How to Extract Text From an Image (OCR)

Ever needed to copy text from a screenshot, a photo of a whiteboard, or a scanned receipt? You can't select text in an image — but OCR (optical character recognition) can read it for you and turn it into editable text.

Extract text from an image

Use the Image to Text tool:

1. Open Image to Text and upload your image (JPG, PNG, or a photo).
2. Click Extract — OCR reads the text.
3. Copy the recognized text and use it anywhere.

Where OCR helps

• Copying text from a screenshot you can't select.
• Digitizing a receipt or business card.
• Getting text out of a photo of a document or a slide.
• Turning a scanned page into editable text.

Tips for accurate results

• Good lighting and focus — blurry or dark photos reduce accuracy.
• Straight, not skewed — crop to the text and keep it roughly level.
• Higher resolution generally reads better than a tiny thumbnail.

Working with PDFs

If your text is in a PDF that has real (selectable) text, skip OCR and use PDF to Text— it's instant and free. Use OCR (Image to Text) when the PDF or file is a scan or photo with no selectable text.

FAQ

Which languages are supported?

OCR handles a wide range of languages, with English and other common languages recognized well.

Is handwriting supported?

OCR is designed for printed text. Neat handwriting may work partially, but printed text is far more reliable.