How to extract text from a scanned PDF on iPad
The iPad is a genuinely good device for reading and marking up documents, but iPadOS still can't restructure a PDF on its own — no merging, no splitting, no page-level editing without a paid app. Safari on iPad runs desktop-class web pages, so a browser tool works properly here rather than in a cut-down mobile view.
A scan is just a picture of words — you can't select, search or copy anything until the text has been recognised.
Open OCR PDF →Step by step on iPad
- 1Open the OCR tool and upload a scanned PDF or image.
- 2Click “Extract text (OCR)” and wait while it recognizes the text.
- 3Download the recognized text as a .txt file.
Tap to browse and choose from Files, iCloud Drive or a connected drive. You can also drag a PDF from the Files app into Safari using Split View.
Where the finished file is saved on iPad
Safari saves to the Downloads folder in the Files app. With Split View you can keep Files open beside Safari and drag the finished document straight into another app.
What iPad can’t do on its own
Markup lets you draw and sign with Apple Pencil, and Files can preview and rename — but combining documents, extracting pages or editing text isn't something iPadOS does without third-party software.
FAQ
Can I use Apple Pencil with this?
Does this work in Split View alongside other apps?
Is the OCR really private if it downloads a language file?
Which languages are supported?
Is pdfcdf free to use?
Are my files safe? Do they get uploaded?
Do I need to create an account or sign up?
Does it work on mobile phones and tablets?
Ready to extract text from a scanned PDF on your iPad?
Open OCR PDF →