Make a PDF look scanned

Tilt, grain and gray tones like a real scan.

Your files never leave your device.

How to make a PDF look scanned

  1. Add the PDF.

  2. Choose black and white or colour, and set the tilt and grain. Off-white paper and an edge shadow add realism.

  3. Press “Make it look scanned” and download the PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I want a PDF to look scanned?

Some offices and forms expect a scanned look for signed papers. It also makes a document look printed and signed by hand.

Can the text still be selected?

No. Like a real scan, each page becomes an image. Use OCR afterwards if you need searchable text.

Does every page get the same tilt?

No. Each page gets a slightly different random tilt, up to the maximum you set, like pages fed through a real scanner.

How do I keep the file small?

Choose black and white and 100 or 150 DPI under “More options”. That gives small files that still look natural.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. This tool runs entirely in your browser, so your files stay on your device and are never sent anywhere. It even works with the internet switched off.