Recognize text in a scanned PDF (OCR) – free and without uploading

A scan is a picture of text: you cannot search, copy or change it. Lilli PDF reads the text for you, right in your browser. Your scan never leaves your device.

Open Lilli PDF

Works on phone, tablet and computer. Nothing to install.

How to OCR a PDF

Open your scanned PDF. Go to Lilli PDF and choose your file, or drag it onto the page.
Choose the language and start. In the menu, pick the language of the text (Dutch, English, German or Spanish) and choose “Recognize text (OCR)”. Lilli reads the pages one by one.
Edit or save. Choose Edit to change the recognized text, or choose Save. The recognized text is saved invisibly behind the scan, so you can search and copy it in other PDF readers.

Text recognition on your own device

Many online OCR services send your scan to their server. Lilli PDF does the recognition in your browser. That matters for the documents people usually scan: letters, contracts, invoices and forms with personal details.

Your PDF stays on your device

Nothing is uploaded

Your PDF is opened, changed and saved in your browser. It is never sent to us or to anyone else.

Almost no internet needed

The first time, Lilli downloads its reading module and language pack. After that, recognition also works offline.

Free, no account

No sign-up, no page limit and no watermark.

More you can do with Lilli PDF

Edit the text after it has been recognized.
Rotate scanned pages that are sideways, or delete blank ones.
Sign your PDF with your finger or mouse.
Merge several scans into one PDF.

Good to know

Recognition works best on clear, straight scans. Rotate sideways pages first.
Available languages: Dutch, English, German and Spanish. Choose the language of the text for the best result.
The first time, the reading module and language pack (a few MB) are downloaded. Your PDF itself is never sent.
When you change recognized text, the old part of the scan is covered with the background colour and your new text is placed on top.
Does your PDF already contain normal text? Then OCR is not needed: choose Edit directly.

Frequently asked questions

Is OCR in Lilli PDF free?

Yes. No account, no page limit and no watermark.

Is my scan uploaded to a server?

No. The text is recognized by your own device, in your web browser. Only the reading module and language pack are downloaded the first time.

Which languages are supported?

Dutch, English, German and Spanish.

Can I search the PDF after OCR?

Yes. When you save, the recognized text is stored invisibly behind the scan, so you can search and copy it in other PDF readers.

Can I edit the recognized text?

Yes. After recognition, choose Edit and tap a line to change it.

How long does it take?

That depends on your device and the number of pages. Lilli shows which page she is reading.

Ready to recognize your scan?

Open Lilli PDF

Need to change normal PDF text? Read how to edit PDF text.