Guide
How to Copy Text from an Image or Screenshot (Free OCR)
To copy text from an image, run it through OCR (optical character recognition): upload or paste the image into an image-to-text tool, choose the language, and copy the recognized text. For best results use a sharp, well-lit, straight-on image with dark text on a light background.
Try Image to Text (OCR) free
Extract text from photos, screenshots and scans with OCR.
Runs in your browser. No upload, no sign-up.
Extract text with OCR
- Open Image to Text. Paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V or upload a photo.
- Select the language(s) in the image, up to three at once.
- Click Extract text. The first run downloads the recognition engine, so it’s slower.
- Check and edit the result, then Copy or download a .txt file.
Scanned PDF?
If PDF to Text finds no text, your PDF is scanned. Convert its pages with PDF to Images, then run them through OCR.
Get more accurate results
- Shoot straight on, not at an angle, and fill the frame with the text.
- Use good light without shadows or glare.
- Crop to just the text you need with the Image Cropper.
- Printed text works far better than handwriting or decorative fonts.
- Pick the right language: accents and alphabets matter.
Built-in options on your devices
| Device | Built-in feature |
|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | Live Text: long-press text in a photo |
| Android | Google Lens: tap Lens in Photos, then Text |
| Windows 11 | Snipping Tool → Text actions |
| Mac | Live Text in Preview and Photos |
These are great for quick grabs. An online OCR tool helps when you need many languages, editable output, or you’re working from screenshots on a computer without these features.
Frequently asked questions
Can OCR read handwriting?
Somewhat, if it’s neat and printed-style, but accuracy drops a lot compared with typed text.
Is OCR free?
Yes, FaaTools Image to Text is free with no limits or sign-up.
Is my image uploaded?
No. Text recognition runs in your browser; only the engine and language files are downloaded once.
Tools used in this guide
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