How to Extract Text From an Image With OCR | Bsbshs
Open the tool →Ever needed to copy text from a photo, screenshot, or scanned page but had to retype it by hand? OCR (Optical Character Recognition) does it for you — turning an image of text into editable, copyable text. Here's how to do it free and privately in your browser.
What is OCR?
OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It's technology that "reads" the letters in an image and converts them into real, selectable text. Instead of retyping a printed page, a receipt, a slide, or a screenshot, OCR extracts the words for you so you can paste them anywhere.
How to extract text from an image
Using the OCR tool on Bsbshs:
- Open the OCR tool and add your image — a photo, screenshot, or scan.
- Let it process the image; it detects and reads the text.
- Copy the extracted text and paste it into your document, email, or notes.
What you can use OCR for
- Copying text from a screenshot you can't select.
- Digitising printed notes or book pages.
- Pulling details from a receipt or invoice.
- Grabbing text from a slide or infographic.
- Making a scanned document searchable by extracting its words.
Tips for better accuracy
- Good lighting and focus. Blurry or dim images produce more errors.
- Straighten the text. Rotate the image so lines are horizontal.
- High contrast. Dark text on a light background reads best.
- Crop tightly. Remove backgrounds and edges that aren't text.
- Proofread. OCR is very good but not perfect — glance over the result for stray characters.
Why do it in your browser
Screenshots and scans often contain personal or work information. A browser-based OCR tool processes the image on your device, so nothing is uploaded to a server. You get your text while keeping the source image private.
Frequently asked questions
Can OCR read handwriting?
OCR works best on printed or typed text. Neat handwriting may work partially, but printed text is far more reliable.
Which languages are supported?
Most OCR tools handle English and many other languages; results are strongest with clear, standard fonts.
Is it accurate?
Very accurate on clean, high-contrast images. Always proofread the output for the occasional error.
Is my image uploaded?
No — a browser tool like Bsbshs reads the image on your device.
Summary
OCR turns an image of text into editable, copyable text, saving you from retyping. For the best results use a clear, straight, high-contrast image and crop tightly. Do it in your browser and your screenshots and scans stay completely private.
Open the tool →