How to extract text from a scanned PDF on Windows

Windows can open a PDF in Edge and print to PDF, and that's about the extent of it. Anything structural means installing software — and most free Windows PDF editors bundle extras you don't want or watermark the output. Running the job in the browser you already have open avoids installers, admin rights and watermarks entirely.

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 Windows

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.

Click to browse and use the standard Windows file dialog, or drag the PDF from File Explorer or your desktop directly onto the page.

Where the finished file is saved on Windows

Edge and Chrome save to your Downloads folder and show the file in the downloads flyout at the top-right. Open File Explorer → Downloads to find it later, or drag it from the flyout straight into an email.

What Windows can’t do on its own

Windows has no built-in PDF editor. Edge can view and annotate, and 'Microsoft Print to PDF' can create one — but merging, splitting, page editing and OCR all require third-party software, which on a managed or work PC you may not even be allowed to install.

FAQ

Do I need admin rights or an installer for this?

No. Nothing is installed, so it works on locked-down work and school PCs where you can't install software.

Will the finished PDF have a watermark?

No. Many free Windows PDF utilities stamp their logo on the output unless you pay — this doesn't add anything to your document.

Is the OCR really private if it downloads a language file?

Yes. Only the OCR engine and English language model download once (like loading any library). Your actual document is read locally and never uploaded.

Which languages are supported?

OCR currently recognizes English. It works best on clear, printed text.

Is pdfcdf free to use?

Yes. Every tool on pdfcdf is completely free, with no account, no watermarks, and no limits on how many files you process.

Are my files safe? Do they get uploaded?

Your files never leave your device. Every tool runs entirely in your browser, so your documents are processed locally and are never uploaded to a server or seen by anyone.

Do I need to create an account or sign up?

No. pdfcdf works instantly with no sign-up, no email, and no software to install — just open the tool and go.

Does it work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes. pdfcdf runs in any modern browser on phones, tablets, Mac, Windows and Linux — nothing to download.

Ready to extract text from a scanned PDF on your Windows?

Open OCR PDF →

Same tool, other devices

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