5 Ways to Extract Text from a Picture: No Special Skills Required

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Convert an image or screenshot to text using online tools, mobile apps, and more

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: August 19, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Adobe

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Using Google Drive

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Using Word

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Using OCR

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Using Online Tools

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Tips

There might be a time you need to copy the text in that funny Internet meme you found on Facebook or Reddit. The problem is, your browser will not let you highlight and copy the text in the image. Luckily, there are various ways to do this easily and quickly.

A Simple Guide to Copy Text from Images

Use Adobe's online tools to convert your image to PDF quickly, then copy the text in a PDF reader, like Adobe Reader.
You can also copy text in an image using other tools like Google Drive and Word.
If you're using an Android, iPhone, or iPad, you can use OCR tools to extract text from an image.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using Adobe

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1
Convert your image to a PDF. Go to https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/jpg-to-pdf.html and make your image a PDF. Even though that tool specifically says "JPG," it also supports other image file types, like PNG and BMP.
- Click Select a File to upload your image, then download the converted document.
2
Open the PDF in any PDF reader and copy the text. You can use any PDF reader, like Adobe Reader, to copy the text from the image.
- Although Adobe offers products with a subscription, you can use the online tools and Adobe Reader for free!^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Using Google Drive

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1
Upload your image to Google Drive, then open it in Google Docs. Go to https://drive.google.com/drive/home and click + to upload a new file.
- Once the file uploads, right-click it (or hold down Ctrl and click if you're on Mac) and select Open with > Google Docs.
2
Copy the text. Once the file is opened in Google Docs, you can highlight and copy the text.
- The formatting might not be identical, but you can copy any text in the image.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using Word

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This method takes a few steps, but if you have Word, you can use it instead of the other options.
Go to File > Save as and select the "Document type" as "PDF."
3
Open the PDF in Word. With Word already open, go to File > Open and select the document with your image.
- Alternatively, right-click the file in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and choose Open with > Word.
The text may automatically be extracted for you. If not, you can easily highlight the text and copy it.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using OCR

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1
Scan a document within your OCR app. You can screenshot an image or use your smartphone's camera to scan the document.
- Some phones, like Samsung or iPhone, extract text immediately and automatically using built-in tools to copy text from images.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Online Tools

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Just search your internet browser for "copy text from an image" and you'll see lots of online tools in the search results. Some may offer this for free depending on the size and quantity of images or PDFs you have; others may ask for a small subscription fee. However, this isn't as reliably safe and accurate as doing it yourself using Word, Google Drive, OCR apps, or Adobe.

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Tips

Extracting text from an image is easier as long as the image has good lighting, resolution, and is clear of edits. Altered images may not work as well when you're trying to copy text.

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