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OCR for PDFs

Make scanned documents searchable and copyable – locally on your computer.

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All Pro features free for 7 days – then buy once, no subscription.

Make scanned PDFs searchable

Scanned contracts, invoices or letters are often just images: you cannot search, copy or highlight anything. CtdPDF’s text recognition (OCR) adds an invisible text layer to the page. The document looks exactly as before – but is now searchable and copyable.

How OCR works in CtdPDF

  1. Open the scanned PDF and choose Tools › Text recognition.
  2. Select pages and language (German, English and other languages installed in Windows).
  3. Start – CtdPDF recognises pages at high resolution and shows the progress. You can cancel at any time.

Benefits

  • Full-text search in scanned documents.
  • Copy text into other applications.
  • Highlight and comment just like a digitally created PDF.
  • Local and offline: recognition uses the OCR engine built into Windows – no uploads, no per-page fees.

Tips for good results

Scan at 300 dpi or more, as straight as possible and with good contrast. Pages that already contain text can be skipped automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Is CtdPDF a subscription?
No. You buy a licence once and use CtdPDF permanently. There is no term and no automatic renewal.
How much does CtdPDF cost?
CtdPDF Standard 2026 costs a one-time €149, CtdPDF Pro 2026 a one-time €199 – each incl. 19% VAT per device. From 2 licences volume pricing applies (Standard: €139, €129, €119; Pro: €185, €172, €159 per licence).
Can I try CtdPDF before buying?
Yes. Download and install CtdPDF for free. Without an activated licence you can open and read PDFs; activate a licence to edit. [Trial period to be defined]
On how many devices can I use a licence?
One licence covers one device. When you get a new PC, release the old device in your account (up to 3 releases in 30 days) and activate the licence on the new one.
What are the system requirements?
Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit) with .NET Framework 4.8 (included in current Windows versions). An internet connection is required for activation and the licence check about every 7 days.

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Try CtdPDF now

Buy once, use forever – including every Standard feature.

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Free sign-up is all it takes · no payment details · one-time price incl. VAT · Windows 10 & 11