Skip to content
Tech News
← Back to articles

Copying text from pictures in Google Photos is about to get a lot better

read original more articles
Why This Matters

Google Photos is enhancing its text extraction capabilities from images by introducing a built-in text selection and copying tool, making it easier for users to extract and utilize text from their photos. Additionally, the app is expanding its use of Material 3's Expressive UI design, improving overall user experience and interface consistency. These updates are significant as they streamline workflows and improve accessibility for consumers and the tech industry alike.

Key Takeaways

Taylor Kerns / Android Authority

TL;DR Google Photos is working on improving how you select and copy text in images.

We have spotted a new button that will appear when the app detects text in a picture.

Google also appears to be expanding its Expressive UI design to more Settings pages.

Google is once again working on a couple of changes for the Photos app. Earlier this month, we told you about Ask Photos possibly letting users edit their image metadata. This time, the Photos team is developing a better way to select and copy text from an image. On top of that, Material 3 Expressive is expanding to more areas in the app. Let’s dive in and check out what could be coming our way soon.

You’re reading an Authority Insights story. Authority Insights brings you all the latest exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage from the Android Authority team that you won’t find anywhere else.

When Google Photos detects text in a picture, it offers a couple of ways for you to copy it. One method is to bring up the image details, which can be done by swiping up on the photo. In the details, you’ll see an option to copy the text, which opens Google Lens. The other method is to trigger Google Lens directly from the three-dot menu.

Current Current New New New

While investigating version 7.84 of the Google Photos app, we found a new way to select and copy text from an image. Google Photos appears to be working on a built-in text selection tool for pictures.

When the Photos app detects text, you’ll see a new icon sitting in the bottom right corner of the screen. Tapping this button scans the text and highlights it for you so you can copy it. A “Copy All” button will appear at the bottom of the screen, and tapping it will do exactly that. You can also long-press to select only the specific text you want to copy.

... continue reading