Searchable PDF vs Scanned PDF

Tell whether a PDF contains selectable text or only page images.

Two PDFs can look identical but behave differently. A digital PDF may contain text, while a scanned document may be made from page images; that affects search, copying, and accessibility.

Try selecting a sentence

If individual words can be selected, the file likely has a text layer. If the page behaves like one image, it may be scanned or require OCR.

Understand OCR limits

OCR creates a text layer from page images, but quality depends on resolution, skew, contrast, and language. Check known words after recognition because similar characters can be confused.

Keep the original

Preserve the visual source and sample pages from the beginning, middle, and end. Check legibility and reading order before relying on extracted text.

Before relying on the result, test a small example, keep an original copy when a file or value is transformed, and check the output in the application where you plan to use it. Browse the tools directory for a utility that matches your task, and use the other practical guides for related checks.

Editorial note: This guide provides general educational information. Follow the requirements of the software, service, or organization involved when a task has specific rules.