Support Troubleshooting FAQ
If you're looking for instructions on usage, be sure to check out the Getting Started page. It includes a collection of short-form articles on how to get started using OwlOCR and also some of the more advanced use cases.
This page includes some of the troubleshooting cases you may run into.
This page includes some of the troubleshooting cases you may run into.
How does OCR AI in OwlOCR 7 work?
OCR AI is an optional local OCR engine for difficult screenshots, low-quality scans, dense layouts, and documents where Apple's built-in OCR needs another pass.
The model and runtime are managed from OwlOCR Settings. Once downloaded, OCR AI runs on your Mac and returns clean page text. OwlOCR does not send your documents to an online AI service for Apple Vision OCR or OCR AI.
Apple Vision remains the best default for fast OCR, selected languages, text boxes, highlights, and searchable PDF export. Use OCR AI when you want a second pass and plain page text is enough.
The model and runtime are managed from OwlOCR Settings. Once downloaded, OCR AI runs on your Mac and returns clean page text. OwlOCR does not send your documents to an online AI service for Apple Vision OCR or OCR AI.
Apple Vision remains the best default for fast OCR, selected languages, text boxes, highlights, and searchable PDF export. Use OCR AI when you want a second pass and plain page text is enough.
Why does my screenshot show only part of the desktop wallpaper?
MacOS protects your privacy by disallowing applications by default to capture what other applications are displaying.
For OwlOCR screenshot function to work you must allow it to capture the screen in System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Privacy.
For OwlOCR screenshot function to work you must allow it to capture the screen in System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Privacy.
I don't see my iOS device as a camera option?
The Continuity Camera is a magical framework provided mainly by Apple engineers that OwlOCR uses. Be sure to check the latest requirements on Apple's website.
The main requirements are that devices (Mac, iOS device) are near each other and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID that is using two-factor authentication and your iOS device is using iOS 12 or newer.
If you feel that the requirements should be covered and are still experiencing disconnects or cannot see your device in the menu, you can try solutions that have worked for similar issues in other applications using Continuity Camera or reach out to us with an email.
The main requirements are that devices (Mac, iOS device) are near each other and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID that is using two-factor authentication and your iOS device is using iOS 12 or newer.
If you feel that the requirements should be covered and are still experiencing disconnects or cannot see your device in the menu, you can try solutions that have worked for similar issues in other applications using Continuity Camera or reach out to us with an email.
Which OCR languages are supported?
When using Apple Vision, OwlOCR asks macOS for the languages supported by the Vision framework on your Mac and shows those choices in Settings.
Newer macOS releases generally add more language choices. If your language is not listed, try disabling Language Correction and selecting the closest available language with the same alphabet.
OCR AI is separate from Apple Vision language selection. It is designed for hard OCR cases and returns plain page text instead of Apple Vision text boxes or searchable PDF positioning.
Newer macOS releases generally add more language choices. If your language is not listed, try disabling Language Correction and selecting the closest available language with the same alphabet.
OCR AI is separate from Apple Vision language selection. It is designed for hard OCR cases and returns plain page text instead of Apple Vision text boxes or searchable PDF positioning.
Which Apple Vision algorithm revision should I use?
This setting only applies when the OCR engine is Apple Vision. The latest versions of macOS and their algorithm development have brought expanded language support, but differences in accuracy as well.
Revision 2 remains a good default for many low-resolution inputs. Later revisions can improve language availability and accuracy on newer macOS versions. If a selected language is not supported by your preferred revision, OwlOCR automatically uses a compatible revision so recognition can run.
Could OwlOCR be made available for Windows, iOS or older MacOS versions?
There is a chance that one day we'll see OwlOCR for iOS, but no concrete plans or dates exist.
MacOS versions older than 12 and Windows are unfortunately ruled out for OwlOCR 7. The app relies on modern Electron packaging, native Swift helpers, Finder Quick Actions, and macOS frameworks that are not portable to platforms other than Apple's.
MacOS versions older than 12 and Windows are unfortunately ruled out for OwlOCR 7. The app relies on modern Electron packaging, native Swift helpers, Finder Quick Actions, and macOS frameworks that are not portable to platforms other than Apple's.
Something else?
For anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
This app is made by an actual real human being that will respond personally to everyone reaching out. A ton of features have also been added to the app based on requests from users. So even if the app is missing a feature you'd like to see, please send a note and let's evaluate it together.
This app is made by an actual real human being that will respond personally to everyone reaching out. A ton of features have also been added to the app based on requests from users. So even if the app is missing a feature you'd like to see, please send a note and let's evaluate it together.