ocr pdf: arthize vs soda pdf →
OCR PDF: Arthize vs Soda PDF
Updated July 2026
To OCR a scanned PDF, Arthize offers a free, private ocr pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Soda 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 Soda PDF
Soda PDF is a PDF suite with online and desktop editions. Soda PDF sells online and desktop editions on a subscription model.
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.
- 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.
- No subscription needed for core tools.
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.
Common questions
- Is Arthize a good Soda 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. Soda PDF offers a broad feature set for teams that want a full desktop suite.
- 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.
Related
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