# OCR PDF for hr teams

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/hr-teams/ocr-pdf_

Arthize lets HR and people teams OCR a scanned PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert.

## Why hr teams OCR a scanned PDF

For a new hire, HR merges the contract, handbook and benefits summary into one onboarding pack, sends it for e-signature, and redacts personal data before filing the copy — inside a private workspace.

**Built for offer letters.** Whether it's offer letters, contracts, policy documents, Arthize's ocr pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. HR handles salaries, ID scans and personal data. Those files must be processed privately and never retained by an outside tool.

## What matters when you OCR a scanned PDF

OCR adds an invisible, selectable text layer over the scanned image.

Without OCR, a scanned PDF is just a picture and can't be searched.

Running OCR first is what makes a scan convert cleanly to Word or Excel.

## How to OCR a scanned PDF

1. **Open the OCR tool** — Sign in and open the OCR tool.
2. **Add your scan** — Upload the scanned or image-only PDF.
3. **Run OCR** — Arthize recognises the text and adds it as an invisible, selectable layer.
4. **Download** — Get a searchable PDF whose text you can copy and convert.

## FAQ

### How do hr teams OCR a scanned PDF for free?

OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why HR and people teams can use it for offer letters without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to OCR a scanned PDF sensitive offer letters?

Yes. HR handles salaries, ID scans and personal data. Those files must be processed privately and never retained by an outside tool. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I make a scanned PDF searchable?

OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### What is OCR and why does my scan need it?

OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.