MetaCyberGuru Tools
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Make a searchable PDF

Add an English OCR text layer to scanned pages.

Or drop files here. Unencrypted PDF.

Up to 20 files, 25 MB each, 75 MB total. PDF: 50 source pages. OCR: 20 selected pages. PDF redaction: 10 source pages.

    Output settings

    Use file page numbers, starting at 1.

    80%

    1 KB = 1,000 bytes. A very small target may be impossible.

    Rectangle as percentages

    Crop keeps the rectangle. Redaction covers it with solid black.

    The tool will create a new copy. Your original stays unchanged.

    Files stay in this browser. No account required. Processing details.

    Choose files to begin.

    How to use this tool

    1. Choose a PDF and select up to 20 pages to process.
    2. Run OCR to build image pages with a hidden text layer.
    3. Open the output and test search and copy using words visible on the page.

    When it helps

    A searchable scan combines a visible page image with an invisible layer of recognized text. This lets a PDF reader search for words while showing the original page appearance as rendered by the browser. The text is estimated from pixels and positioned approximately. It is useful for finding a phrase in a scanned document without manually opening every page.

    A practical example

    Make a short scanned instruction sheet searchable, then use your PDF viewer to find a distinctive heading.

    Before you share the result

    The PDF is rebuilt from rendered pages. Original signatures, forms, attachments and interactive features are not retained. OCR errors remain possible, and selection boxes may not align perfectly. English is supported; this is not a tagged accessible PDF or an archival PDF/A conversion.

    Keep a separate copy of the source file. Check the downloaded result in the application your recipient will use, especially page order, small text and important numbers. Conversion is not a guarantee that a portal will accept a document.

    Questions about make a searchable pdf

    Does OCR change visible wording?

    The visible page is a rendered image; recognized text is added behind it for search and selection.

    Is this an accessible PDF conversion?

    No. It does not produce a fully tagged document with a verified reading order.

    Are my files sent to your server?

    The processing code runs in this browser. Input files and generated results are not uploaded by the tool. Visiting the page still makes ordinary requests for site assets, and the hosting server may record those requests. Read the tool privacy explanation.

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    Questions or an incorrect result? Report a problem without sending confidential files.