Copy Text Directly from Photos

How to do it

Open a photo that clearly shows text. Press and hold the text inside the image until the selection appears. Adjust the handles if needed, then choose Copy, Share, Look Up, or Translate.

This is useful for signs, letters, business cards, screenshots, and clearly written notes. Once copied, you can paste the text into Messages, Notes, Mail, Calendar, Safari, or any other app.

Where it saves time

Live Text is best when the alternative would be annoying manual typing: phone numbers, addresses, tracking numbers, Wi-Fi passwords, IBANs, opening hours, or short checklists. Instead of switching between a photo and another app, you turn the image into usable text immediately.

A simple workflow: open the photo, copy the relevant line, switch to the target app, paste. For addresses and phone numbers, iOS may also offer direct actions such as calling, opening a route, or visiting a link.

Check before you use it

Clear lettering, good light, and a straight photo improve recognition. Angled shots, heavy shadows, tiny text, or busy backgrounds can create mistakes.

For sensitive details, quickly verify the copied result before sending or saving it. Wi-Fi codes, account numbers, and addresses deserve a second look at every character.