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Google Lens is an incredibly useful feature hiding in plain sight in your smart device. It can identify virtually any object, translate foreign text, and even scan QR codes. It works using mainly your smartphone’s camera, yet it is way more useful than you might think.
Google Lens can identify car models that are unfamiliar as well as clothing brands worn by TV characters. It doesn’t only identify real-world objects through a camera, it scans and identifies images on your screen. This opens up a ton of creative uses.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 little-known but super helpful ways to make the most of Google Lens on your smart device. Some of these might blow your mind.
1. Figure Out the Make and Model of Any Car
Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram or watching a movie and spotted a nice car but have no idea what it’s called? Google Lens can help.
Use these steps to find out the model of the car conveniently:
- Right-click the image and select “Search with Google Lens.”
- Highlight the car in the picture.
- Google will pull up results showing the make, model, and similar vehicles.
It goes further. You can enhance your search by asking Google more questions like: “Where can I buy this car near me?” {Google will show you local dealerships near you}. One can also ask Google to find used versions of this car under $20,000 (for example).

You can also look for alternatives to this model with better fuel efficiency. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a rare vintage car or the latest luxury sports car, Google Lens can identify it in seconds.
2. Extract the Exact Hex Code of Any Colour
Ever seen a stunning colour in a home decor blog or a celebrity’s outfit shade you’d love to replicate? Instead of guessing, Google Lens can grab the hex code—the six-digit code that defines exact colours digitally.
How to check for the hex code of a colour:
- Open the image in Google Lens.
- Select the portion with the colour you want.
- Check the search results for the hex code.
You can use the hex code of a colour to do a range of things like:
- Order the specific color of paint.
- Find matching clothing online.
- Recreate the colour in graphic design projects.

3. Track Down Art Prints and Designs
Suppose you love a painting you saw in a museum or a unique fabric pattern on a dress, Google Lens can help you identify the art style and find places to buy prints or fabric with that design. You can also discover the history behind the artwork.
For example, if you spot a cool geometric pattern on a TV show’s set decor, Google Lens can track down similar wallpaper or even tutorials on how to DIY (Do it yourself).
4. Find Furniture from Movies and Shows
Google Lens can help you find and buy real-life versions of items you saw on screen, including furniture, vacuum cleaners etc.
Screenshot the scene, run it through Lens, and browse shopping results.
Additionally, if you’re not looking to buy, Lens can still tell you fun facts about the item like who designed the piece and what’s its significance in pop culture.
5. Identify Vintage or Historical Objects
Suppose you found an old pocket or a strange artefact in a documentary, Google Lens can tell you its era, origin, and material. It can also link you to auctions or collectors selling similar items. Additionally, it can share articles about its historical significance.
Even if the exact item isn’t available, Lens suggests alternatives. It is a great tool for hunters of antiques and items of historical value.
6. Pinpoint Travel Locations from Screenshots
Remember those moments when you are watching a travel vlog and wondering, “Where is this breathtaking location?” It is easy to find out nearly any location using Google Lens. You can take a screenshot of the image and scan it with Google Lens to find the precise location.

Credit: USA Today
It works for famous landmarks and scenic landscapes e.g., the Swiss Alps. It can also identify random street corners. Locations are easier to identify if there are clues like signposts, landmarks or famous architecture.
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7. Find Makeup Shades or Clothing Brands
Perhaps you spotted a celebrity’s outfit and you want the same piece of clothing, Google lens can identify the product and offer you a link to stores selling it. It can also suggest similar shades or styles. It works for shoes, handbags, and even nail polish colours.
8. Offer Recipes from Food Pics
Maybe you saw a mouthwatering dish on Instagram and want to prepare the same at home. Google Lens can name the dish and recipes. It can also suggest alternative ingredients.

9. Discover Tattoo from Movies or Photos
Do you love a television character’s unique tattoo? You can use Google Lens to:
- Find similar designs.
- Locate stencils for tattoo artists.
- Get colour variations or customisation ideas.
10. Identify Fonts in Screenshots
Perhaps you found a cool font on a website or poster–Google Lens can name the font and provide you a link to download it.
This is perfect for designers or anyone tired of using regular fonts.
Google Lens on a computer is like having a detective, shopping assistant, and digital agent rolled into one. Harnessing its incredible features can save time and make life easier.