# OCR PDF: Arthize vs CamScanner

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/camscanner/ocr-pdf_

To OCR a scanned PDF, Arthize offers a free, private ocr pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to CamScanner. OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert.

## Arthize's ocr pdf vs CamScanner

CamScanner is a mobile-first document scanning app. CamScanner focuses on phone scanning with a freemium model and ads on the free tier.

**Arthize's approach:** OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert.

- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- A full desktop-grade tool set beyond scanning.

## How to OCR a scanned PDF with Arthize

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 with Arthize

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

### Is Arthize a good CamScanner alternative to OCR a scanned PDF?

Yes. OCR adds a searchable text layer to a scanned PDF, turning a picture of text into words you can select, search, copy and convert. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. CamScanner is convenient for quick mobile captures on the go.

### 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.