Copying text from images is an essential feature for productivity and convenience, whether you’re extracting details from a screenshot, digitizing printed text, or saving time on manual typing. Thanks to advancements in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, both Android and Windows 11 offer seamless ways to copy text directly from images. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it on both platforms.
Copy Text from Images on Android
On Android devices, there are various ways to extract text from images using built-in tools and third-party apps. Let’s explore the most effective methods:
1. Using Google Photos
Google Photos has built-in OCR functionality powered by Google Lens, making it easy to copy text from images.
Steps:
1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
2. Select the image that contains the text you want to copy.
3. Tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen.
4. Google Lens will highlight the text in the image. Tap Select Text.
5. Highlight the specific text you want to copy, then tap Copy to save it to your clipboard.
This method works seamlessly for printed text, handwritten notes, or even text in multiple languages.
2. Using Google Keep
Google Keep also offers OCR functionality, perfect for quickly copying text from images.
Steps:
1. Open the Google Keep app and create a new note.
2. Tap the + icon and select Image to add a photo containing the text.
3. Once the image is uploaded, tap the three-dot menu and select Grab Image Text.
4. The text from the image will appear in the note, ready to copy and use.
3. Using Third-Party OCR Apps
If you need more advanced OCR capabilities, apps like Text Scanner (OCR), Adobe Scan, and Microsoft Lens are excellent choices.
Example with Text Scanner (OCR):
1. Download and install the Text Scanner (OCR) app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and take a photo of the image or upload an existing one.
3. The app will scan the image and display the extracted text, which you can copy or edit as needed.
Copy Text from Images on Windows 11
Windows 11 also makes copying text from images straightforward, with built-in tools and third-party software options.
1. Using Snipping Tool (With OCR)
With recent updates, the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 supports text recognition.
Steps:
1. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Use the tool to capture a screenshot of the image containing text.
3. After taking the screenshot, select the Extract Text option (available in updated versions).
4. The text will be highlighted and ready for copying.
If your Snipping Tool lacks this feature, ensure your system is updated to the latest version of Windows 11.
2. Using Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys includes a feature called Text Extractor, which provides OCR functionality for copying text from images or screenshots.
Steps:
1. Download and install Microsoft PowerToys from its official GitHub.
2. Launch PowerToys and enable the Text Extractor feature.
3. Press Win + Shift + T to activate the tool.
4. Drag your cursor to select the area of the screen containing text.
5. The text is automatically copied to your clipboard for use.
3. Using OneNote
Microsoft OneNote also offers OCR capabilities, perfect for copying text from images.
Steps:
1. Open OneNote and insert an image by clicking Insert > Pictures.
2. Right-click the image and select Copy Text from Picture.
3. Paste the text wherever you need it.
4. Using Third-Party OCR Tools
For additional functionality, third-party OCR tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, ABBYY FineReader, and Easy Screen OCR provide robust text extraction features.
Example with Easy Screen OCR:
1. Download and install Easy Screen OCR.
2. Launch the app and upload an image or take a screenshot.
3. The app will process the image and display the text, which you can copy or save.
Tips for Best Results
1. Ensure Good Image Quality: Higher-quality images with clear, legible text yield better results.
2. Check Language Settings: For non-English text, ensure the OCR tool supports the desired language.
3. Review Extracted Text: OCR is highly accurate, but occasional errors may occur, especially with cursive or decorative fonts.
Copying text from images on Android and Windows 11 has never been easier, thanks to built-in tools like Google Lens, Snipping Tool, and OneNote, as well as third-party apps like Adobe Scan and Microsoft PowerToys. With these methods, you can save time, boost productivity, and eliminate the need for manual typing. Choose the approach that best suits your needs and enjoy the convenience of modern OCR technology!
