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How to Extract Text from Email Images Using Power Automate Cloud Flows
Question details
The user is looking to set up a cloud flow in Power Automate to automatically extract text from images attached to or embedded in email messages using OCR.
- Product
- Microsoft Power Automate
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Automating text extraction from incoming email images via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) connectors.
- Observed behavior
- Seeking instructions on configuring the appropriate triggers, image source pathways, and OCR actions within a Microsoft Power Automate cloud flow.
Before configuring your automated flow, ensure you have an active Microsoft Power Automate account and access to necessary premium OCR connectors, such as AI Builder.
Consult the Microsoft Power Automate Community
Because Power Automate workflows require highly specific triggers and connectors, posting your scenario in the dedicated community forum is the best way to get accurate guidance.
Power Automate specialists frequently monitor the official forums and can provide customized flow diagrams. Questions about cloud flows and OCR belong in this specialized community rather than general Office support.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Power Automate Community website in your web browser.
Click 'New Message' to start a thread. Include your specific email trigger, such as the Office 365 Outlook 'When a new email arrives' action.
Explain whether the image source is an attachment or an inline image, and describe your desired output format (e.g., saving the extracted text to a SharePoint list).
Request advice on the most appropriate OCR connector for your use case, such as the AI Builder text recognition model or third-party OCR actions.
Need a simpler way to extract text? Try WPS Office
While Power Automate handles complex enterprise workflows, everyday text extraction doesn't require complicated cloud flows. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that features a powerful built-in OCR tool. You can instantly extract text from images and PDFs without any coding, while enjoying seamless compatibility with all your Microsoft Office files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite on your device.
- 2. Open Your Image or Document: Launch WPS Office and open the document or insert the image you want to process.
- 3. Use the OCR Feature: Navigate to the Tools tab and select 'OCR' to instantly extract editable text from your image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extract text from images without using Power Automate?
Yes. You can use desktop software with built-in OCR features, such as WPS Office or Microsoft OneNote, to manually extract text from images without the need to set up automated cloud flows.
What OCR connectors are available in Power Automate?
Power Automate offers several OCR options, including the native AI Builder 'Recognize text in an image or a PDF document' action, as well as third-party premium connectors like Encodian.
How do I trigger a flow when an email with an image arrives?
You can use the 'When a new email arrives' trigger for Office 365 Outlook. Make sure to set 'Include Attachments' to 'Yes' in the advanced options so the flow can retrieve and process the attached images.
