How To Copy Video and Image Text

Being able to copy video and image text can be invaluable. OCR is the conversion of text from images into document text that you can edit, and there are a few OCR software packages you can extract, or copy, text from saved images with.

In this article we’ll cover how to copy video and image text on most devices.

How To Copy Video and Image Text on a Computer

Copying the text from videos and images is a straightforward process, especially on a computer.

Using Copyfish to Copy Video and Image Text

1. To start, open the Copyfish extension page to add it to Google Chrome. Note that this extension is also available for the Opera browser. Then you’ll find a Copyfish button in the snapshot below on the Chrome toolbar.
2. Next, find a website page image with some text on it. I’ve added a suitable image below for you to try out the extension with.
3. Press the Copyfish button on the toolbar, and then hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse. Then you can expand a box around text in the image as shown below. Expand the box so that it includes all the text you need to copy, and then let go off button.
4. When you release mouse button, the Copyfish window below opens at the bottom right of the browser. It shows you the OCR text that should match what you selected to copy in the image. Press the Copy to clipboard button to copy the text. Then you can paste it into a text editor with the Ctrl + V hotkey.
5. For further options, right-click the Copyfish icon on the toolbar and select Options. That will open the tab below from which you can configure the translation if needed. For example, if the image includes German, you should select that from the Input Language drop-down menu. Then the extension can translate the German to English.

Copyfish also works for videos on websites. Find a suitable video with subtitles to try it out. Then pause the video when it has subtitle text on it.

Overall, Copyfish can be a handy extension to have on your Chrome toolbar. With it you can now copy and translate text on images and videos, which don’t always translate with the rest of the page.

Using Google Drive to Copy Video and Image Texts

Another great feature of Google Drive, is the fact that you can upload and image and extract the text from it using its built-in OCR software. For best results on video, take a screenshot and upload that image.

1. Open up Google Drive, click on the Settings dropdown menu, and select Upload settings > Convert text from uploaded PDF and image files.
2. Now, upload the image you want to extract the text from.

The quality of the text recognition will depend on the image quality.

How To Copy Video and Image Text on Android

Using Google Drive to Copy Video and Image Texts

Just like on a computer, you can use Google Drive’s built-in OCR software. For best results on video, take a screenshot and upload that image.

1. Open up Google Drive, tap on the Settings menu, and select Upload settings > Convert text from uploaded PDF and image files.
2. Now, upload the image you want to extract the text from.

Again, the quality of the text recognition will depend greatly upon the image quality.

How To Copy Video and Image Text on iOS

Now we’ll cover copying video and image texts on iOS devices.

Copying Video and Image Texts on iOS 15

Apple now has a built-in live text feature that allows you to take extract and copy texts from photos.

1. Either take a picture of the text you need, a document, etc., or open up the image you have in the Photos or Camera app.
2. Now, press down on the text you need to copy, the same as in the Notes app.
3. Then, when the two selector dots appear, stretch the text selection cursor of the text you want copied and press Copy.
4. Next, open up your word editor of choice and paste into it. The text will appear in the document.

Using Google Drive to Copy Video and Image Texts

Just like on a computer or Android device, you can use Google Drive’s built-in OCR software. For best results on video, take a screenshot and upload that image.

1. Open up Google Drive, tap on the Settings menu, and select Upload settings > Convert text from uploaded PDF and image files.
2. Now, upload the image you want to extract the text from.

Copying Texts

Given the need of many to copy video and image text, it’s an easy process thanks to many software companies creating or incorporating it into their products. A few clicks or taps is all it takes to have the text at your disposal.

Do you know of any other ways to copy video and image text? Feel free to share your experience with the community below.