How to copy text from an image on any device

Extracting Text from Images: A Cross-Platform Guide

The internet is awash with images containing text – memes, infographics, screenshots – making it difficult to directly copy and paste this information. Fortunately, all major operating systems offer solutions to easily extract text from images.

macOS: Leveraging Live Text

macOS users benefit from the built-in Live Text feature. Available in Safari, Preview, Photos, and even Quick Look, this functionality allows for direct text selection and copying from images. Simply open the image and select the text as you would from a standard document. Note that for online content, Live Text only functions within Safari. For other browsers, download the image and open it in Preview or Quick Look.

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Windows: Utilizing Text Extractor in PowerToys

Windows doesn't natively support text extraction from images. However, the free PowerToys suite includes the Text Extractor utility. Download and install PowerToys, then use the keyboard shortcut Windows Shift T. Select the desired image area with your mouse, and Text Extractor will attempt to recognize and copy the text. While effective, it performs best with clear text and backgrounds.

iPhone and iPad: Live Text's Mobile Power

Apple's Live Text is also available on iOS and iPadOS, functioning identically to its macOS counterpart. Select text within images opened in Safari, Photos, or the Files app. Additionally, Live Text works directly with your device's camera. Point your camera at text, and the Live Text icon (three lines of text within a square) will appear. Tap it to copy the text. This is ideal for quickly grabbing text from books or URLs on posters.

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Android: Google Lens for Text Extraction

Android users can employ Google Lens, integrated into Google Photos and the Google Camera app (on Pixel phones). Locate the Lens icon (a circle within three squares) at the bottom of the screen when viewing an image, or select "Lens" from the camera's mode options. Choose the "copy text" option to transfer the extracted text to your clipboard. Google Lens also offers the convenience of Google Search and translation capabilities.

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