR PDF easy and quick.
OCR PDF Online
MarsPDF provides a professional, browser-based OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tool that converts scanned PDF documents into searchable and editable digital text. If you have document scans, non-selectable text, or photographed forms, our online OCR PDF converter parses the files instantly to extract the underlying letters, words, and numbers without registration.
Everything runs securely inside our advanced cloud environment. Simply upload your scanned files, select the document language, choose your preferred export format, and download the searchable files in seconds.
How to OCR a PDF
Upload PDF
Drag and drop your scanned PDF document into the upload area, or choose a file from your local computer or mobile device.
Configure Settings
Select the language matching your document text, choose the output format (PDF, Word, Excel, or Text), and tweak options.
Run OCR & Download
Click "Start OCR" to begin. Once text recognition finishes, download the newly generated, searchable document.
Convert Scanned PDF to Searchable PDF
The default conversion mode creates a searchable PDF document. In this mode, the recognized text is overlaid directly on top of the original scanned image as an invisible selectable layer. This preserves the visual formatting of the original scan while enabling you to highlight text, copy words, or search the document content using any standard PDF reader.
Export OCR Results to Word, Excel, or Text
MarsPDF supports multiple output formats to fit your downstream workflows:
- Searchable PDF: Ideal for archiving and document management while maintaining the original scan layout.
- Microsoft Word (DOCX): Automatically extracts text and reformats it into an editable Word document for updating reports or articles.
- Microsoft Excel (XLSX): Recognizes scanned rows and table borders, parsing data directly into spreadsheet cells to prevent manual data entry.
- Plain Text (TXT): Extracts raw, unformatted text for simple copying, scanning, or processing in text editors.
Supported OCR Languages
For high-accuracy text recognition, our OCR engine uses advanced language models trained on multiple scripts. We support full text recognition in both English and Turkish, correctly identifying complex words, grammar symbols, and special characters. Selecting the correct matching document language helps minimize spelling errors during processing.
When Should You Use OCR PDF?
Optical Character Recognition is highly beneficial for everyday work, studying, and archiving:
- Digitizing Archives: Turn boxes of physical documents, invoices, or receipts scanned into PDFs into a fully searchable database.
- Fast Reference & Copying: Avoid typing out text manually from textbook scans or locked documents—simply run OCR and copy what you need.
- Keyword Searching: Find specific lines or numbers in 100+ page scanned manuals or legal contracts instantly using the Ctrl+F search shortcut.
Secure Online OCR Processing
We respect your document confidentiality. MarsPDF runs exclusively using secure HTTPS connections. All uploaded scanned files and processed output files are processed securely and are not stored or retained on our servers. We do not inspect, retain, or share your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to use the OCR PDF tool?
Yes, text recognition on MarsPDF is 100% free. You can upload scanned files, run OCR, and download the output in any of the supported formats without hidden fees.
What is the difference between OCR and normal PDF conversion?
Normal converters extract text layers that already exist in a document. OCR is used when a document is just an image (like a scan or photo), using vision algorithms to "read" the letters and create a new text layer.
Can I convert my scan directly to an Excel sheet?
Yes! By selecting XLSX as your output format, our OCR engine detects cells, borders, and rows, exporting them directly to editable spreadsheets.
Are my scanned documents safe?
Absolutely. All documents are transferred securely via HTTPS and processed in real-time. We do not store or retain your files.