Free OCR Software: How to Copy Text from Screenshots Instantly

Have you ever encountered an error message inside a popup that you couldn't copy? Or watched a coding tutorial video and wanted to grab the code snippet without typing it out line by line?

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology solves this problem by converting text inside images into editable digital text. In this guide, we'll show you how to use free OCR software to copy text from screenshots instantly, with a spotlight on the seamless integration in Screention.

What is OCR and Why Do You Need It?

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It's a technology that recognizes text within a digital image. It's incredibly useful for:

• Developers: Copying error logs from terminal screenshots or code from video tutorials.
• Researchers: Extracting quotes from scanned PDFs or images of book pages.
• Data Entry: Digitizing information from invoices or receipts.
• Everyday Users: Grabbing text from protected websites or UI elements where text selection is disabled.

How to Extract Text with Screention

Screention isn't just for capturing images; it comes with a powerful, built-in OCR engine that works entirely offline (keeping your data private). Here is how easy it is to use:

1. Capture: Press Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + A to start the screenshot tool.
2. Select: Drag your mouse over the area containing the text you want.
3. Extract: Click the "Text" or "OCR" button in the toolbar (or use the configured shortcut).
4. Paste: The text is instantly copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted into your code editor or notes.

Why Screention's OCR is Superior

Unlike many online OCR converters that require you to upload an image file and wait for processing, Screention does it instantly and locally.

• Privacy: No data leaves your machine. Perfect for sensitive work documents.
• Speed: No upload/download time. It's as fast as copying normal text.
• Accuracy: Optimized for modern fonts and screens, making it highly accurate for code and UI text.

Other Free OCR Alternatives

Variances in workflow might require different tools. Here are a few other options:

1. PowerToys Text Extractor (Windows)

A great utility for Windows users, part of the Microsoft PowerToys suite. It works similarly to the Snipping Tool but specifically for text. Pros: Native feel on Windows. Cons: Windows only; requires installing the full PowerToys suite.

2. Apple Live Text (macOS)

Built into macOS, Live Text allows you to select text directly in images in Preview or Photos. Pros: deeply integrated into the OS. Cons: Less convenient for rapid "capture-to-clipboard" workflows; macOS only.

3. Google Keep / Docs

You can upload an image to Google Keep or Docs and use the "Grab image text" feature. Pros: Good accuracy. Cons: Cloud-based (privacy concern); slow, multi-step process.

Conclusion

For a unified workflow where you can capture, annotate, and extract text in one go, Screention is the unmatched choice for 2026. It combines the utility of a dedicated screenshot tool with the power of an OCR engine, all without costing a dime.

Stop retyping text from images. Download Screention and unleash the power of instant text extraction.