A model that can organize text is not automatically able to inspect an image. Keep that difference clear when choosing how a screenshot should be read on your Mac.
A useful local AI setup matches the input capability to the source.
Use OCR for the common text path
Native OCR can recognize image text, then a supported local text model can organize that wording. This is different from passing raw image pixels to the text model. If the OCR omitted a diagram or layout detail, a text-only result should not claim it inspected that detail.
Use supported local vision deliberately
The optional supported local vision route prepares an image for the loopback Ollama API. It needs the relevant installed model and more resources than a small text-only path. Review the result against the image and keep the source available; vision is not a guarantee of accuracy.
Distinguish access from availability
Take a source with a table and ask what information your chosen route can see. OCR may provide the cell wording but lose some layout, while a text-only model receives that recognized wording rather than the original pixels. A supported vision route can inspect a prepared image, but its answer still needs comparison with the original. For a number that appears in several columns, read the column label yourself before confirming the proposed amount. This check is more useful than choosing a model because its name sounds advanced. Match the route to the missing evidence, and retain the original source whenever layout or small print affects the next action.
One step at a time.
- 01
Decide whether you need recognized text or image understanding.
- 02
Use native OCR plus text processing for ordinary text sources.
- 03
Choose supported local vision only after its model is installed.
- 04
Review what the selected route actually had access to.
A little reference.
Keep the context and your next action together.
| Choice | Use it for | Check before saving |
|---|---|---|
| OCR plus text model | Text in an image | Check recognized wording |
| Vision model | Prepared image input | Needs supported local setup |
| Text-only model | Existing text | Does not read raw pixels |
Can every Ollama model read a screenshot directly?
No. Text-only models need recognized text. Direct prepared-image processing requires a supported vision-capable model.
These guides explain product workflows. Review extracted names, dates and amounts. Features depend on your device, permissions and optional service setup.
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