OCR Text Recognition

Extract text from scanned PDFs using OCR

Upload PDF File

Click to select a scanned PDF

About OCR - Extract Text

OCR, or optical character recognition, reads text from images and scanned documents so you can copy, search and edit it. A scanned PDF is essentially a picture of text, which means you cannot select or search the words until OCR has been applied.

Golden PDF runs OCR inside your browser using an open-source recognition engine, so your documents are not sent to anyone. Accuracy depends on scan quality: clear, straight, well-lit pages at a reasonable resolution give the best results.

Common uses

Copy text out of a scanned letter or book page
Make scanned notes searchable and editable
Extract text from screenshots and photos of documents
Digitize printed forms for further processing

Tips for best results

Use sharp, high-contrast scans of at least 200 to 300 DPI.
Make sure the page is not skewed or rotated before running OCR.
Choose the correct language for better recognition, and proofread the output for errors.

How to use OCR - Extract Text

1Upload a scanned PDF.
2Choose the language and page range.
3Start recognition and wait for processing.
4Copy or download the extracted text.

Why use Golden PDF

Works on scans and photographed documents
Runs privately on your device
Copy or save the result as text
Private: files never leave your device
Free, with no sign-up

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the text recognition?

Accuracy is highest with clear, high-resolution scans. Blurry or skewed pages may contain mistakes, so review important text.

Why does the first run take longer?

Language data must be downloaded the first time you use OCR. After that it is cached by your browser.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. Golden PDF processes everything inside your browser on your own device. Your files are never sent to or stored on our servers.

Is this tool really free?

Yes. All Golden PDF tools are free to use with no sign-up, no watermarks and no file-count limits beyond what your device can handle. The site is supported by advertising.