How to Extract Text from Scanned PDF Using OCR

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Extract text from scanned PDF using OCR
OCR converts scanned pages into searchable, editable text

If you receive a scanned PDF and need the words inside, retyping is slow and error‑prone. Here’s how to extract text from scanned PDF using OCR so you get searchable, editable text in minutes. You’ll learn when to choose a searchable PDF vs. DOCX, how to pick the right language, and how to fix common issues like skewed pages or faint scans. We’ll use FileConvertLab’s browser‑based OCR tools so you can follow along without installing software.

Extract text from scanned PDF using OCR: quick start

  1. Open OCR: PDF to searchable PDF.
  2. Upload your scanned PDF and choose the correct language.
  3. Process and download a searchable PDF for fast find/copy.
  4. If you need to edit, use OCR: PDF to DOC.

When to choose searchable PDF vs. DOCX

  • Searchable PDF — best for archiving, sharing, and quick lookup while keeping the original look.
  • DOCX — best for rewriting content, changing formatting, or extracting sections into other documents.

Improve OCR accuracy

1) Image quality and DPI

  • Scan at 300 DPI for general text; 200 DPI is the minimum for readability.
  • Avoid heavy compression; JPEG artifacts can merge letters.

2) Deskew and crop

  • Keep text upright. If pages are tilted, recognition confidence drops.
  • Crop borders and backgrounds that have no text.

3) Language selection

  • Choose the main language; for mixed pages, try the dominant one first.
  • For accented scripts, use the exact language to match character sets.

Step‑by‑step: clean output in DOCX

  1. Run PDF (scan) to DOC.
  2. Open the DOCX and apply a single style to body paragraphs.
  3. Merge broken lines: select the paragraph, then clear manual line breaks.
  4. For tables, convert recognized blocks to a Word table if needed.

Common problems and fixes

Faint scans

  • Increase contrast before OCR or rescan with “Text” mode.
  • Turn off background removal if it erases thin strokes.

Multi‑language pages

  • Run OCR twice with different languages and keep the better output.
  • For short foreign terms, manual correction is often faster than multi‑language OCR.

Skewed or rotated pages

  • Straighten pages during scanning or with an image editor before OCR.
  • Ensure text baselines are horizontal for best accuracy.

Export options

  • Searchable PDF — same visual layout with a hidden text layer for find and copy.
  • DOCX — editable file for rewriting, formatting, and reuse.
  • Image to DOC — for camera photos of receipts, slides, or notes.

Common Questions About OCR

What DPI should I use for scanning documents for OCR?

Use 300 DPI for best results. This provides enough detail for accurate character recognition while keeping file sizes manageable. 200 DPI is the minimum for readable results, but accuracy drops with lower resolutions.

Why is my OCR output full of errors?

Common causes include: poor scan quality, skewed or tilted pages, low contrast, wrong language selection, or heavy JPEG compression. Try rescanning at 300 DPI with text mode, straighten pages, increase contrast, and verify language settings.

Can I edit the text after OCR conversion?

Yes, if you convert to DOCX format. The DOCX output is fully editable in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. For searchable PDF output, text remains in the original layout but you can search and copy it.

How do I fix broken lines in OCR output?

In DOCX output, select the paragraph and use Find & Replace to remove manual line breaks (^l or ^p). Then apply consistent paragraph styling. For persistent issues, the original scan may need straightening or higher resolution.

Does OCR work with handwritten text?

OCR works best with printed text. Handwriting recognition requires specialized tools and typically has lower accuracy. For handwritten notes, consider retyping or using dedicated handwriting recognition software.

What's the best format for archiving scanned documents?

Use searchable PDF. It preserves the original document appearance while adding an invisible text layer, making content searchable without changing the visual layout. This is ideal for long-term storage and compliance.

Conclusion

To extract text from scanned PDF using OCR, start with clean images at 300 DPI, pick the right language, and choose the proper output: searchable PDF for archiving or DOCX for editing. When you're ready, try FileConvertLab to convert your files: PDF (scan) to DOC.