How to Copy Text from Images: The Ultimate Guide

Guide
In our digital age, we often encounter valuable information trapped within images - whether it's a screenshot of an important email, a scan of a printed document, or even text embedded in a meme.
Manually transcribing this text can be time-consuming and error-prone. Fortunately, technology has provided us with powerful tools to extract text from images quickly and accurately.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various methods to copy text from images, with a special focus on Xnapper, a game-changing tool for Mac users.

Why extract text from images?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's consider why you might need to copy text from an image:
  1. Digitizing physical documents: Convert scanned papers into editable text.
  1. Extracting information from screenshots: Quickly grab text from software interfaces or web pages.
  1. Translating text in images: Extract text to input into translation tools.
  1. Accessibility: Make image-based content readable for screen readers.
  1. Data entry and analysis: Extract data from charts or tables in image format.
Now that we understand the importance, let's explore the various methods available.

Method 1: Xnapper - Screenshot Tool for Mac

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Now, let's focus on a powerful tool that's changing the game for Mac users: Xnapper. This innovative screenshot tool comes with built-in OCR capabilities, making it a standout choice for copying text from images.

What is Xnapper?

Xnapper is more than just a screenshot tool. It's a Mac app for capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots, with the added bonus of powerful OCR functionality.
For Mac users, this means you can now select and copy text directly from your screenshots without any additional steps.

How to Use Xnapper for Text Extraction

  1. Installation:
      • Install Xnapper on your Mac
  1. Capturing Screenshots:
      • Use Xnapper's global keyboard shortcut or interface to take a screenshot
      • Xnapper will automatically detect and process any text in the image
  1. Selecting and Copying Text:
      • In Xnapper's editor, click on the text selection tool
      • Highlight the text you want to copy
      • Press Command+C to copy the selected text to your clipboard
  1. Pasting the Text:
      • Open any text editor or document
      • Press Command+V to paste the extracted text

Why Xnapper Stands Out

  • Seamless Integration: Xnapper combines screenshot functionality with OCR, streamlining your workflow.
  • High Accuracy: Powered by Apple's Vision framework, Xnapper offers fast and accurate text recognition.
  • User-Friendly: The intuitive interface makes text extraction a breeze, even for non-tech-savvy users.
  • Time-Saving: No need to switch between different apps or upload images to online services.
  • Privacy: Your images are processed locally, ensuring your data remains on your device.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Xnapper

  1. Ensure Clear Screenshots: Capture clear, high-resolution screenshots for the best OCR results.
  1. Proper Framing: Include only the relevant text in your screenshot to improve accuracy.
  1. Use the Right Tools: Utilize Xnapper's editing tools to crop or enhance your screenshot if needed.
  1. Check the Results: Always review the extracted text to catch any potential OCR errors.

Method 2: Online OCR Tools

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Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is the technology behind text extraction from images. Many free online tools leverage OCR to help you copy text from images:
  1. Google Drive:
      • Upload your image to Google Drive
      • Right-click and select "Open with Google Docs"
      • Google automatically extracts the text into a new document
  1. OnlineOCR.net:
      • Visit the website and upload your image
      • Select the language of the text
      • Click "Convert" to extract the text
  1. NewOCR.com:
      • Upload your image or provide a URL
      • Choose the language and output format
      • Click "OCR" to extract the text
These online tools are great for occasional use but may have limitations on file size or number of conversions.

Method 3: Desktop OCR Software

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For more frequent use or batch processing, consider desktop OCR software:
  1. ABBYY FineReader:
      • Supports over 190 languages
      • Offers high accuracy and layout retention
      • Includes advanced features like document comparison
  1. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:
      • Converts scanned PDFs and images to searchable text
      • Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products
      • Offers automatic form field detection
  1. Readiris:
      • User-friendly interface
      • Supports over 130 languages
      • Offers cloud integration and PDF creation
While these software options provide more features and flexibility, they often come with a price tag.

Method 4: Mobile OCR Apps

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For on-the-go text extraction, consider these mobile apps:
  1. Google Lens:
      • Point your camera at text to extract it in real-time
      • Available for both Android and iOS
      • Offers translation and search capabilities
  1. Microsoft Office Lens:
      • Capture and enhance images of documents or whiteboards
      • Extract text and save as Word, PDF, or PowerPoint
      • Available for both Android and iOS
  1. ABBYY TextGrabber:
      • Recognizes text in over 60 languages
      • Offers real-time recognition using your device's camera
      • Available for both Android and iOS
These apps are perfect for quick text extraction tasks when you're away from your computer.

Best Practices for Copying Text from Images

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Regardless of the method you choose, follow these best practices to ensure the best results:
  1. Image Quality Matters: Use high-resolution images with clear, legible text.
  1. Contrast is Key: Ensure good contrast between the text and background.
  1. Mind the Orientation: Keep text properly oriented for better recognition.
  1. Choose the Right Language: If your OCR tool supports multiple languages, select the appropriate one.
  1. Post-Processing: Always review and edit the extracted text to correct any errors.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Power of Visual Information

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In our increasingly visual digital world, the ability to copy text from images is more than just a convenience—it's a superpower.
Whether you're a student digitizing textbook pages, a professional managing scanned documents, or just someone trying to grab that perfect quote from a meme, the tools and methods we've explored in this guide will help you unlock the wealth of information trapped in images.
For Mac users, Xnapper stands out as a particularly powerful solution, seamlessly integrating screenshot capabilities with OCR functionality. Its ability to select and copy text directly from screenshots represents a significant leap forward in productivity and ease of use.
Remember, the key to successful text extraction lies not just in the tools you use, but in how you use them. By following best practices and choosing the right method for your needs, you can make the process of copying text from images quick, accurate, and effortless.
So the next time you find yourself faced with an image full of valuable text, don't reach for the keyboard to start typing it out.
Instead, arm yourself with these powerful tools and techniques, and unlock the potential of every image you encounter. Happy extracting!
Ilias Ism

Article by

Ilias Ism

Ilias helps teams improve their marketing with Xnapper