Does OCR change how the receipt looks?

No — the original image is preserved and an invisible text layer sits beneath it.

Will HMRC accept a scanned receipt?

Digital copies are acceptable provided the record is legible and complete, which is why OCR and full-page capture matter.

Can I merge a month of receipts?

Yes — use Merge Monthly Expenses PDF once each receipt is converted.

Receipt to PDF vs Receipt to Searchable PDF: which should you use?

Both turn receipt photos into tidy PDFs. The OCR version adds a searchable text layer, which is what makes a receipt usable as an HMRC-ready record rather than just an image.

When to use Receipt to PDF

Choose Receipt to PDF for speed when you only need the image filed — quick claims and attachments nobody will search later.

Convert receipt images and photos into organized PDF documents for expense reports.

When to use Receipt to Searchable PDF

Choose Receipt to PDF with OCR when amounts, dates and supplier names must be searchable and selectable for bookkeeping or audit.

Turn photo receipts into professional, searchable PDF documents for tax filing with OCR.

The verdict

Anything entering your accounting records should be OCR'd; disposable attachments do not need it.

Both tools run inside your session, are UK GDPR-aligned, and every uploaded file is purged within 1 hour under our non-persistence guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Does OCR change how the receipt looks?: No — the original image is preserved and an invisible text layer sits beneath it.
Will HMRC accept a scanned receipt?: Digital copies are acceptable provided the record is legible and complete, which is why OCR and full-page capture matter.
Can I merge a month of receipts?: Yes — use Merge Monthly Expenses PDF once each receipt is converted.

Open Receipt to PDF · Open Receipt to Searchable PDF · Browse all tools