A scanned document or a photo of a page is just an image to your computer — none of the words are selectable or searchable. OCR PDF reads the text off scanned pages using the AI provider and model you choose, with your own API key, and gives you back text you can copy and search.
How to ocr pdf
- 1
Upload your scanned PDF
Drag it onto the upload area, or click to choose it from your device.
- 2
Select OCR text
Choose the tool, then pick your AI provider and enter your own API key.
- 3
Click Run
The extracted text is sent to your chosen provider and read back to you.
- 4
Copy or download the text
The recognized text is ready to copy, search, or save.
Why use RealPDFTool for ocr pdf
Your choice of AI provider
Use the provider and model you already have an API key for, rather than a locked-in single vendor.
Frequently asked questions about ocr pdf
Do I need my own API key?
Yes — OCR runs through the AI provider and model you choose, using an API key you supply, rather than a bundled service.
Which AI providers are supported?
Several major providers are supported — pick whichever one you already have a key for in the tool's provider selector.
Does this work on photos, not just scans?
Yes, a clear photo of a printed page works the same way as a proper scan.
Is my document sent anywhere?
The extracted page images are sent to whichever AI provider you select, using your own API key — not stored by RealPDFTool afterward.