Google Lens in Chrome helps you search visually from the page you are already viewing. Instead of describing an image, copying text, or opening a new tab, you can select part of the page and ask Chrome to search it.
How to start Google Lens in Chrome on desktop:
1. Open Chrome.
2. Go to a webpage.
3. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
4. Select "Search this tab with Google Lens."
5. You can also right-click a page and choose "Search this tab with Google Lens."
How to search an image:
1. Right-click the image.
2. Select "Search with Google Lens."
3. Review results in the side panel.
4. Open a result in a new tab if you want to compare sources.
How to search anything on a page:
After opening Lens, click, highlight, or drag over the part of the webpage you want to search. This can be an object in a photo, a logo, a block of text, a product detail, or another visual element.
Useful examples:
- Identify a plant, animal, landmark, or product.
- Find similar products from an image.
- Translate visible text in a picture.
- Search a chart or graphic.
- Ask questions about the current page.
- Compare visual details without leaving the tab.
How Lens fits with AI Mode:
Chrome Help notes that you can ask follow-up questions in the Lens side panel, which can lead into AI Mode. This is useful when a visual search gives you a starting point but you need explanation, comparison, or broader context.
Privacy note:
Google's Help Center says that when you use Lens to search webpage content in Chrome, a screenshot of the page and page data are sent to Google for the query. If a page contains sensitive information, think carefully before using visual search on it.
Productivity tips:
- Pin the Lens side panel entry if you use it often.
- Use it when text search is hard because you do not know the name of an object.
- Combine it with AI Mode when you need a follow-up explanation.
- Use it for shopping comparisons, but verify prices and seller reliability on the original page.
Bottom line:
Google Lens in Chrome is a powerful shortcut for visual search. It is best used when you can see what you want but do not know how to describe it precisely.