How to Extract Text from an Image on iPhone

iPhones running iOS 16 or later have a built-in Live Text feature that can copy text directly from photos. For more control - Including 60-language support, PDF extraction, and downloadable .txt output - Jpg.now's Image to Text tool works in Safari with no app installation.

Method 1 - IOS Live Text (Built-In, iOS 16+)

iOS Live Text is the fastest option for simple cases:

  1. Open the photo in the Photos app
  2. Tap the Live Text icon (lines with a cursor) in the bottom-right corner - It only appears if iOS detects text in the image
  3. Tap and hold to select text, then tap Copy

Limitations: Live Text works best on clear printed text. It doesn't support PDF extraction, doesn't produce a downloadable file, and may struggle with non-English languages or handwriting.

Method 2 - Jpg.now Image to Text in Safari

For fuller OCR capabilities on iPhone:

  1. Open jpg.now/image-to-text in Safari
  2. Tap the upload area and select Photo Library to choose a photo, or Take Photo to capture one live
  3. Tap Extract Text
  4. Copy the result or tap Download .txt to save the file

This method supports 60+ languages, PDFs, and any image where Live Text fails.

Which Method Should You Use?

Use Live Text for quick one-off copies from a clear printed photo - It's the fastest since no browser is needed. Use jpg.now when you need a downloadable file, multi-language support, PDF extraction, or when Live Text doesn't detect the text (common with low-resolution images, unusual fonts, or handwriting).

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