Translating text from an image

Is translation of an image even possible? Certainly! It is possible thanks to the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology, which involves optical character recognition. This solution analyses the provided graphic file, i.e. a scan of a document or its photo, and recognizes the text on it. It then extracts the text and converts it into a plain text document that can be easily edited. The content prepared this way is ready for translation.

The translation industry and OCR technology

OCR technology is a great solution that is commonly used in many areas, including the translation industry. This work is based on the translation of all kinds of files, including scans and images. Very often they are saved in formats that prevent editing or copying.

Rewriting this type of content by hand can be really difficult and time consuming. It is for this reason that translation agencies decide to use OCR software. At lingy.uk we also use this type of tools, enabling our translators to work on their translation orders even faster. If you are interested in online work and translation using the latest tools, feel free to join us.

Translation from a photo – smartphone applications

OCR technology makes it possible to obtain text from all kinds of graphic files. There are many tools and applications that use this technology. Interestingly, some of them allow you to translate text directly from a photo.

Of course, these are not tools used by professional translators. Still, it’s worth knowing them. They can be very useful. When? For example, when travelling abroad. Imagine that you are visiting a country whose language you do not know but you would like to understand the text written on various boards and information signs during your trip. Thanks to the appropriate application, you can take a photo and a translation will be generated in seconds.

Google lens (Android / iOS) – use your camera for translation

A good example of such a solution is Google Translate, available for both Android and iOS. This application makes it possible to generate instant translation using your smartphone camera. Its use is very simple and intuitive. All you have to do is click on the camera icon located just below the translation field. When you run the software for the first time, you should allow the application to access the camera. Then you have 2 options to choose from:

1. Quick translation – you just need to point your lens on the text you want to translate.
2. Translating text from an existing photo by clicking ‘Import’. Here it is possible to either scan the entire text or mark the selected part of the text with your finger to be translated.

That’s all. The finished translation should appear instantly. This application is simple and works really fast. Moreover, it allows you to download language packs, making it possible to use its functionality offline. However, it should be kept in mind that the translations it offers are not always fully correct. This tool will only work with less demanding texts.

Microsoft Translator (Android / iOS) – Recognizing and translating text from a photo

Microsoft Translator is another application of this type. It is available for both iOS and Android devices. It makes it possible to recognize and translate text from a photo. This tool works similar to that offered by Google. After opening the app, you will need to grant permission to access the camera and memory. The next step is to choose the correct source and target languages.

What to do next? Click the camera icon to take a photo. After a while, the application should recognize the text on it and suggest a translation. It is also possible to upload a previously taken photo. To do this, select the icon representing the image. It is interesting to note that this is another application that allows offline translations. To use this feature, you must first download the appropriate language packs.

Camera Translator: Translate + (iOS) – translating text from an image

Camera Translator: Translate + is another application that makes it possible to translate text from an image. First, it should be mentioned that it is only available for iOS –based devices. Android users will unfortunately not be able to download this tool. It offers translations in over 100 languages, and its use is really simple and intuitive. All you have to do is send a previously taken photo to the application. This solution also offers a number of interesting additional features, such as the ability to edit scanned photos or share the translation with other applications.

Translating from a photo is easier than you may think

Translating text from a photo does not have to be a difficult and time-consuming task. There are many applications that can scan the content of an image and automatically translate it into any language. And all this can be done with a smartphone that you can take with you anywhere. The entire process takes a few seconds. It is certainly a solution worth knowing.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that the vast majority of free applications that allow you to scan text using your smartphone camera do not offer high-quality translations. Very often, strange-looking sentences may appear as a result of their use.

Nevertheless, even with a few mistakes, they still make it possible to understand the context of the entire sentence. These are certainly tools that will be useful during travel or everyday use. When translating documents and other valuable content, we suggest you contact a specialist. There’s no substitute for a real, professional translator.

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