How to Convert Scanned PDF to Text
Convert scanned PDFs to editable text: OCR first, then extract. RatPDF walkthrough for photo scans, faxes, and image-only documents.
Quick steps
- Check text selection — If you cannot highlight text, the PDF is scanned.
- Run OCR — Use OCR PDF to add a searchable text layer.
- Extract text — Upload the OCR'd PDF to PDF to Text.
- Verify output — Spot-check numbers and names before reuse.
Diagnose your file
Try selecting text in a PDF viewer. If you cannot highlight words, the file is image-based — follow the OCR path below.
Recommended pipeline
- OCR the PDF (OCR PDF tool).
- Extract text (PDF to Text).
- Proofread — especially numbers and names.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PDF likely has no text layer — run OCR first.
Clean 300 DPI scans are highly accurate; handwriting and low contrast reduce quality.
Results vary by script — verify critical fields manually.
Use Word when you need headings and tables; use Text for scripts and search.