# Make PDF Searchable

> Add local OCR text to scanned PDF pages so standard PDF readers can search the document.

Canonical: https://helpers.aibrush.co/en/make-pdf-searchable

## Options

English OCR data is bundled locally.

Process all pages or a selected range.

Keep the original rendered page image.

Add invisible text or visible review text for checking OCR placement.

## How to make a PDF searchable

1. **Upload PDF** — Upload a scanned PDF.
2. **Choose options** — Choose the OCR language, page range, and text-layer options.
3. **Run OCR** — Run local OCR while page progress updates.
4. **Download** — Download the searchable PDF and check the recognized text preview.

## FAQ

### Is this the same engine as OCR PDF?

Yes. This route focuses on the searchable-PDF workflow and uses the same local OCR engine.

### Are files uploaded?

No. The scan image, OCR text, and rebuilt PDF stay in the browser.

### What if no text is detected?

Try a higher DPI, run Optimize Scanned PDF first, or use a cleaner source scan.