Why converting the file type isn't enough
Most JPG-to-PDF converters only wrap the image in a PDF. The file ends in .pdf, but there is still no text inside it, so search finds nothing. The missing step is OCR, which reads the words and adds them as a text layer.
GetSearchablePDF does both in one go: each image becomes a PDF page, and that page gets a text layer. The guide to converting JPG scans explains the process in more depth.
How to convert
- Create an account. It comes with 10 free pages to try it, valid for 7 days, with no credit card.
- Drop in PDFs, JPGs or PNGs, up to 50 files at a time.
- Most files are ready in 10 to 30 seconds. Download each searchable PDF, or all of them as a ZIP.
Each image becomes its own one-page searchable PDF.
Getting good results from photos
- Photograph the page flat and straight on, filling the frame
- Use even light and avoid shadows from your phone or hand
- Keep the text sharp: tap to focus before taking the photo
- For flatbed scans, 300 dpi is a good resolution
Handwriting is recognized too, in widely used languages such as English, Spanish, French and German. Neat block letters come out best.
Supported files
JPG (.jpg, .jpeg) and PNG images, plus PDFs. Other formats, such as HEIC from iPhones, need converting to JPG first; most phones can save photos as JPG in their camera settings.
Price
Every account starts with 10 free pages to try it, valid for 7 days, with no credit card. Each image counts as one page.
After that, monthly plans start at $9 for 250 pages, or you can buy a one-off pack of 250 pages for $14.99 or 1,000 pages for $39.99. Pack pages never expire.
Questions
- Can I combine several JPGs into one PDF?
- Not yet. Each image becomes its own searchable PDF. Download them all at once as a ZIP.
- Does it work with PNG files?
- Yes. JPG and PNG are both supported.
- Will the image quality change?
- No. The image is kept as it is. OCR adds an invisible text layer on top.
- Are my photos stored?
- No. Files are deleted automatically within an hour of processing.