# OCR PDF: Arthize vs Nitro PDF

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

To OCR a scanned PDF, Arthize offers a free, private ocr pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Nitro PDF. 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 Nitro PDF

Nitro PDF is a business-focused PDF and e-signature platform. Nitro sells a business PDF and e-signature platform on per-seat licensing.

**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.

- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- No per-seat licensing to start.
- 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.

## 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 Nitro PDF 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. Nitro is a considered choice for larger organisations standardising on one vendor.

### 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.