How to Use Live Text in Videos on macOS Ventura

Live Text in macOS 13 (Ventura) allows you to interact with text directly inside paused video frames across native applications. This guide explains how to pause, select, copy, translate, and interact with text inside videos using QuickTime Player, Safari, and the Photos app on your Mac.

System Requirements

To use Live Text with video, your Mac must be running macOS 13 Ventura or later and must be powered by Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or later chips). The feature works seamlessly in built-in apps such as Safari, Photos, and QuickTime Player.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Live Text in Video

  1. Open a Video: Launch a video containing visible text in a supported application, such as Safari, Photos, or QuickTime Player.
  2. Pause the Playback: Stop the video at the exact frame where the text you want to interact with is clearly visible.
  3. Select the Text: Move your cursor over the text. The cursor will change from a standard pointer to a text selection icon (an I-beam). Click and drag to highlight the text you need. Alternatively, click the Live Text icon (three horizontal lines inside an outlined frame) located in the bottom-right corner of the video player window to highlight all recognized text automatically.
  4. Choose an Action: Right-click (or Control-click) the highlighted text to access contextual options:
    • Copy: Copy the text to your clipboard to paste it into another application.
    • Look Up: Get definitions, Wikipedia entries, or related web results.
    • Translate: Automatically translate the selected text into your preferred language.
    • Share: Send the text via Mail, Messages, or AirDrop.

Interacting with Actionable Data

Live Text automatically recognizes specific data types, turning them into quick-action buttons:

  • URLs: Hover over a website address and click the pop-up arrow to open the link directly in your browser.
  • Phone Numbers: Click to initiate a FaceTime call or send an iMessage.
  • Email Addresses: Click to compose a new message in the Mail app.
  • Addresses: Click to view the location in Apple Maps.
  • Currencies and Measurements: Hover to view converted values based on your Mac's region settings.