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Is my PDF scanned?

Check page by page whether a PDF has real text or is just pictures.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Works on any device

About Is my PDF scanned?

Looks at each page of a PDF and tells you whether it carries real, selectable text or only a picture of text. A scan with no text layer cannot be searched, copied or read by screen readers. The page-by-page report also finds mixed files where only some pages were scanned.

How to use Is my PDF scanned?

  1. Choose your PDF, or drag and drop it here. You can try the sample first.
  2. Make your changes and check them in the preview.
  3. Download the new PDF. Your file never leaves your device.

Why use this tool?

Also known as

Frequently asked questions

How can I make a scanned PDF searchable?

Run it through OCR, which recognises the letters in the images and adds an invisible text layer. After that you can search, select and copy the text.

Is Is my PDF scanned? free?

Yes. Is my PDF scanned? on Toolipedia is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark.

Is it safe to use?

Yes. Everything is worked out in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on Android and iPhone, as well as on tablets and computers. There's nothing to install.

Do I need an account?

No. Just open the page and use the tool. There's no sign-up and no email needed.

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