How to apply ocr to an image-only pdf to add a text layer
- Step 1Upload the image-only PDF — Drop the PDF (scanned, photographed, or image-exported) into the OCR tool.
- Step 2Run OCR to add the text layer — The tool processes each page image and generates the text layer.
- Step 3Download the OCR-processed PDF — Save the PDF with the invisible text layer added.
- Step 4Proceed with downstream processing — Convert to Word, extract text, or index for search as needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a PDF is image-only?+
Open the PDF and try to select text. If you cannot select any text, it is an image-only PDF that needs OCR.
Will OCR work on a PDF of a photograph taken with a phone camera?+
Yes — mobile phone photos processed as PDFs extract text if the image is clear and well-lit. Poor lighting or motion blur reduces accuracy.
Can I use the OCR-processed PDF for accessibility compliance?+
OCR adds a text layer enabling screen reader access. For full WCAG 2.1 / PDF/UA accessibility compliance, also add accessibility tags (heading structure, alt text) after OCR.
Privacy first
All PDF processing runs locally in your browser using PDF-lib and pdf.js. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.