Let’s see how to Accurately Extract Text From Any Image. Images store not only memories but also data. They can be used to save printed menus, customer feedback, bills, inspirational quotes, or even student study materials. So, there are many reasons to save text/data as images.
Whatever the reason, there are times when people have to extract text from images. While they can manually type it down, it takes much time. The only good way to extract text from images is by using text extraction tools and techniques.
These tools are of many types and come in many forms. However, due to their availability in a large number, it becomes different for the readers to choose one. If you think so, read this detailed guide and see our suggestions.
1. Online OCR Tools
The easiest yet most accurate way to extract text from an image is to use an online OCR tool. Based on OCR technology to detect text, these tools use advanced AI algorithms to provide an accurate, refined output.
While there are many image to text converter tools, we found Imagetotext.info to be the best to date. This tool is free to use, supports multiple languages, and provides 100% accurate results even for low-resolution images.
To use this tool, paste your image in the input box. You can also drag and drop it, upload it, or provide its URL.
Click on the Convert button to start the process. Wait for the tool to complete the process, which usually takes 2-3 seconds.
The extracted text is presented like this:
Click on the icon to download the extracted text in TXT file format or the icon to copy it into the clipboard. In case you want to extract text from another image, select Start Over from the top-right corner.
| NOTE: Online OCR tools work on both PCs and mobile devices. The only condition is that the device must have an internet connection and a browser. |
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2. Google Photos
While Google Photos can store photos on your mobile device, the app also lets you edit your images, search them on the internet, and even extract text from them. The Google Lens technology does all of this.
All you need to do is to open the Google Photos app and then the desired image. Seeing the Lens option at the bottom? Tap on it.
Go to the Text section. Choose the Select all option for the entire text, or select a particular portion yourself.
Click on the Copy text option. Good news! The text is copied to your device’s clipboard. You can paste it wherever you want.
| NOTE: The Google Photos method is applicable to all mobile devices, whether Android or iOS mobile. All the steps remain the same. |
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3. Apple’s Live Text
Similar to Google Lens, Apple has the Live Text feature on its latest devices, such as iOS (iOS 15 or later), iPadOS (iPadOS 15.1 or later), and macOS. Do you know this? This feature can be used to select the text and copy it.
| To use Live Text, you’ll need to turn it on first; skip this step if you already did this. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and turn on the Live Text feature. |
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Once you have turned on the Live Text option, open the desired image on the Photos app. Touch and hold the text on the image until the app automatically selects it.
Click on Select All to select all the text, or adjust the points yourself to select the desired text length. In the end, click on Copy to save the text into the clipboard.
| NOTE: On macOS PC, open the image in the Photos app. Hover the cursor over the text. Drag the cursor to Select the desired text. Right-click on the selected text and choose Copy. The text will be copied to the clipboard. |
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Conclusion
Although many methods exist, we recommend three to extract text from any image accurately: online OCR tools, Google Photos, and Apple’s Live Text.
Online OCR tools are easy and fast to use for free. Simply upload the image into the input box, click the convert button, and wait for a while. Once the tool extracts the text, click on the copy button or download the text.
Google Photos uses Google Lens technology to extract text. Open the image in Google Photos and tap the Lens option. Once the text is detected, select it and copy it.
Apple’s Live Text feature works on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. Open the image in the Photos app and tap on the text on the image to select it. Click copy. But remember, you’ll need to turn on Live Text in your device settings first.