# OCR PDF: Arthize vs PDFescape

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

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

PDFescape is a long-running free online PDF editor. PDFescape offers basic free online editing with premium upgrades.

**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.

- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- 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.
- A modern interface and a much wider tool set.

## 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 PDFescape 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. PDFescape covers simple form-filling and light edits for free.

### 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.