NescannerScan documents to searchable PDF on iPhone and iPad
Nescanner recognises the text on each page on your device and adds it to the PDF as an invisible layer. Search and copy work in Files, Preview, Acrobat and other PDF viewers.
What is a searchable PDF?
A photo-only PDF stores a picture of each page. A searchable PDF also contains an invisible text layer created by optical character recognition (OCR). The page keeps its appearance, while a PDF viewer can search words and copy recognised text. Nescanner creates this layer on your device.
Document or Picture?
Document makes the paper white and the text crisp. Use it for printed pages, contracts and receipts. Picture straightens the page but keeps its original colours. Use it for covers, artwork and magazines.
Four steps
Point
The camera finds the page and outlines it. If the phone is tilted too far or the page does not fit, a hint tells you what to fix.
Tap
Choose Document or Picture and press the shutter. Each tap adds a page. With batch mode on, just turn the pages: the shutter fires by itself.
Check
Tap the stack of pages. Reorder or delete pages, or tap one to adjust its corners.
Export
One tap builds a single PDF of all pages. From the corners screen you can export one page as JPEG or PDF.
How do I save a scan?
Tap the stack of pages next to the shutter to open the document, then tap the export button. Nescanner builds one PDF of all pages and opens the share sheet: choose Save to Files, AirDrop, Mail or any other app.
Export before you close the app. The document in progress is cleared the next time Nescanner starts.
Which export quality should I choose?
Open the ••• menu in the document. Low gives the smallest file, good for email. Medium is a balance for everyday use. High keeps full detail for archiving and printing.
How do I get the best scan?
- Hold the phone parallel to the page. If it is tilted too much, the app asks you to level it.
- Keep the whole page inside the frame, with a bit of table around it.
- Any light works, but avoid a harsh shadow of the phone falling across the text.
Questions
Can I search my handwritten notes?
Partly. Text is recognised on the device and added to the PDF, which works best on print. Neat handwriting is often recognised, messy handwriting may not be.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Scanning, processing and export all work without internet, for example in airplane mode.
How much does it cost?
Free for up to 30 exported pages a day, every feature at full quality. Nescanner Pro removes the limit: US$1.99 a month or US$14.99 a year.