
While scanned PDFs preserve document appearance, they lack editable text and accessibility features. In 2025, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology has reached new levels of accuracy. This guide covers the best methods to convert scanned documents into fully editable and searchable PDFs.
Try Our Tool: While we don't currently offer OCR functionality, our PDF Compressor can optimize scanned PDFs after OCR processing to reduce file size while maintaining quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are these advanced features available in free PDF tools?
A: Some basic implementations are available in free tools, but professional-grade features typically require paid software. Our free tools at The PDF Buddy offer many of these capabilities through simple interfaces.
Q: How do I know if my PDF software supports these features?
A: Check your software's documentation for terms like "PDF layers," "Bates numbering," or "PDF JavaScript." Most professional PDF editors will list these capabilities.
Q: Can I use these techniques on mobile devices?
A: Many mobile PDF apps now support basic versions of these features, but complex workflows are still best handled on desktop.