iOS 15 came with Live Text — the ability to quickly recognize text, select, copy, paste, and lookup in both the Camera and Photos app. The most thrilling part is that iPhone Live Text OCR works on handwriting too.
Apple is including optical character recognition (OCR) as a seamless option in the Camera app as well as for photos and screenshots you’ve already taken in the Photos app on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
Here is how Apple describes the latest feature:
There is so much rich information in your photos, from memorable places you’ve visited to handwritten family recipes. iOS 15 uses secure on-device intelligence to help you discover more in your photos, quickly find what you’re looking for, and relive special moments.
How to use iPhone Live Text iOS 15
Now that we have know what Live Text is all about, we have compiled a well detailed guides on how to use iPhone Live Text iOS 15 feature
In the Camera app
- On your iPhone iOS 15, launch the Camera app, locate the new Live Text button (Viewfinder square with three lines) located on the bottom right corner when in portrait orientation or bottom left when in landscape orientation respectively.
- Watch out for the yellow viewfinder rectangle to appear as the camera notices text as you move your camera around the document.
- Once you have the yellow viewfinder surrounding the text you want, follow by tapping the Live Text button to be able to select, copy, look up, translate, and share text.
N/B: You can also add text like phone numbers, emails, dates, addresses, etc. feature live links that can be acted on with a long-press.
If the Live Text button and yellow viewfinder are not showing, try moving closer to the text.
In the Photos app
- Live Text works only for photos and screenshots you have already taken.
- On your iOS 15, Open Apple’s Photos app and look for Live Text icon (viewfinder square with three lines).
- Then, Tap on the icon to recognize available text in an image.
N/B: You can also swipe or tap to select, copy, paste, etc. your text even without tapping the Live Text icon first.
Live Text is also available to Mac users ,we have compiled a well detailed guides on how to use macOS Monterey’s Live Text
Live Text and handwriting
During the WWDC keynote, Apple showed off Live Text recognizing handwriting. But we believe that accuracy may vary depending on handwriting
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!
