TextGrabber2 is a free and open-source “Copy-to-Action” tool that lets you extract text from copied images and seamlessly run actions.
Actions are based on system services that support the Apple Shortcuts you're already familiar with.
Tip
Discover our other free and open-source apps at libremac.github.io.
With TextGrabber2, you can:
- Extract text from copied images and trigger specific actions.
- Copy text and automate tasks with system services.
- Automatically prune clipboard data using custom rules or services.
- Gain more control over your clipboard with Shortcuts actions.
- Use handy built-in tools like Translate and Quick Look.
See the wiki for more details and usage examples.
Note
For information on clipboard access issues in macOS 15.4 and later, please refer to our wiki.
Get TextGrabber2.dmg from the latest release, open it and drag TextGrabber2.app to Applications.
TextGrabber2 checks for updates automatically. However, it's worth noting that updates will likely be infrequent, typically limited to bug fixes.
TextGrabber2 is NOT a screenshot tool, meaning it doesn't require access like Screen Recording or Accessibility. It relies on the keyboard shortcuts you use daily.
TextGrabber2 utilizes the built-in Vision framework, which is on-device, secure, fast, accurate, and free. In fact, it's often superior to many paid services.
TextGrabber2 connects to system services, you can easily integrate your workflows.
TextGrabber2 observes the clipboard and runs rules or services to prune clipboard data.
TextGrabber2 supports adding key bindings, making common actions faster and easier.
It's simple, privacy-oriented, brutal and beautiful.
TextGrabber1 does not exist; the "2" in TextGrabber2 does not indicate a version number.
Here's the thing, there was a discontinued app called TextGrabber that I used a decade ago, I quite liked it.
When initiating this project, I couldn't think of a better name than TextGrabber, so I decided to name it:
TextGrabber "too".