PDF OCR Reader

The PDF OCR Reader node extracts text from scanned or image-based PDF documents using AI vision models. It supports advanced handwriting recognition, multilingual input, and structured output for use in automation flows.

Node Overview

Purpose: Convert non-text PDFs into structured, readable text
Usage: Document digitization, handwriting recognition, form extraction
Model Requirement: Requires AI vision models for processing

Node Inputs

Required

• File Name
  Upload or select a PDF from your MergePoint storage

Optional

• Use Link
  Read from a publicly accessible PDF URL

• Specify Pages
  Limit processing to specific page numbers or ranges (e.g., 1-3, 5, 7-10)

• Split PDF Content by Page
  Returns a list where each item contains extracted text from one page
  Useful for workflows that need per-page parsing

• Image Model
  Choose the AI model to use for OCR
  (see Available Models below)

• Temperature
  Controls OCR creativity/accuracy (range: 0–1). Lower is more precise, higher allows for softer interpretation.

• Cache Response
  Enable to store results and avoid reprocessing the same file

Show As Input Options

Enable dynamic control from previous nodes:

• Temperature

Node Output

• PDF Contents
  Returns either:

  • A single string (full document)

  • A list of page-level strings (if "Split by Page" is enabled)

Node Functionality

This node can:

• Perform OCR on image-based PDFs

• Read printed text and handwriting

• Handle multi-page documents

• Detect content in various layouts and languages

• Accept file uploads or public URLs

Common Use Cases

1. Scanned Contracts

Input: contracts_scanned.pdf
Setup: Advanced model, all pages
Output: Searchable legal text
Use Case: Document archiving and search

2. Receipts / Invoices

Input: expenses_receipts.pdf
Setup: Split by page, mid-range temperature
Output: Line items per page
Use Case: Automated expense reporting

3. Handwritten Notes

Input: meeting_notes_handwritten.pdf
Setup: Claude Sonnet or GPT-4.1 Vision
Output: Parsed, readable notes
Use Case: Digitizing notebooks and whiteboard scans