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How to copy text from an image on Mac.

Open the image in Preview or Photos, hover over the text, select it and press ⌘ C. That is Live Text, built into macOS. For text that isn't in an image file, like a paused video, a slide in a meeting or an app that won't let you select, ToolKITZ Text Capture lets you drag a box over any part of the screen and puts the text on your clipboard.

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The built-in way: Live Text

  1. Open the image in Preview or Photos. For something on screen, take a screenshot first with ⇧⌘4 and open it.
  2. Move the pointer over the text until it turns into a text cursor.
  3. Drag to select the words, then press ⌘ C (or Control-click and choose Copy).
  4. Paste it anywhere with ⌘ V.

Live Text needs macOS 12 Monterey or later and isn't available in every language or region.

Any part of the screen: ToolKITZ Text Capture

  1. Download ToolKITZ and open the drawer: scroll down at the very top of the screen, or press ⌃⌥T.
  2. Add the Text Capture module from the gallery and click capture.
  3. Drag a box over the text you want. It lands on your clipboard, ready to paste.
  4. Or drop an image file onto the module. Choose whether to keep or remove line breaks.

Text is recognized on your Mac, nothing is uploaded. Text Capture also reads QR codes. It is a Pro module: ToolKITZ is free to try with File Shelf, Clipboard and Notes, and Pro is $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, or Lifetime from $39 at the launch price (until December 1, 2026).

Which one to use

Live Text (built in)

  • Free, nothing to install
  • Works on image files in Preview and Photos
  • Needs a screenshot first for anything else

ToolKITZ Text Capture

  • Drag a box over anything you can see
  • Paused videos, slides, locked PDFs, apps
  • Reads QR codes, Pro feature

A dedicated app like TextSniper (from $7.99 once, checked October 30, 2026 on textsniper.app) does the same screen capture. See ToolKITZ vs TextSniper.

Questions

Can a Mac copy text from a picture?

Yes. With Live Text on macOS 12 Monterey or later, open the picture in Preview or Photos, select the text and press ⌘ C.

How do I copy text from a screenshot on Mac?

Open the screenshot in Preview and select the text with Live Text, or use ToolKITZ Text Capture to drag a box over the text on screen and skip the screenshot.

How do I copy text from a video on Mac?

Pause the video, then drag a box over the frame with ToolKITZ Text Capture. The text goes straight to your clipboard.

Is ToolKITZ Text Capture free?

Text Capture is a Pro module. ToolKITZ is free to try with File Shelf, Clipboard and Notes; Pro is $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, or Lifetime from $39 at the launch price (until December 1, 2026).

Is my text sent anywhere?

No. ToolKITZ recognizes text on your Mac and doesn't upload your screen.

Try it next to what you use now.

Free to try, no time limit on the free modules. macOS 26 or later, Apple silicon and Intel.

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More: Home · Clipboard history on Mac · TextSniper alternative · Yoink and Dropover alternative · Unclutter alternative. Questions? [email protected]

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