Make PDF Searchable
Add a hidden text layer to scanned PDFs so you can search, copy, and highlight text. 100% private, processed locally in your browser.
or drop PDF here
Single File • 100% Local process in your device
How to Make a PDF Searchable Online
Transform scanned documents into searchable, selectable text in three simple steps. No software installation, no sign-up, and zero file uploads.
Upload Your Scanned PDF
Click Select PDF File or drag and drop your document. For optimal privacy, the file is processed entirely within your browser and never touches our servers.
Click "Make PDF Searchable"
Our advanced local OCR engine analyzes the image, detects text, and calculates precise word-level coordinates. It then generates a hidden text layer that perfectly aligns with the original scan, even if the page is slightly skewed.
Download & Verify
Download your new PDF. Visually, it looks identical to the original, but now you can use Ctrl+F to search for keywords, highlight text, or copy and paste content directly.
Why Choose CedarPDF for OCR?
We built CedarPDF to solve the privacy and quality frustrations of traditional online OCR tools.
100% Private & Local
Unlike cloud OCR services that upload your files to remote servers, CedarPDF runs the entire recognition process locally in your browser. Your sensitive contracts, medical records, or financial documents never leave your device.
Pixel-Perfect Alignment
We use advanced word-level baseline detection. This ensures that even if your scan is slightly tilted or contains descending letters (like 'y' or 'g'), the hidden text layer aligns perfectly with the original image.
Preserves Original Layout
The process is completely non-destructive. We don't alter your original scanned image. We simply add an invisible text layer on top. The visual appearance remains 100% intact.
Truly Free & Unlimited
No daily limits, no file size caps, no watermarks, and no premium upsells. Process as many documents as you need, completely free of charge.
When Do You Need to Make a PDF Searchable?
From students to professionals, CedarPDF helps people unlock the text hidden in their scanned documents.
Study & Cite Efficiently
- Make scanned textbooks, academic papers, and historical archives fully searchable.
- Quickly find specific quotes or data points using Ctrl+F instead of manually skimming pages.
- Copy and paste citations directly into your research papers with high accuracy.
Manage Contracts & Invoices
- Transform scanned signed contracts into searchable archives for easy retrieval.
- Extract text from scanned invoices or receipts for accounting and expense reporting.
- Keep confidential business data secure by processing everything locally on your device.
Secure Document Handling
- Legal Teams: Make redacted or signed legal agreements searchable without uploading sensitive data to third-party clouds.
- Healthcare: Digitize patient records or insurance forms while maintaining strict HIPAA-compliant local processing.
- Best of all: Zero-knowledge privacy guarantees your data is never used to train AI models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my document really processed 100% locally?
Yes, absolutely. CedarPDF uses WebAssembly and JavaScript to run the OCR engine directly inside your browser. Your file is never uploaded to any server, ensuring maximum privacy and security for sensitive documents.
Does this change the visual appearance of my PDF?
No. The process is completely non-destructive. We preserve your original scanned image exactly as it is. We simply add an invisible text layer on top of it. The document will look identical to the original, but now the text is selectable and searchable.
What languages are currently supported?
Currently, this tool is optimized for English documents. We are actively working on adding support for other languages (like French, Spanish, and Chinese) in future updates.
Is there a file size or page limit?
There are no artificial limits imposed by us. However, because the processing happens in your browser, extremely large files (e.g., 100+ MB or 200+ pages) may require more device memory and take longer to process. For best performance, we recommend processing files under 50MB.
Why can I only process one file at a time?
OCR is a highly resource-intensive process. To ensure the highest accuracy, prevent browser crashes (Out of Memory errors), and maintain a smooth user experience, we currently limit processing to one file at a time. You can easily process multiple files sequentially.