# OCR PDF: Arthize vs PDFtk

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

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

PDFtk is a command-line PDF toolkit. PDFtk is a free command-line tool for scripted PDF operations.

**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.

- A visual workspace instead of memorising command-line flags.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- Handles conversion, OCR, signing and editing that PDFtk doesn't.

## 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 PDFtk 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. PDFtk is excellent for developers automating simple, repeatable PDF tasks from scripts.

### 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.