Scanned PDF translator
Translate scanned PDFs online with OCR and layout preservation
Yes. Reflo can recognize machine-printed text in a legible scanned PDF, translate that text, and place the result back into the document layout. Upload the scan below, choose the source and target languages, then review the translated PDF—especially names, stamps, handwriting, and low-resolution areas.
- OCR extracts machine-printed text from image-based pages
- The translated document keeps the source page structure where possible
- You can review the result before using it in a final workflow
Content reviewed
Start with your PDF
or drop a file
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Good fits
When this PDF translation workflow helps
Archived documents
Make scanned reports, letters, and public records readable to colleagues who use another language without manually retyping every page.
Printed manuals
Translate digitized instructions and equipment manuals while keeping diagrams, labels, and page references near the surrounding text.
Forms and certificates
Create a working translation of fixed-layout forms or certificates for review while retaining the visual context of each field.
Practical workflow
How to get a useful first translation
- 1
Check the scan
Use the clearest copy available. Upright pages, readable contrast, and complete page edges give OCR the best source material.
- 2
Upload the PDF
Select the scanned PDF in Reflo. Image-based pages are recognized before their text is translated.
- 3
Choose languages and translate
Confirm the source and target languages, then let Reflo translate the recognized content in the context of the page.
- 4
Review the translated scan
Compare names, dates, handwritten notes, stamps, and small labels with the source before sharing or relying on the result.
Know before you rely on it
Limitations and review points
- Blur, shadows, page curvature, skew, compression artifacts, or very small text can reduce OCR accuracy.
- Handwriting, decorative lettering, overlapping stamps, and text embedded in complex diagrams may need manual transcription or correction.
- Translation can expand or contract the text, so dense forms and narrow labels may wrap differently from the source.
- For legal, medical, financial, or other consequential use, have a qualified human review the translated document.
Review Reflo's current Privacy Policy and Terms of Service before uploading material with special handling requirements.
Questions and direct answers
Frequently asked questions
Can Reflo translate a PDF that contains only scanned images?+
Yes, if the pages contain legible machine-printed text. Reflo uses OCR to recognize text in image-based PDF pages before translating it. Recognition quality still depends on the quality of the scan.
Will the translated scanned PDF keep the original layout?+
Reflo is designed to preserve the source page structure, including the placement of text, images, and tables. Text length changes between languages, so line wrapping and crowded regions can still differ.
Does it work with handwritten scanned documents?+
This workflow is best for machine-printed text. Handwriting recognition can be unreliable, especially with cursive, faint ink, or annotations that overlap printed content.
How can I improve OCR accuracy before translating?+
Start with an upright, high-contrast scan that is not blurry or cropped. If possible, rescan pages with shadows, folded corners, or text that is too small to read at normal zoom.
Should I review a translated scan before using it?+
Yes. Check proper names, dates, measurements, stamps, signatures, and low-quality regions against the original. A human reviewer is essential when mistakes could have legal, safety, medical, or financial consequences.
Continue your review
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