PDF OCR
Run OCR on a scanned or image-based PDF to extract its text, page by page, right in your browser. The document is processed locally and never uploaded.
Select a scanned PDF
Processed locally in your browser — never uploaded.
Run OCR on a scanned or image-based PDF to extract its text, page by page, right in your browser. The document is processed locally and never uploaded. PDF OCR is a free, browser-based tool in the Toolsnest pdf tools collection — there is nothing to install, no account to create and no watermark on your results. It works on desktop, tablet and mobile, and because the work happens on your own device it stays fast even with large inputs.
How to use the PDF OCR
- Open the PDF OCR — no sign-up or software download is required.
- Drag and drop your file(s) into the tool, or click to browse and select them from your device.
- Choose any options you need, such as order, quality, page range or output format.
- Click the action button and let the tool process everything locally in your browser.
- Download the finished file. Your originals are never changed or uploaded.
Why use the PDF OCR?
- 100% free with no limits, no sign-up and no watermarks.
- Private by design — your files are processed in your browser and never uploaded to a server.
- Fast and lightweight, with instant results even on a phone or a slow connection.
- Works everywhere — any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
- Part of a full pdf tools suite, so related pdf ocr tasks are one click away.
Is it private and secure?
Your privacy is built in. The PDF OCR does all processing on your own device using client-side code, so your files are never transmitted, stored or seen by anyone — including us.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PDF OCR free to use?
Yes. The PDF OCR is completely free with no usage limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. Every feature is available to everyone.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF OCR works entirely inside your browser, so your files never leave your device. Nothing is uploaded, stored or shared.
Do I need to install anything or create an account?
No installation and no account are needed. Open the page in any modern browser and start using the PDF OCR straight away.
Does the PDF OCR work on mobile?
Yes. It is fully responsive and works in the browser on Android and iOS phones and tablets, as well as on desktop.
Is there a file size or count limit?
There is no fixed limit imposed by the tool. Because processing happens locally, the practical limit is your device's available memory, so very large jobs work best on a computer.