Pro
Make a scanned PDF searchable
Recognize the text in a scan without sending the scan anywhere.
Part of PDF Coast Pro. Try it free for 14 days, no payment method needed.
Updated 25 October 2026
The short answer
PDF Coast runs OCR on your own computer, so the scan is never uploaded. Open the scanned PDF, choose Convert at the top of the window, then Recognize text (OCR). It can add a hidden, searchable text layer and leave the page image exactly as it is, or rebuild the page as editable text. It reads English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, French and German. OCR is part of PDF Coast Pro, with a 14-day free trial.
- Price
- Pro, US$26.49 once. Free 14-day trial
- Your file
- Stays on your PC, never uploaded
- Internet
- Not needed
- Works on
- Windows 10 and 11
How to do it
- Open the scanned PDF.
- Choose Convert at the top of the window, then Recognize text (OCR).
- Choose the document language, and whether to keep the page image or rebuild the page as text.
- Save. You can now search the document and copy text from it.
OCR a scanned PDF online, or on your PC?
Online converters are handy on a phone. For anything private, a desktop app is safer.
 PDF Coast |
Typical online converter | |
|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | Never | Yes, to their servers |
| Works without internet | Yes | No |
| Limits on free use | None on free tools | Daily or file-size limits are common |
| Account | Not needed | Often needed after a few files |
Questions
Does the OCR use a cloud service?
No. Recognition runs on your PC and works offline, which is why it is safe to use on confidential documents.
Will it change how the page looks?
Not if you keep the page image. The recognized text is added as a hidden layer, so the scan looks the same and becomes searchable.
Which languages are supported?
English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, French and German.
How much does PDF Coast Pro cost?
Pro is a one-time purchase of US$26.49, with no subscription and no renewals. Microsoft Store shows the price in your own currency before you confirm, and you can try every Pro tool free for 14 days first.
Is my file uploaded anywhere?
No. PDF Coast opens and saves the file on your own computer, and works with the internet switched off. Nothing about the document is sent anywhere.
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Get PDF Coast for free
Everyday PDF work is free forever. Pro is US$26.49 once, and you can try every Pro tool free for 14 days. No account, no card, no subscription.
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. English, 简体中文 and 繁體中文.