5 Google Lens tricks to level up your image search

Google Lens has been around for a while now, so it’s easy to forget how useful this tool can be. From discovering a strange plant in your yard to translating a street sign, you can learn more about almost anything you see.

If you’re new to the image search app or just haven’t used it in a while, here’s how to get the most out of Google Lens. (And if you want to dive deeper, take a look at this list of useful Google Lens tips from ZDNET’s Maria Diaz).

Point and ask in real life: I wonder if there is something in front of you? Find out more with Lens. Point your camera and take a photo using the Lens app and you’ll see AI Review providing you with information and links to learn more. If you hold down the shutter button while shooting, you can ask your question out loud.

Get more context online: With distribution AI Image GeneratorsSeeing is not always believing. If you want to learn about an image online, open it with Lens to learn more. You’ll see sites where the image appears – hopefully news and fact-checking sites that provide more context.

Desktop Search: The lens is not just for your phone. WITH Lens in Chrome for desktop, you can search and ask questions about everything you see on the web without leaving your browser tab. Just type “Google Lens” in the address bar, click the Lens icon, then click and drag your cursor over what you want to learn more about. The results will appear in the sidebar, along with the option to add a question or refine the results.

Buy more effectively in real life: Last fall, Google introduced a new Lens feature. help with grocery shopping. Take a photo of an item using the Lens app and you’ll see where you can buy it, if it’s in stock near you, how much it costs, reviews, and more. Thanks to Google Shopping Chartyou have access to over 45 billion product listings and stock data.

Take notes: Take a photo of the text (including legible handwriting) and Lens creates a summary. You can ask additional questions or copy it to your clipboard. Lens can even annotate the original image; say, if you want to highlight vegan options on a restaurant menu.

If you don’t have Lens yet, find one here for Android or here for iOS (it’s in the Google app). To use Lens in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, then select Search with Google Lens or type Google Lens in the address bar.