Translate Scanned PDFs with OCR

Scanned PDFs and image-only documents need OCR before the text can be translated. PDFTranslate.org provides an OCR scan translation mode for this workflow.

Upload a scanned PDF

When to Use OCR

• The PDF is a scan from a printer or copier.
• Text cannot be selected or copied from the PDF.
• The document is made of image-only pages.
• You need a translated draft before human review.
• Standard text translation detects little or no text layer.

Credit Cost

OCR scan translation shows an estimated credit cost before the task starts. Standard text translation is usually better for selectable-text PDFs.

Workflow

Upload a PDF or paste an HTTPS PDF link, choose the source and target language, select OCR scan translation, review the estimated cost, then sign in to create the task and download the translated result.

FAQ

Can OCR translate every scanned document?

OCR works best when scans are readable, upright, and high enough resolution. Very blurry pages may need manual review.

Does OCR cost more than standard text translation?

Yes. OCR scan translation can cost more because the service must recognize text from images before translation, and the uploader shows the estimate before the task starts.

Where can I review security details?

See Security and Privacy, Pricing, and the browser-based PDF tools.