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Scan Text Feature idea

Jonathan Sanchez

I wanted to suggest a Scan Text (OCR) field that would allow users to take a photo of printed text and automatically extract it into a form field.

This could be useful for serial numbers, labels, bills of lading, nameplates, and other inspection or receiving documents. It would help reduce manual entry, improve accuracy, and speed up field workflows especially for QC and inspection teams.

Curious if others would find this helpful as well.

Thanks,

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  • Official comment
    Lauren Sunday Community Manager

    Hi Jonathan Sanchez

    Thank you for posting to the Community! This is actually possible currently with Text fields. It's not a feature of the application but if your phone can scan text, than GoCanvas can scan text. I just tested this with both an iPhone and an Google Pixel (Android), and both devices have Scan Text features. Here is how you can access them on these devices*:

    iOS:

    1. On a Single line or Multi-line, tap the field once to move the cursor to the field.
    2. Tap a second time to bring up the menu that includes the options "Select," "Select All," and "Autofill."
    3. Select "Autofill."
    4. The next menu includes "Contact," "Passwords," a arrow to the next two options, "Credit Card," and "Scan Text."
    5. Select "Scan Text" and a pop up will appear at the bottom half of the screen. You may need to allow GoCanvas to access your camera for this feature.
    6. Hover over the text you wish to capture and tap "Insert." The select text will appear in the field as text. Handwriting may be difficult for the system to decipher so this does work best with computer printed text.

    Android:

    1. On a Single line or Multi-line, tap the field once to move the cursor to the field.  A pop-up will appear at the bottom half of the screen that includes a keyboard and alternatives features in a ribbon across the top of the keyboard.
    2. On the Google Pixel, there is a four-square icon at the left side of this ribbon. Select this icon.
    3. The four-square icon will open another menu. Select "Scan Text" from the options. You may need to allow GoCanvas to access your camera for this feature.
    4. Hover over the text you wish to capture and tap the Scan Text button at the center bottom of the pop-up. The select text will appear in the field as text. Handwriting may be difficult for the system to decipher so this does work best with computer printed text.

    *The steps for the Google Pixel may differ on other Android devices. Please use a search engine to find instructions for your specific Android device if these instructions do not work.

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