Photo to Text: step by step
- Tap the box to take a photo or choose one, or drop it in on a computer.
- Pick the language of the text.
- Wait a few seconds while the text is read.
- Check the text, then copy it or download a .txt file.
How to take a photo that reads well
- Hold the phone flat above the page, not at an angle. Tilted lines are the biggest cause of mistakes.
- Fill the frame with the text you need. Small text in a big photo is harder to read.
- Light matters: daylight or a bright lamp, no flash glare, no shadow from your hand.
- Hold still or rest your elbows on the table. Blur turns letters into guesses.
iPhone photos
HEIC photos from iPhones work too: they're converted on your device first.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in any up-to-date browser on Android or iPhone. Tap the box to open the camera or your gallery.
Can it read handwriting?
Neat printed handwriting sometimes works, joined-up writing usually doesn't. Printed text is far more reliable.
Are my images uploaded?
No. The text is recognized in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
Which languages work?
English, Thai, Burmese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Polish and Turkish.
Updated