How to Copy Text from an Image Online –  Steps and Tools

Two days ago, I received some images from my clients who want me to copy the text present on them. I confirmed the deal, but as soon as I started working on it, it made me realize that it is a breathtaking task. That’s where I considered using advanced technology and searched for how to copy text from an image online.

Eventually, I came across Optical Character Recognition technology, shortly known as OCR. This technology mainly allows you to convert image based texts into editable formats. I searched for the tools and found numerous ones online. In this guide, I have mentioned them along with steps to follow to copy texts from images.

Before moving ahead into tools and steps, it is essential to understand OCR technology. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is an AI based method that scans images containing text and converts them into machine readable text. OCR algorithms analyze the shapes and patterns of letters, compare them to stored character databases, and generate a text based output. Some common uses of OCR are:

• Extracting text from scanned documents  
• Copying printed text from images  
• Converting handwritten notes into digital format  
• Translating text from foreign language signs or documents  
• Digitizing historical documents for preservation  

While searching online, I found numerous online tools that offer OCR functionalities. Some of the best options include:  

• Google Lens (Google Photos & Google Drive): Google Lens is an AI powered tool that can identify and extract text from images. It is available via Google Photos, Google Drive, and the Google Lens app.  
• OnlineOCR.net: A free online service that supports multiple languages and document formats.
• i2OCR: An easy to use tool that supports batch processing and multiple languages.  
• OCR.space: A high accuracy OCR tool with advanced features like automatic text recognition.
• Microsoft OneNote OCR: OneNote provides built in OCR capabilities, useful for copying text from images within notebooks.
• Prepostseo OCR Tool: An online tool with good text recognition accuracy and free usage options.
• Adobe Acrobat Online OCR: Adobe offers a premium OCR tool that works well for PDFs and scanned documents.  

Each tool has its own set of features, but the process for extracting text remains similar.  

In the above section, I have enlisted the tools that can help you copy text from the images. Now, let’s go through the step by step process to help you learn how to copy text from an image online using different tools.  

1 – Google Lens (Google Photos & Drive)  

• Open Google Photos (or Google Drive) on your smartphone.
• Upload the image containing the text.
• Open the image in Google Photos.

• Tap on the Google Lens icon.

• It will highlight the detected text.
• Select the text you want to copy.

• Click “Copy text.”

• Paste it into a document or note taking app.

2 – OnlineOCR.net

• Go to OnlineOCR.net
• Click “Select file” and upload your image.

• Select the language of the text.

• Choose output format (Text, Word, or Excel).

• Click “Convert” to extract text.

• Copy and paste the text into your document.

3 – i2OCR

• Visit i2OCR
• Click “Select Image” and choose a file.

• Pick the correct language for accurate text recognition.
• Click “Extract Text” and copy the text output.

4 – OCR.space

• Head to the homepage of OCR.space
• Click “Choose File” and upload the image.

• Choose automatic recognition or set a specific language.

• Click “Start OCR” and copy the extracted text.

5 – Microsoft OneNote OCR  

• Open Microsoft OneNote and insert the image.  
• Right click the image and choose the “Copy Text from Picture” option.
• Open your document file and paste the text into it.

ChatGPT is one of the most powerful AI platforms with a lot of exciting features. OpenAI is continuously improving it to make it a wonderful tool for everyone. Recently, the developer company has added OCR functionality to this platform. Now, you can extract texts from your images with this tool.

In the under section, I have mentioned the steps that will help you learn how to copy text from an image online with ChatGPT.

• Go to the ChatGPT and start a new conversation.
• Click on the “+” icon.

• Select the option from where you want to upload the file.

• Give ChatGPT a prompt, “Extract the text from this image.”

• Ultimately, you will have your hands on the text present on the image.

• Copy the text and paste it to your document file.

The OCR technology is one of the best advancements as it can ease several complex and time taking tasks. However, OCR accuracy depends on various factors. Here are some tips to improve results:  

• Use High Quality Images: Blurry or low resolution images may result in errors  
• Ensure Proper Lighting: Shadows or glare can interfere with text recognition  
• Choose the Correct Language: OCR tools perform better when the right language is selected  
• Edit and Proofread: OCR may introduce errors, so manually check the extracted text  
• Avoid Handwritten Text: Unless using a tool that supports handwriting recognition, printed text yields better accuracy  

While OCR technology is powerful, it has some limitations. That’s why it is essential to use it carefully. A single mistake can ruin the authenticity of your documents, and bring unwanted challenges. Some common errors to watch out for are:

• Errors in Complex Fonts: Decorative or cursive fonts may not be recognized accurately  
• Handwriting Challenges: Some tools struggle with messy or cursive handwriting  
• Tables and Equations: OCR tools may not correctly extract structured data or mathematical expressions  
• Background Noise: Images with excessive background patterns or colors may reduce accuracy  

These are the details on how to copy text from an image online, as I have mentioned different tools and a step by step guide for this purpose. Copying text from an image online is easier than ever with OCR tools. Google Lens, OnlineOCR.net, i2OCR, OCR.space, and Microsoft OneNote offer reliable options for extracting text. 

Now, you have to understand and follow the details I have mentioned in this guide so you can efficiently convert image based text into an editable format. However, for the best results, always use clear images, select the correct language, and proofread the extracted text.