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Make PDF Searchable (OCR)

Turn scanned PDFs into searchable, selectable PDFs with OCR. The pages look the same; the text becomes searchable.

Pro tool. Free accounts get 1 run per day to try it — unlimited with PDF Tools or All Tools.See plans
Your files never leave your device

How to make pdf searchable (ocr)

  1. 1

    Choose your PDF file

    Click the upload area or drag files onto it. Nothing is uploaded — files are opened locally.

  2. 2

    Start the conversion

    Press the convert button. Your browser converts the files in seconds.

  3. 3

    Download the result

    Save each file individually or everything at once as a ZIP.

A scan is just a picture of text — you can’t search it, select it or copy from it. OCR recognises the words on every page and adds an invisible text layer behind the image, so the PDF looks exactly the same but works like a normal document. English text, processed in your browser.

Read the full guide with screenshots

What is PDF?

PDF (Portable Document Format) preserves a document’s layout on every device and operating system, which makes it the standard for sharing, printing and archiving.

Is it private?

Yes. Unlike upload-based converters, ZapMorph processes files inside your browser tab, so the file stays on your device. It is never transmitted, stored or logged — close the tab and it’s gone.

Frequently asked questions

Is the make pdf searchable (ocr) converter free?

This is a Pro tool. With a free account you get one run a day to try it; Pro and Lifetime plans include unlimited use.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser, so your files never leave your device. We only count how many files you convert — never their names or contents.

What is the maximum file size?

Up to 25 MB per file without an account, 50 MB with a free account, and 1 GB on Pro. Very large files also depend on your device’s memory.

Can I convert multiple PDF files at once?

Make PDF Searchable (OCR) works on one file at a time and can produce many output files, which you can download together as a ZIP.

Does it work on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android?

Yes. It works in any modern browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari — on desktop and mobile, with nothing to install.

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