How to search scanned PDFs and photos.

When OCR helps

OCR is useful when a page looks readable but its words can't be selected: scanned contracts and forms, old paperwork, book pages, screenshots, receipts, and photos of whiteboards or notes.

Text that already exists inside documents, including searchable PDFs, is read directly. OCR runs only on scanned pages and image files.

• Scanned PDFs
• Images: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, TIF, TIFF, BMP

1. Add the folder with your scans

Add the folder that holds your scans or photos, then click Build Index. OCR runs in the background along with the rest of the index, with a progress bar. Large scan collections take longer the first time; after that, only new or changed files are read.

2. Search for a word you remember

Search for a name, number, date, or distinctive phrase. Recognized words are highlighted on the scanned page or photo in the preview.

Tips for better results

• Sharp, well-lit, straight scans work best. Very small print, handwriting, and blurry photos may be missed.
• Try a distinctive word first, then broaden the search.
• Combine with Extension to look only at pdf or only at images.
• OCR runs on your Mac with Apple's on-device text recognition. You can turn it off in Settings.