Here's how to get around McGraw Hill SmartBook’s copy-paste block: Take a screenshot of the question and upload it to [ApexVision AI](/ai-homework-helper/) for instant, step-by-step solutions. We've helped over 500,000 students solve copy-protected SmartBook questions-even when other methods fail.
Key Takeaways
- SmartBook’s copy restrictions don’t block screenshots.
- [ApexVision AI](/ai-homework-helper/) can read question screenshots and instantly explain answers step by step.
- These methods work on any device (laptop, tablet, or phone).
- Avoid shady browser extensions-use ApexVision AI or built-in accessibility tools for safe, effective studying.
- Only use these methods for learning and review, not for cheating.
- Use Inspect Element: Right-click the question and select “Inspect” (or press Ctrl + Shift + I). Find the question text in the Elements panel, double-click, and copy it. Works in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. If right-click is blocked, try keyboard shortcuts.
- Browser Accessibility Tools: Enable ChromeVox (Chrome extension) or use a built-in screen reader to read the question out loud or copy text. In Chrome: Settings > Accessibility > Enable ChromeVox.
- Screenshot + OCR: Take a screenshot, then upload it to Google Keep (keep.google.com), OnlineOCR.net, or similar. Extract the text and paste it where needed.
- Smartphone Camera OCR: Point your phone’s camera at your screen and use iOS Live Text (iPhone Camera > Live Text icon) or Android’s Google Lens to grab and copy the question.
- Audio Dictation: Read the question aloud and use voice-to-text in Google Docs or your phone’s dictation tool.
Step 1: Screenshot the SmartBook Question
Press Windows + Shift + S or Cmd + Shift + 4 on a Mac to capture the question on your screen.
Why it works: SmartBook can block copy-paste and even some right-click functions, but it has no way to prevent you from making a screenshot. You’re capturing the question visually, which completely bypasses text locks.
Pro Tip: Drag to crop just the question, not your whole screen. ApexVision AI can process images faster and with more accuracy if there’s no clutter.
Step 2: Upload the Screenshot to ApexVision AI
Visit [apexvision.ai](/ai-homework-helper/) and click “Upload Screenshot”. If you’re on your phone, snap a photo and upload it in the same way.
Why it works: ApexVision AI uses advanced OCR to instantly read the question from your screenshot, then runs it through expert-backed algorithms to generate a step-by-step solution.
Pro Tip: Try the [ApexVision AI mobile app](/ai-homework-helper/) to take photos directly from your phone or tablet camera-no need to transfer files.
Step 3: Review ApexVision AI’s Step-by-Step Solution
Once your screenshot is processed, ApexVision AI shows you a detailed answer with each step explained-so you actually learn, not just memorize.
Why this matters: On exams, you often won’t have tools available. By seeing step-by-step reasoning, you’ll understand the process and remember it for tests. That’s why so many students use ApexVision AI as their main [AI homework helper](/ai-homework-helper/) or [AI study tool](/ai-study-tools/).
Pro Tip: For math and science, try ApexVision’s [AI math solver](/ai-math-solver/) mode for worked-out formulas.
If That Doesn’t Work
Most students never need another method-but if ApexVision AI isn’t available or you want alternatives, try these:
Pro Tip: For long or complex questions, cropping or zooming in before screenshotting gets you better OCR results-whether you use ApexVision AI or another tool.
Troubleshooting
Problem: ApexVision AI can’t read my screenshot.
Solution: Make sure your screenshot is sharp and well-cropped. Retake the screenshot if needed. Avoid glare or low screen brightness.
Problem: Inspect Element is disabled or blocked.
Solution: Reload the page or use a different browser like Firefox. Try F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I keyboard shortcuts.
Problem: OCR isn’t working, text comes out garbled.
Solution: Retake the screenshot with higher resolution-zoom in on the question and crop closely for best results.
Problem: Screen reader skips or misreads the text.
Solution: Slow down the reader speed in settings, or manually select the question area before activating the reader.
FAQ
Is it allowed to use ApexVision AI or these methods for SmartBook?
Using learning tools like [ApexVision AI](/ai-homework-helper/) for personal study and understanding is fine at most schools. Do not share answers or use AI for cheating; always follow your school’s academic integrity rules.
Can browser extensions help copy SmartBook questions?
Some browser extensions claim to bypass copy restrictions, but many are blocked or violate SmartBook’s terms. Our analysis shows that built-in browser features and ApexVision AI are safer and more reliable.
Will these methods work on all McGraw Hill platforms?
Yes, our team has tested these steps on SmartBook, Connect, ALEKS, and more. The only exception: locked-down testing browsers, where only [ApexVision AI](/ai-homework-helper/) via smartphone camera works consistently.
What if the question is an image or diagram, not text?
ApexVision AI and tools like Google Lens or iOS Live Text can extract text from images, including diagrams. Just screenshot or snap a photo and upload.
Do I have to type the question manually if nothing else works?
Manual typing is always a last resort, but with ApexVision AI’s OCR and mobile camera support, you usually won’t have to.
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