How to convert a scanned PDF to an editable Word file
Last updated: · यह गाइड हिंदी में पढ़ें
Converted a PDF to Word and got only pictures? The PDF was probably scanned, so there was no text to convert. You need OCR, which reads the text from the page images first.
How to tell if a PDF is scanned
Open it and try to select a sentence with your mouse. If you can’t select individual words, or Ctrl+F finds nothing, it’s a scan.
How to convert it
- Open PDF to Word and choose your file.
- Tick “My PDF is scanned or a photo (use OCR)”.
- Choose the document language: English, or Hindi + English.
- Select Convert to Word, then open the .docx in Word, LibreOffice or Google Docs.
What to expect
- Text and simple tables are rebuilt so you can edit them.
- The layout will be close but not identical. Letters and reports convert best, and many-column layouts may need tidying.
- Stamps, signatures and handwriting aren’t reliably turned into text.
- OCR makes mistakes, so check names, dates and amounts.
Do you need Word at all?
If you only want to search or copy from the file, OCR PDF keeps the original look and adds a hidden text layer. For a small fix, the PDF editor may be enough.
Limits and privacy
With OCR, files can be up to 25 MB and 30 scanned pages. This tool runs on our own server, and your file is deleted after download or within 15 minutes.
Tools used in this guide
- PDF to Word: Turn a PDF into an editable Word document, with OCR for scans.
- OCR PDF: Make a scanned PDF searchable and copyable.