What is a searchable PDF?

A searchable PDF contains a text layer that software can select, copy, search, and extract. A scanned PDF may look readable to a person while containing only page images.

How does the checker detect scanned pages?

It extracts the text layer page by page. Pages with fewer than 20 non-space characters are marked likely scanned or image-only. This threshold is deterministic but intentionally described as likely because some pages are naturally sparse.

Can this tool add OCR to my PDF?

No. It identifies pages that may need OCR but does not alter the file. Run OCR in a trusted document tool, export a new PDF, and then check it again.

Why can’t ChatGPT read some scanned PDFs?

Visible text may exist only as pixels. Whether an AI product performs OCR depends on its file pipeline and limits, so adding a correct searchable text layer is more reliable than assuming image recognition will recover every page.

Free tools

Check If a PDF Is Searchable or Scanned

Detect extractable text page by page, identify likely image-only scans, and see exactly where OCR may be required.

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Tool 01

Scanned PDF Text-Layer Checker

Identify searchable pages and likely image-only pages that need OCR.

Check whether a PDF is searchable

Detect which pages expose extractable text and which are likely scanned or image-only.

Drop a PDF here or choose a file

Processed locally in your browser · up to 25 MB · no OCR

How it works

Scanned PDF Text-Layer Checker: methodology and worked example

How this tool computes its result

The checker opens the PDF locally, extracts the text content of each page, normalizes it into reading lines, and counts words and non-space characters. A page with fewer than 20 extracted non-space characters is labeled likely scanned or image-only; all other pages are labeled as having a text layer. The result reports document-wide searchability percentage, total extracted characters, and a page-by-page grid so mixed PDFs do not hide image-only appendices behind searchable front matter.

Worked example

A 30-page contract has selectable text on pages 1 through 26, scanned signatures on pages 27 and 28, a searchable schedule on page 29, and an image-only exhibit on page 30. The checker reports 27 of 30 pages with text, 90% searchable coverage, and identifies pages 27, 28, and 30 for OCR review. It does not claim the signatures themselves can or should be converted accurately.

When not to use this tool

The threshold is designed to identify likely text-layer gaps, not to certify OCR accuracy, accessibility, or legal fidelity. A cover page containing only a short title can be flagged despite being intentionally sparse, while a poor OCR layer can pass because it contains many incorrect characters. Review both the visual page and extracted text before relying on the document.

Common mistakes

- Checking only whether text can be selected on page 1 instead of reviewing every page in a mixed scanned and digital PDF.
- Assuming any text layer is a good text layer. OCR can be garbled, misordered, or detached from the visible words.
- Expecting this checker to perform OCR. It identifies likely problem pages but never changes or uploads the file.

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