Image to text on Mac
Capture words you can’t select. Use recognition languages and custom vocabulary for the material you read.
Copy text from an imageOCR for MacMake any text yours.
Copy words from an image, a paused video, or a PDF page.
Select what you see. Paste it where you need it.
macOS 26 or later Free download with in-app purchases
The words are already there.
- Images
- PDF pages
- Video frames
- Presentations
- App windows
Your next copy starts
with a small selection.
A familiar shortcut. No new place to work.
- 1
Start from the menu bar
Choose text capture in LensOCR, or use your shortcut. The default is Command-Shift-2.
- 2
Frame the words
Draw a box around the passage you need. LensOCR recognizes the visible text.
- 3
Put them to use
Paste into a note, a message, or a document. Check the text, then carry on.
One small tool.
A few useful ways to work.
Translate a passage
Pick a target language and capture the text. Translation availability and online consent depend on your Mac.
Translate screenshot textListen to the words
Read captured text aloud with an Apple voice. Set the voice and speaking rate before your next capture.
Read image text aloudRead a QR or barcode
Select a code on your screen. Paste its decoded content and inspect it before using a link.
Scan a code on your MacA little help for the
task in front of you.
Practical Mac OCR guides, from capture to clipboard.
Capture · 4 min read
How to copy text from your screen on Mac
Copy visible text from a Mac screen with LensOCR. Select an area, paste the recognized text, and check names, numbers, and formatting.
Read guide
Capture · 4 min read
How to extract text from an image on Mac
Extract text from an image on Mac with LensOCR. Open the image, capture readable words, and paste them into an editable document.
Read guide
Capture · 4 min read
How to copy text from a scanned PDF on Mac
Copy text from a scanned PDF on Mac. Display a readable page, capture its words with LensOCR, and paste the text into your document.
Read guide
Translate · 4 min read
How to translate text from a screenshot on Mac
Translate screenshot text on Mac with LensOCR. Capture a readable area, choose a target language, and review the translated result.
Read guide
Listen · 4 min read
How to read text from an image aloud on Mac
Read image text aloud on Mac with LensOCR. Capture visible words, choose an Apple voice and reading rate, and listen to the passage.
Read guide
Scan · 4 min read
How to scan a QR code on your Mac screen
Scan a QR code displayed on your Mac with LensOCR. Select the visible code, paste its decoded payload, and inspect it before using a link.
Read guideBefore your
first capture.
A few useful answers.
How do I copy text from my Mac screen?
Open LensOCR, choose text capture, and select the area you want to read. Paste the recognized text with Command-V. You can also start a capture with your configured keyboard shortcut.
Read the guideCan I convert an image to text on Mac?
Yes. Open the image at a readable size, then use LensOCR to capture the visible text. Review the result before using names, numbers, or code.
Read the guideCan LensOCR copy text from a scanned PDF?
You can capture text from a PDF page displayed on your screen, including a scanned page whose text cannot be selected. This copies the visible text; it does not add a searchable text layer to the PDF.
Read the guideHow do I translate text in a screenshot?
Choose Translation in LensOCR, select a target language, and capture the text in the screenshot. Translation availability depends on your Mac and its settings; online translation requires your consent.
Read the guideCan my Mac read text in an image aloud?
LensOCR can recognize the visible text and read it using a system voice. Choose Text to Speech, capture the text, and adjust the voice or speaking rate in Settings.
Read the guideHow do I scan a QR code on my Mac screen?
Choose the QR and barcode capture mode, then select the code on your screen. LensOCR copies the decoded content so you can inspect it before using it.
Read the guideCan I copy text from a video or presentation?
Yes, when the text is visible and readable. Pause the video or leave the slide on screen, capture its text region, and paste the result into your notes.
Read the guideWhy does LensOCR need Screen Recording permission?
macOS requires permission before an app can capture pixels from other apps. Grant LensOCR access in System Settings when prompted, then follow any macOS instruction to reopen it.
Read the guideWhich Macs can run LensOCR?
The current App Store version requires macOS 26 or later. Check the Mac App Store listing for compatibility and the purchase options available in your region.
Read the guide
Less retyping.
More doing.
Get LensOCR and put the words on your screen to work.
Download on theMac App StoreFor macOS 26 or later. Purchase options are shown in the Mac App Store.