OCR a PDF
Make a scanned PDF searchable, or turn it into text you can edit.
- 1PDF fileSelect a scanned PDF, or a PDF made of pictures.
- 2Choose outputA searchable PDF, Word, Markdown or plain text.
- 3Choose languageThe language the pages are written in.
- 4Read the textRead every page in your browser and download the result.
Minda Files reads the words of a scanned PDF with an OCR engine that runs in your browser: no page is uploaded, and no AI or account is needed. Pick the language, then download a searchable PDF that looks as it did, with words you can search and copy, or the words as Word, Markdown or plain text.
How to OCR a PDF
- Drop a PDF on the page, or press Choose a file.
- Pick Searchable PDF, Word, Markdown or Text, and the language the pages are written in.
- Press Make searchable PDF (or Convert to Word, Convert to Markdown or Convert to text), then download the file.
- Pages with text keep their own words as they are; only the pages that are pictures are read.
- Pages that are pictures are read by an OCR engine in your browser, in one of 20 languages: nothing is sent, and no account or AI is needed. The first read of a language downloads its data once.
- Keeps a searchable PDF looks as it did; Word, Markdown and text keep the words, headings and paragraphs in reading order, not the layout, tables or pictures.
Questions
Can I OCR a scanned PDF for free?
Yes. OCR PDF is free and needs no account: drop the PDF, pick the language and download a searchable PDF, or its words as Word, Markdown or text.
Does OCR PDF upload my file?
No. The pages are read by an OCR engine that runs in your browser, so no page, picture or word is sent. Only the engine and its language data are downloaded, from Minda Files.
How do I turn a scanned PDF into Word?
Drop it on OCR PDF, pick Word and press Convert to Word: you download a Word document of its words.
Is Minda Files free?
Yes. Every tool and the editor are free, with no account needed. Signed out, files open up to 10 MB; signed in on the free plan, up to 50 MB; the Files plan and Pro open files up to 256 MB.
Are my files uploaded?
No. The tools and the editor run online in your browser; your file is not sent to a server. Only Ask AI sends what you ask, and the text of the file it needs, to Minda AI; PDF to PowerPoint sends a picture page or a picture only when you turn on Read picture pages, and Translate PDF the words it translates.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Minda Files works in your web browser: open the page, drop a file and it opens there.
Related tools
- PDF to Word Turn a PDF into a Word document, Markdown or plain text.
- Translate PDF A PDF in another language, its layout kept, or side by side with the original.
- PDF to PowerPoint Each page or picture an editable slide, NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) and Gamma decks too.
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