How to make a searchable PDF on iPhone

A normal scan looks like a page, but a searchable PDF is easier to use because the text can be found later. Searchability comes from OCR: optical character recognition.

Start with a readable scan

OCR is only as good as the source image. Make sure the page is flat, text is in focus, and the scan includes every edge of the document.

Run OCR before exporting

SaneScan recognizes text locally. That keeps the document workflow on the device and avoids sending sensitive pages to a SaneApps cloud service.

Use PDFs for archives

PDFs are easier to file, share, and open across devices than loose images. For records you may need years later, PDF export is usually the right final format.

When searchable PDFs matter most

• Contracts where you may need to find a clause, date, or address later.
• Receipts and invoices that include totals, order numbers, and vendor names.
• Forms and policies that are easier to search than manually reread.

FAQ

Is OCR the same as PDF export? No. PDF export creates the file; OCR recognizes the page text so the document is easier to search and copy from.

Does SaneScan need a cloud account for OCR? No. SaneScan is designed around local recognition and system sharing.