alphaPDF · Pro tool
Make scanned PDFs searchable with local OCR.
A scanned report can look readable while still being a set of page images. alphaPDF Pro’s Scan & OCR tool recognises the text on those pages and adds a searchable text layer. The document processing runs locally in desktop Chrome, helping you search and select text without uploading the scan to alphaPDF’s servers.
How to add searchable text to a scanned PDF
- Install alphaPDF, activate Pro and add the scanned PDF.
- Open Scan & OCR and choose the pages, recognition language and quality settings appropriate for your scan.
- Run recognition. Large scans can take time; work with a smaller page range if your computer has limited memory.
- Review the recognised text and the tool’s review report, then save the result and test search and text selection.
What OCR changes in your PDF
OCR adds an invisible searchable text layer while retaining the original visible page content. It does not turn a blurry scan into a perfect source document, and recognition errors can remain. Try searching for a few words from different pages and check selected text against what is printed on the page.
Accuracy matters more than speed
Clear, upright scans generally give a better starting point than skewed photographs, handwriting or faint text. Use the correct recognition language and review uncertain words. Numbers, names and tables deserve extra attention. Verify OCR text before using it for decisions or automated redaction searches.
Local document processing, with language model downloads
PDF contents and OCR run locally. Language models may be downloaded separately; those downloads do not upload your document. Read the alphaPDF privacy policy for the model download details. OCR is included in Pro, which costs US$59 once including applicable transaction tax, while alphaPDF remains supported.
Frequently asked questions
Does OCR require alphaPDF Pro?
Yes. Scan & OCR and text export are Pro tools. PDF reading, annotation and common page tools are included in Free.
Does searchable OCR restore forms or links?
No. OCR adds recognised text. It does not recreate interactive form fields, links or original vector artwork that an earlier image conversion removed.
More PDF tools
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