# Scanned PDF to Markdown Converter

> Convert scanned PDF files to Markdown with OCR fallback. Extract readable text from image-based PDFs and turn it into editable MD content.

Upload a scanned or image-based PDF and convert readable OCR text into Markdown for notes, documentation, research, and cleanup workflows.

## What Is Scanned PDF to Markdown Converter?

Scanned PDF to Markdown Converter is an online DocToMD tool that turns supported Scanned PDF content into editable Markdown. The result can be reviewed in the browser, copied as text, or downloaded as an .md file.

## Supported Input

- .pdf scans
- image-based PDFs
- OCR-readable PDFs

## What the Conversion Preserves

- OCR-readable text
- Detected headings when clear
- Paragraphs
- Lists when recognizable
- Simple table-like text

## Known Limitations

- OCR accuracy depends on scan quality, language, contrast, and page rotation
- Handwriting, stamps, watermarks, and low-resolution scans may need manual correction
- Free users can convert PDFs up to 3 pages; licensed users up to 99 pages
- Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked before upload

## How to Convert Scanned PDF to Markdown

1. Upload the scanned PDF. Clear, straight, high-contrast scans give the best OCR result.
2. DocToMD checks the PDF and uses OCR fallback when text extraction is not enough.
3. Review the Markdown preview carefully, especially numbers, tables, headers, and any text from low-quality scans.
4. Copy the cleaned Markdown or download it as an .md file.

## Common Uses

- Use this page for image-based PDFs, scanned papers, receipts, printed reports, or archive documents where text selection does not work well in a PDF viewer.
- Use the main PDF to Markdown converter for normal text-based PDFs where the text is already selectable.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can scanned PDFs be converted to Markdown?

Yes, when OCR can read the page images. Accuracy depends on scan resolution, contrast, rotation, language, and the complexity of the page.

### Is OCR PDF to Markdown different from normal PDF to Markdown?

Yes. Normal PDF conversion extracts existing text. OCR conversion first recognizes text from page images, then turns that recognized text into Markdown.

### Will OCR preserve tables perfectly?

No. Simple printed tables may be readable, but scanned tables often need manual cleanup because OCR can misread columns, merged cells, and numbers.

### What scans work best?

Straight, high-resolution, high-contrast scans with printed text work best. Handwriting, skewed pages, shadows, and low-resolution images reduce OCR quality.

### Are uploaded files stored?

Files are processed for conversion and temporary files are removed after processing. Avoid uploading password-protected or highly sensitive files unless you are comfortable processing them through the service.

## Service Limits

- Free usage: 3 free conversions per day, shared across file and public URL conversions.
- Free file size: up to 10 MB per file.
- Free PDF length: up to 3 pages per file.
- Licensed usage: up to 100 file conversions and 10 public URL conversions per day.
- Licensed file size: up to 100 MB per file.
- Licensed PDF length: up to 99 pages per file.
- Licensed batch upload: up to 10 files per request.

Daily limits reset according to server calendar time. Current prices and license terms are published at https://doctomd.com/pricing/.

## Use the Converter

- [Open the Scanned PDF to Markdown Converter](https://doctomd.com/scanned-pdf-to-markdown/)
- [View current pricing and limits](https://doctomd.com/pricing/)

## Related Converters

- [PDF to Markdown Converter](https://doctomd.com/pdf-to-markdown.md)
- [DOC to Markdown Converter](https://doctomd.com/doc-to-markdown.md)
- [Word to Markdown Converter](https://doctomd.com/word-to-markdown.md)
- [ZIP to Markdown Converter](https://doctomd.com/zip-to-markdown.md)

## Canonical Page

https://doctomd.com/scanned-pdf-to-markdown/