Translate a Menu or a Sign With Your iPhone Camera

In AI Watch Translator's Camera tab, take or pick a photo of a menu, sign, label or leaflet, and the translation appears on the picture, with every line listed underneath. It all happens on your iPhone, so once the languages are downloaded it works with no connection at all.

How do you translate a photo of text?

1. Open the Camera tab and choose Snap.
2. Take a photo, or pick one you already have.
3. Read the translation drawn over the text, or the list below it.

Two photos a day are free. Premium removes the limit and adds Live, which translates the camera view as you move.

Does camera translation work offline?

Yes, after one download. The first time you use a language pair, the app asks you to download both languages. From then on, reading and translating happen on the phone. If a pair isn't available for the camera yet, the app tells you. Typed, spoken and conversation translation still need a connection.

How do you get a good read?

• Fill the frame with one block of text. One section of a menu reads better than a whole page.
• Light it evenly. Glare on laminated menus and glossy labels is the usual cause of a poor read.
• Check anything that matters. For allergens, doses and legal text, confirm with a person.

When is typing better?

Handwriting, decorative fonts and very small print are hard for any camera. If a line looks wrong, type the few words you need.

Q: Does camera translation work offline? A: Yes, once both languages of the pair are downloaded.

Q: Is it free? A: Two photos a day are free. Live camera translation is part of Premium.

Q: Can it translate a photo I already took? A: Yes. Choose it in Snap.

Q: Are my photos uploaded? A: No. Photos and camera frames are processed on your iPhone and never leave it. See the privacy policy.