Information is abundantly available in various forms in the digital age, including text and images. While text is easily accessible and understood by computers, extracting valuable information from images has traditionally been challenging. However, advancements in artificial intelligence have revolutionized this process. One such breakthrough is the ability of ChatGPT, a state-of-the-art language model developed by OpenAI, being able to extract text from images. But how do you get ChatGPT to extract text from an image? And, how does it work?

How to extract text from an image with ChatGPT

Extracting text from an image using ChatGPT is a simple process. However, before we get started it is important to note that this feature is only available for users subscribed to one of ChatGPT’s paid plans (Plus/Team/Enterprise). The file inputting function arrived as part of the GPT-4 upgrade and is not available for users on the free version of the app. So, if you’re hoping to access this feature but are not subscribed, your first step would be to set up a ChatGPT Plus account, here’s our simple guide where we explain the process.

Now, let’s dive in.

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How ChatGPT extracts text from images

ChatGPT extracts text from images with the help of OpenAI's Code Interpreter. It is a Python-based ChatGPT plugin that enhances the generative AI tool's abilities. Thanks to the GPT-4 VLM (visual language model), ChatGPT converts images to text with the aid of computer vision. A specific kind of computer vision is used, called optical character recognition technology (OCR technology). This deep learning tech recognizes a subject, like alphabetical letters or human faces, present in an image. It then converts this visual data (pixels) into a machine-readable format.

Using a GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) like ChatGPT’s GPT-4 for data extraction via image recognition is an advanced computer process only possible with artificial intelligence. OCR software uses computer vision models to interface between what a human would subjectively say they can see, and what a computer can objectively process in some usable way.

This process presents a different content creation use for the chatbot other than the standard text input prompts. It proves the growing uses of complex large language model (LLM) algorithms and convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Here's how the image-to-text extraction works:

• Image Processing: The first step is to preprocess the image and prepare it for analysis. This may involve resizing, enhancing contrast, and noise reduction.
• Text Detection: ChatGPT employs advanced object detection techniques to identify regions in the image that likely contain text. This involves identifying shapes and patterns that resemble letters and words.
• Feature Extraction: Once potential text regions are detected, ChatGPT extracts relevant features from these regions, such as font styles, sizes, and orientations. This information helps in reconstructing the text accurately.
• Contextual Analysis: The extracted features are fed into the language model, where ChatGPT uses its contextual understanding of language to decipher the text. This step ensures that the extracted text makes sense within the context of the visual image.
• Post-Processing: After text extraction from the image input, a post-processing step may be applied to refine the output, correct errors, and improve overall accuracy.

Using ChatGPT to extract text from images – limitations

While ChatGPT’s text extraction from images represents a significant advancement in natural language processing (NLP) AI, there are still challenges to address. When inputting images into ChatGPT it is important to ensure they are of high quality. The text extraction accuracy may vary based on image quality, fonts, and other factors. So blurry screenshots with small text might prove hard for ChatGPT to analyze and extract. Continued research and development in machine learning will likely lead to improvements in performance and reliability. 

Additionally, a limitation of this function, as previously discussed in this article, is it only being readily available for users on a paid subscription to ChatGPT Plus. Sadly the image input paperclip icon cannot be used in GPT 3.5, found in the free version of ChatGPT.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s GPT-4 update came with a whole host of exciting new features available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Among them, is the ability to have ChatGPT extract text from user inputted images. This handy feature allows users to have ChatGPT convert images into text with the help of computer vision – GPT-4’s Visual Language model.

Following the simple steps outlined above provides you with the option of using AI to extract possibly creating a more efficient working environment and saving time. If you’d like to learn more about ChatGPT’s image-analyzing capabilities, then check out our ChatGPT image-analyzing feature guide.

About the Author

Gloria Coles

As a tech and AI writer for PC Guide, Gloria is interested in what new technology means for the future of consumer electronics and digital and broadcast journalism.