How to Copy Text From a Picture [3 Easy Ways]

Frequently, we stumble upon textual content within images that we wish to replicate. Whether it’s straightforward text, a contact number, an email, or even lengthy paragraphs of script, having the capability to withdraw text from images proves to be incredibly advantageous. The process of extracting text from images is remarkably swift compared to the time-consuming alternative of manually retyping the data.

This piece will explore three convenient techniques to extract text from images on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. Keep reading to acquire knowledge on how to seamlessly copy text from images.

Acquiring Text From Images using an Online Service at No Cost

Numerous free online platforms enable text extraction from images. The beauty of this service lies in its compatibility with virtually any device equipped with a browser application. This provides a straightforward means to enhance efficiency across macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS platforms.

For this illustration, we shall employ the website onlineocr.net.

Below are the steps to follow for extracting text from images:

  • Navigate to the website onlineocr.net.
  • Select the blue “Choose file” button. This action opens the file browser on your device. Opt for the image or PDF file and hit “Open.”
  • Determine the target language and desired output format.
  • Initiate the conversion process by clicking “Convert.”

The extracted text will be presented alongside options and a download button for local saving. This same service can be utilized for converting PDF files into text.

Extracting Words From Images via Google Lens

Leveraging Google’s Lens technology simplifies the retrieval of text from images with minimal effort. Google Lens, along with Keep and Photos, facilitates text copying from images and operates similarly. These applications are compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows platforms.

Proceed with the following steps to accomplish this:

  • Access the Google Lens app and select the image.
  • Click the pill-shaped icon labeled “Text” within the main toolbar.
  • In the secondary menu at the bottom, choose “Select all” to highlight all text within the image.
  • Fine-tune the text selection using the blue cursors.
  • Execute the text copy by clicking “Copy text” to transfer it to the device’s clipboard.
  • Subsequently, paste the copied text into the preferred application or file.

One notable aspect of this image-to-text extraction method is its ability to handle handwritten text with considerable accuracy, though minor discrepancies might arise.

Harvesting Text From Images Using Live Text in iOS 15

Apple introduced the practical Live Text feature with the iOS 15 update, enabling users to extract text from images and perform additional functions such as making calls, sending emails, translating languages, and conducting web searches.

While we discussed Google Lens, which is also available on iOS, Apple has seamlessly integrated this capability into the operating system, resulting in a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

Live Text operates on newer iPhone models, including iPhone 11 and subsequent versions, as well as iPhone XR and XS. Regrettably, Live Text is not available on the iPhone X.

To utilize Live Text, it’s essential to upgrade to iOS 15 or a higher version. To achieve this, navigate to “Settings,” select “General,” and tap “Software Update” to check for and install the latest update, if available.

Presently, Live Text exclusively supports English, French, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Spanish languages.

Enabling Live Text functionality on your iOS device involves these steps:

  • Access the device’s “Settings.”
  • Navigate to “General.”
  • Scroll down and locate “Language & Region,” then enable the “Live text” feature if it’s currently disabled.
  • Effortless Text Copying From Images in iOS

To extract text from an image, adhere to the subsequent instructions:

  • Launch the “Photos” app and select the desired image.
  • Long-press any word within the image until it’s highlighted, prompting a menu to appear.
  • Adjust the cursors to encompass the desired text for copying.
  • Select “Copy” to transfer the text to the clipboard. Alternatively, use “Select All” followed by “Copy” to copy all image text.
  • Open the desired application for pasting the copied text.
  • Hold the text box until a dialog box emerges.
  • Execute the text paste by selecting “Paste.”

This method is also applicable for initiating calls to phone numbers. Employ the same process to highlight the number, triggering a dialog box that prompts a call to that number. Similarly, if a website link is scanned, tapping on it within the dialog box directs you to the corresponding website. For text in different languages:

  • Access the image and hold the text to highlight it.
  • Click the arrow in the dialog box and choose “Translate.”
  • Opt for “Change Language” and then click “Play” to hear the text and its translation. “Copy translation” enables copying the translation to the clipboard.

Answers to Common Queries About Text Extraction From Images

How Can I Convert an Image to Text?

Multiple approaches exist for extracting text from images. The simplest method involves utilizing a free online text extraction service. Upload the image, click “Process,” and a downloadable text document will swiftly materialize.

Google Lens and image-to-text converters also offer the added advantage of handwriting recognition.

How Can I Extract Text From a Scanned PDF?

To extract text from a PDF, various free online platforms, such as Online OCR, can swiftly extract text from the PDF content.

How Do I Extract Text From an Image in Windows?

Opting for a text conversion website proves to be the most effective method. Simply upload your image or PDF file and allow the service to handle the rest. The extracted text is promptly presented upon completion.

Concluding Insights on Text Extraction From Images

The ability to copy text from images proves immensely beneficial, particularly when dealing with PDFs or images containing valuable textual information or contact details. A noteworthy aspect of these methods is their compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Android, iPhone, Windows, and macOS systems.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of copying text from images, you might discover additional productivity articles to be of interest and utility.

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