Problem-solving guide
How to convert a scanned PDF to text
Updated 2026-08-25
If you cannot highlight words, the PDF is probably images of pages.
Run PDF to Text English or Arabic OCR on A2Z Edit—linked from the OCR tools—to recover text.
Do this on A2Z Edit
Open the PDF to Text — English and follow the steps below.
Open PDF to Text — EnglishHow to convert a scanned PDF to text
- Confirm text is not selectable in your reader.
- Choose English or Arabic PDF OCR to match the script.
- Upload the scan and run OCR.
- Copy the text output.
- Proofread names and numbers.
Why it matters
Text unlocks search, quotes, and edits that scans alone cannot offer.
Tips
- Rotate pages before OCR when scans are sideways.
- Try PDF to TXT first if the file might already have a text layer.
- Keep the visual PDF for signatures and layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is this PDF to Word?
OCR targets image pages. PDF to Word expects more text-friendly sources.
Handwriting?
Printed scans work best; handwriting is unreliable.
Privacy?
Browser-based OCR on A2Z Edit processes in your session context.
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