PDF Text Include vs PDF Field Guide
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PDF Text Include
This app adds a selectable and searchable text layer to images within PDF files using advanced machine learning for 29 languages. It supports batch processing, document scanning, and integration with custom workflows.
- Add text layer to PDF images
- Intelligent character recognition (OCR)
- Supports 29 languages (typed & handwritten)
- Batch processing
- Integrated scanner function
- Shortcuts integration
- On-device processing for privacy
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PDF Text Includer is a simple to use Mac, iPhone and iPad app that adds text to images within your PDF files. With PDF Text Includer you can add a text layer to PDF files in no time and completely automatically. Thus, scanned documents have selectable text that can be copied and searched. Documents are much easier to find if, for example, you use the Spotlight search for terms that appear in images of a particular file. Whether typed or handwritten, PDF Text Includer recognizes 29 languages and dialects using modern machine learning. After you have opened one or more PDF files with PDF Text Includer they will be processed immediately. With just one more click you can replace the originals with the variant improved by the app. Found text can also be exported directly and with the integrated Shortcut action, the app functions can be added to your own personal workflow. To shorten further detours PDF Text Includer includes a scanner function. On the iPhone or iPad, the integrated camera is used to generate PDF files. On macOS, you can wirelessly access the camera of your iPhone or iPad. The scanned file is processed directly by the app and is ready for further use. KEY FEATURES • Drop it like it’s hot: Drag and drop your file into the application window or on the app icon • The more the merrier: Batch process multiple files or contents of folders • Intelligent character recognition (ICR): Files are being processed using advanced optical character recognition (OCR) • Scan your documents: Import any PDF files or use your iPhone or iPad to scan a new document - even on the Mac using Continuity Camera • Automate your workflow: Make use of the included Shortcuts actions and easily integrate character recognition into your workflow • Share, replace or export: You can either share the converted PDF file directly from within the app, replace the original file or export the file content as text • Typed or handwritten: Recognizes all kinds of fonts including handwritten text using modern machine learning • Privacy: Everything is being processed entirely on your device, no internet connection is required
PDF Field Guide
Quickly access, search, and share your essential PDF documents. Organize and import files for offline viewing, and convert images into searchable PDFs. Smart zoom and full-screen reading enhance your experience.
- Organize and group documents
- Import PDFs for offline viewing
- Create searchable PDFs from images
- Smart zoom and full-screen reading
- Keyword search and table of contents
- Share documents via multiple methods
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PDF Field Guide is the #1 quick reference companion helping you recall information quickly! Add, view, search and share your most important PDF documents quickly and easily from your iPhone, iPad and Mac. Helping you recall information quickly when you need it most! ADD - Organize and group your most needed documents for fast access. - Import PDFs from iCloud or Files App for offline viewing. - Create searchable PDFs using your camera and automatic document recognition. - Convert images to searchable PDFs from your photos or camera roll. VIEW - Double tap on the screen to Smart Zoom to the text you want to read. - Automatically switch to full screen reading mode when placed in landscape orientation. - Requires no internet connection. Documents are stored locally in iOS Files App. - Supports system dark mode. SEARCH - Perform keyword search to find information quickly. - Create customizable table of contents for fast access to important pages. - Tap to jump to sections in documents with embedded table of contents. - Tap to follow hyperlinks in documents with embedded links. - Highlight to select text in OCR-enabled documents allowing you to copy or share key information. SHARE - Share individual or multiple documents via email, text, AirDrop and more. - Family sharing enabled. - No subscriptions. Ever.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PDF Field Guide at Free against PDF Text Include's $4.99. PDF Text Include's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
PDF Field Guide is free to download; PDF Text Include costs $4.99 up front. PDF Field Guide sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. PDF Text Include asks for nothing beyond the download.
PDF Text Include ships an update every 2 months, PDF Field Guide monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PDF Text Include | PDF Field Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daniel Witt | Heidi Paul |
Customer experience
PDF Text Include
PDF Field Guide
In-app purchases
PDF Text Include
No in-app purchases
PDF Field Guide
- Premium Pass$1.99
- Pro Pass$4.99
Questions
Is PDF Text Include free?
Is PDF Field Guide free?
Do PDF Text Include or PDF Field Guide have ads?
Which is updated more often, PDF Text Include or PDF Field Guide?
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