How to Make a Scanned PDF Searchable

Step by Step

1. Make a backup copy of the original document before making major or irreversible changes.
2. Open the scan in software with OCR/text-recognition support, run recognition, review results, and save the searchable PDF.
3. Review the output carefully, including page order, formatting, images, and text.
4. Save the result with a new filename until you are sure it is correct.

If That Doesn't Work

• Exact menu names differ between Adobe Acrobat/Reader, Microsoft Office, browsers, macOS, Windows, and third-party applications.
• For confidential documents, avoid uploading files to an unknown online converter; use trusted software or services.