Live Text

Live Text helps students work with words they see in a photo, video, or picture online. They can tap the words to copy the text, share it, find out what it means, or change the words into another language.

Live Text can support students to:

build comprehension and fluency
enhance focus and attention
increase independence
learn new words

To turn on Live Text on an iPad in iPadOS 18:

Tap each image below to learn more, and zoom in to get a closer look.

Go to "Settings".

Tap "General".

Tap "Language & Region".

Tap the circle to toggle on "Live Text".

To use Live Text on an iPad in iPadOS 18:

Open a photo or pause a video that has text.

Tap the "Live Text" icon.

Touch and hold the highlighted text.

Drag the corners (grab points or blue dots) to select specific words, sentences or the full text, which can then be copied and pasted into another document or note.

Students will also be able to look up words (when individual words are highlighted), translate the words or text, and search the web for the specific text.

Tap the Live Text icon to return to the photo or video.

Step-by-step instructions according to the iPad's Operating System:

LINKS TO EXTERNAL RESOURCES

The website links provided below are operated by organizations outside of the TDSB. These organizations are solely responsible for the operation and information found on their sites. In providing these links, it does not imply any endorsement of the organization or information found on the website. Any comments or inquiries regarding the linked websites should be directed to the organization operating the website.

With Live Text, students in the TDSB can:

save notes from a book when studying for a test. Take a picture of a book page and use Live Text to save the words.
learn new words in French or Spanish. Use Live Text to look up the meaning of a tricky word in a video, book or on a sign.
turn handwriting into typing. Take a picture of handwritten notes, then use Live Text to turn them into typed words and organize the ideas.
find information in a worksheet about a Math concept. Answer a question from a worksheet by using Live Text to quickly find keywords in the text.
translate words. Use Live Text to translate words they may see in another language.

Last Updated June 16, 2025

Report abuse

Live Text

LINKS TO EXTERNAL RESOURCES

We acknowledge we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognise the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.