Diagnose why copy doesn’t work (10 seconds)
Do these quick checks. They tell you exactly which fix to use.
Test #1: Try highlighting a single word
If you can’t select individual words/letters (only a big box highlights), the PDF is likely image-only (a scan).
Test #2: Zoom in to 300–400%
If letters look pixelated like a photo, it’s probably a scanned image (not real text).
Test #3: Check if copy is blocked
Some PDFs are password-protected or have copying disabled. You may be able to select text but copying/pasting fails.
What this usually means
If you can’t select individual words, your “PDF text” is actually an image (a scan). OCR is the correct fix because it creates a real text layer.
Causes & fixes (choose the right one)
Cause A: Your PDF is scanned (image-only)
Signs
- Looks like text, but it’s actually a photo of a page inside a PDF
- You can’t select individual words/letters
- Ctrl+F / Find doesn’t work (because there is no real text)
Fix: Run OCR to create selectable text
OCR (optical character recognition) detects the letters in the scanned image and creates a real text layer so you can select/copy/search.
Run OCR PDF nowCause B: Copying is restricted (protected PDF)
Signs
- You can highlight text, but copy/paste fails or gives garbage
- The file may be password-protected or have permissions that block copying
Fix: Use an unlocked version (recommended)
If you own the document, export/download an unlocked copy from the source, or ask the sender for a copy with copying enabled. Respect document permissions.
Extract text safely (if you have rights)Cause C: Text is embedded weirdly (fonts/layers)
Signs
- Some PDFs use unusual fonts or layered text that breaks selection
- Copy/paste comes out with broken spacing or wrong characters
Fix: Extract text + clean formatting
Try extracting text and then quickly clean spacing in your editor. For searchable PDFs, OCR can also help normalize copy output in many cases.
Try PDF to TextFAQs
Why can’t I copy text from my PDF?
Most commonly: the PDF is a scan (image-only) so there is no real text to copy. Another common reason is copy restrictions or unusual embedded fonts/layers.
How do I tell if my PDF is scanned?
Try selecting a single word. If you can’t select individual words/letters and only a big box highlights, it’s likely a scanned image PDF.
Will OCR make my PDF searchable and copyable?
Yes—OCR adds a text layer so search (Ctrl+F), selection, and copy/paste work much better on scanned PDFs.
My PDF is long and you only process the first pages—what do I do?
Use Split PDF to keep only the pages you need, then run OCR on the smaller PDF.
Is OCR perfect?
OCR depends on scan quality. Blurry pages, low contrast, and skewed text can cause mistakes—always proofread important content.