Live Text is a new feature in iOS 15 that standardizes what several third-party apps have done before: make it easy to recognize and capture text located in images and then transcribe it or act on it contextually.

This capability is really easy to access wherever you can type or just by tapping on actionable content, like phone numbers and email addresses. Live Text is available on an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or newer device. To get started, go to Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure Live Text is enabled.

Digitize Words

Take a photo of anything containing text. When you view the photo, long press on the visible text and watch in amazement as your device intelligently selects it.

Then, you can look up the meaning, translate to another language, or copy and paste elsewhere.

Capture in Context

In any app where you can type, tap the cursor and choose Live Text from the menu (). Then, point your camera at anything containing text you want to capture.

For example, I wanted to send a friend the tracking number of a shipment I sent them, so I pointed at the printed receipt from the post office. When the desired text is in view, tap Insert. Then, edit as desired.

Act With Ease

See a sign with a phone number, email address, or website? No need to rely on your brain to remember it or transcribe it to your phone, mail app, or web browser. Just point your camera at it.

When the text you want is highlighted by the yellow bounds, tap the Live Text indicator — that appears when text is discovered — and tap the text to directly call, email, or visit. Or, long press the text for more options. It’s that simple!

What will you do with Live Text? Learn more in this Apple support article.