Updated August 10, 2026
OCR makes screenshot text searchable
OCR means optical character recognition. It reads visible words inside an image and adds them to a search index. You can find a screenshot even when its file name is only a date and time.
Find order numbers
Search a receipt, tracking code, product name, or part of a confirmation message.
Find error messages
Search the words from an old alert or bug report and return to the right screenshot.
Find names and notes
Search a person, project, address, heading, or short line you remember seeing.
How to search screenshots by text
You do not need to rename every screenshot. Search the words you remember and narrow the result with other details when needed.
Open Screen Index or Global Recall
Search in the library or call up search from the Mac screen you are using.
Type the text you remember
Use a full phrase or a small part of the text shown in the screenshot.
Use the matching screenshot
Copy, drag, edit, file, or open the saved source when it is available.
Search more than text
Some memories are not words. Screen Index can also search apps, websites, colors, tags, QR codes, and visual details. Add one of those clues when a text search returns too many results.
Screenshots, OCR, search details, suggestions, and saved context are processed and stored on your Mac. No account is required.
FAQ
Questions about OCR screenshot search
Can a Mac search text inside screenshots?
Screen Index can. It uses OCR to index visible text in screenshots, then returns the images that match your search.
What kind of screenshot text can I search?
Search names, order numbers, error messages, addresses, headings, product names, and other visible words in the image.
Do I need to rename screenshots before I search them?
No. Screen Index searches what is shown in the image, so the file name does not need to describe it.
Is screenshot OCR sent to a server?
No. Screen Index processes and stores screenshots, OCR, and search details on your Mac.