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How to scan a document to a searchable PDF on iPhone

A normal scan is just a picture of a page. You can't search it, copy text from it, or find it later by a word inside. OCR (optical character recognition) adds a hidden text layer so you can. Here's how to do it on iPhone, without uploading the document anywhere.

We make PDF Tools Pro (method 2). Method 1 uses Apple's Preview app.

First: get a clean scan

OCR is only as good as the scan:

  • Flat page, even light. Avoid shadows from your hand or phone.
  • Hold the phone straight above the page.
  • Text documents: grayscale or black and white usually reads well and keeps the file small.

Method 1: Preview (free, built in)

If you already have a scanned PDF, Apple's Preview guide for iPhone describes an export option that runs OCR:

  1. Open the PDF in Preview.
  2. Tap next to the file name, then Export, and choose PDF.
  3. Turn on Embed Text. This runs OCR on images and makes the PDF searchable.
  4. Save the new copy.

Method 2: PDF Tools Pro (scan + OCR in one step)

  1. Open PDF Tools Pro and go to Scan.
  2. Scan your pages with the camera.
  3. Save it as a searchable PDF. OCR runs on your device.

Then you can keep going in the same app: optimize the scan so it's small enough to email, merge it with other PDFs, or add a password before you share it. Your documents are processed on device and aren't uploaded to us.

Core tools are free, every device gets three successful advanced outputs to try, and Lifetime Pro unlocks every advanced tool with one purchase. No subscription, no account.

How to check it worked

Open the PDF and search for a word you can see on the page. If it's found, or you can select the text, the OCR layer is there.

Good uses for searchable scans

  • Receipts and bills you'll need to find later
  • Signed forms you need to send back by email
  • Contracts and letters where you want to search for a name or a date

Download on the App Store
Free core tools. Three advanced outputs to try on each device, then Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription.

FAQ

Can iPhone make a scanned PDF searchable for free?
Yes. In Apple's Preview app, export the PDF as a PDF with Embed Text turned on. This runs OCR and makes the text searchable.
Does PDF Tools Pro upload my scans for OCR?
No. OCR runs on your device, and documents are not uploaded to us.
Do I need an internet connection for OCR in PDF Tools Pro?
No. OCR runs on your device.
How do I know if my PDF is searchable?
Search for a word you can see on the page. If it's found, or you can select the text, the PDF has a text layer.
Is PDF Tools Pro a subscription?
No. Core tools are free, and Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase that unlocks every advanced tool.
How to Scan to a Searchable PDF on iPhone (OCR, Offline)