OCR for scanned PDFs in portal uploads

Use OCR when a scan is readable, but you need searchable text for review or submission. Keep it secondary when the real problem is a strict upload limit.

When OCR helps

• A portal or reviewer needs searchable text inside a scanned PDF.
• You want to keep the document on-device instead of uploading it to an OCR service.
• You need a better balance between readability and file size before submission.

What to verify

• Check scan clarity before running OCR on a blurry document.
• Compare file size before and after OCR if the upload limit is strict.
• Keep an original copy in case the destination only wants the raw scan.

Do not turn on OCR automatically when your main goal is meeting a strict size limit. OCR can increase the final file size, and not every portal needs it. If your priority is meeting a strict size limit, start by getting a version that fits without OCR and use Choose the right target size.

Related guides: Choose the right target size, 2 MB limits, Why uploads get rejected, Prepare a sensitive PDF on-device.

Related portals: GENERAL for other portals, IRCC, CEAC.