Copy text from a photo or PDF
Read the words in a picture, screenshot or scanned PDF and get them as text you can copy, edit and save.
Files never leave your device
The first time, this downloads about 4.2 MB (the reading engine and the English language data). It is saved on your device afterwards.
Three tips for a better result
- Take the photo straight on, in good light, with the page flat and the text sharp.
- Fill the frame with the text. Crop away the background first if you can.
- Check the language above. The wrong language gives strange letters.
How well the text is read depends on the picture. Handwriting, glare and blur are the hardest.
Working…
Keep this tab open. Large files can take a little while on a phone.
Done
Send it
Opens your phone's share menu — pick any app.
These open in a new tab. Your file is downloaded first; you attach it there yourself.
Your file is downloaded — attach it in the chat or email.
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How to use it
- Step 1: Tap the box and choose one or more photos, screenshots or a PDF.
- Step 2: Pick the language of the text. English is already chosen.
- Step 3: Tap Read the text, then copy it or download it as a .txt file.
Your files never leave your device
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server, so your documents and photos stay private. It is free, has no watermark and needs no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the text?
It depends on the picture. A sharp, straight photo of printed text in good light is usually read well. Blur, glare, shadows, curved pages and handwriting give many mistakes. Always read the result before you rely on it, especially numbers and names.
Which languages can it read?
English, Hindi, Malayalam and Arabic. The Hindi, Malayalam and Arabic options also read English words and numbers on the same page. The language data for each one is downloaded only when you choose it, and the size is shown first.
Why does the first reading take longer?
The reading engine and the language data have to be downloaded once, about 4.2 MB for English. After that they are saved on your device, so later readings start straight away and also work without internet.
Can it read a scanned PDF?
Yes. Each page of the PDF is drawn as a picture and read one after the other, with a progress message for every page. Long PDFs take a while on a phone, so keep the tab open.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The reading happens inside your browser on your own device. Your picture and the text never go to our servers or anyone else.
Does it work with iPhone HEIC photos?
Yes. HEIC photos are converted on your device first, using the same decoder as our HEIC tools, and then read.