A2Z Edit
A2Z Edit

OCR guide

When to use PDF OCR vs image OCR

Updated 2026-08-25

If your pages are loose photos, image OCR is direct. If they are already bound as a PDF scan, PDF OCR is the better fit.

A2Z Edit separates these paths so each page does one job well.

Do this on A2Z Edit

Open the OCR Tools and follow the steps below.

Open OCR Tools

Steps

  1. Check whether your source is image files or a PDF.
  2. For JPG/PNG screenshots, open Image to Text (English or Arabic).
  3. For a scanned PDF, open PDF to Text (English or Arabic).
  4. Run OCR and review output.
  5. Convert images to PDF first only when you want one multi-page file to OCR together.

Why it matters

Picking the matching file-type tool avoids extra conversions and confusion.

Tips

  • A single screenshot rarely needs a PDF wrapper.
  • Large binders: split the PDF, then OCR sections.
  • Language still matters—file type and language are both choices.

Frequently asked questions

Can image OCR read a PDF?

Use the PDF OCR tools for PDFs.

Mixed photo set?

OCR key images individually, or build a PDF and use PDF OCR.

Selectable-text PDF?

Try PDF to TXT before OCR.

Related tools

OCR ToolsPrimary tool for this guideImage to Text — EnglishRelated toolPDF to Text — EnglishRelated toolImages to PDFRelated tool

Related guides

How to digitize a paper documentScan or photograph paper, then OCR it into editable text.Choosing the right OCR languagePick English or Arabic OCR on A2Z Edit so recognition matches your script.How does OCR work?A plain-language look at optical character recognition and when to use it.Tips for better OCR accuracyPractical habits that improve OCR results on images and PDFs.

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