How to Convert Image to Text Using Google Photos (Web Version)

 📷 How to Convert Image to Text Using Google Photos (Web Version)

Google Photos recently brought its “Copy Text From Image” feature to web browsers, after being available on Android for quite some time. Powered by Google Lens, this feature allows users to extract and copy text from images with just a few clicks.

Whether you're scanning a receipt, a page from a book, or a signboard — this feature is a quick and efficient way to convert image text into editable content.

🧠 How Does It Work?

This functionality uses Google Lens technology, which identifies and processes text found within photos. Once detected, users can highlight and copy that text as needed.

✅ Steps to Use "Copy Text from Image" in Google Photos (Web)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Sign in to your Google account and go to the Google Photos website.

2. Find and open any image that contains visible text.

3. Once the image is open, click on the “Copy Text from Image” option (visible in the popup box if Google Lens detects any text).

4. A sidebar will show all the recognized text. Simply copy and paste the text wherever you want.

💡 You’ll only see the option when Google Lens detects readable text in the image.

🔍 Example Usage

In the example shown by Google, the tool is even able to identify and extract text from tiny signs or text-rich book pages.

This makes it perfect for:

• Copying content from printed documents

• Saving quotes from books or magazines

• Grabbing text from posters or infographics

 

⚠️ Limitations You Should Know

While the feature is impressive, it’s not yet perfect:

• It may miss some words, especially if the image is blurry or contains complex fonts.

• As of now, it doesn't support translation of foreign languages via web (though this is available on mobile).

• Google Lens on the web also cannot recognize objects, plants, or animals — features that are present on the mobile version.

📰 More About Google Photos

Launched in May 2015, Google Photos is available on:

• Android

• iOS

• Web Browsers

• Smart TVs (like Google TV)

It uses machine learning to:

• Automatically detect people, places, and things

• Group similar photos

• Create animations and albums

• Enhance the quality of your photos

You can even:

• Transfer photos directly from iCloud to Google Photos

• Use it as a screensaver on supported devices

📌 Final Thoughts

Google’s “Copy Text from Image” feature is a fantastic tool for students, content creators, and professionals who regularly work with text-based images. While the web version is still catching up to its mobile counterpart, it's a great productivity hack for quickly extracting information from images.