Copy text from any part of your Mac screen
Some text on screen can't be selected, like words in a video, an image, a slide being shared or a locked dialog. Capture Text lets you drag a box around it and copies the recognized text. Recognition happens on your Mac.
How to use Capture Text
Open Capture Text and click Capture Text from Screen, or press Command-Shift-2 while the window is active.
Drag a box around the text you want.
The text appears in the window and is copied to the clipboard if Copy text automatically is on.
Find earlier captures in History, or click Save as Text to keep one as a file.
Questions about Capture Text
How do I copy text that can't be selected on a Mac?
Use Capture Text to select the area of the screen that contains it. Toolbox reads the pixels with on-device OCR and gives you the text, so it works on images, videos and apps that block selection.
Is there a TextSniper alternative for Mac?
Capture Text does the same core job: select an area of the screen and copy the text in it. It is one of many tools in Toolbox, which is a one-time purchase.
Why does Capture Text ask for Screen Recording permission?
macOS requires Screen Recording access for any app that reads what is on your screen. The capture is processed on your Mac and is not saved or sent anywhere.
Can I capture text from an image file instead?
Yes. Click Open Image to pick an image or PDF. For many files at once, use Extract Text.
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