Use image matching for appearance
A distinctive icon, a stable button or a known dialog can make a useful image template. Matching looks for that appearance in a defined search area.
The target may move within that area, but its appearance still matters. Revalidate after changes to scale, theme or the application. Include enough context to distinguish similar targets without making the template unnecessarily large.
Use OCR for content
OCR is useful when you need a ticket reference, a displayed number or the text of a status. The value can change while the region and purpose remain the same.
OCR is also fallible. Small text, low contrast, decimal separators and similar characters can affect the result. Keep the region focused and define what to do when the result is missing or unexpected.
Combine them when each answers a different question
In a record-processing workflow, an image can establish that the record window is ready while OCR captures the record’s reference. After the action, another check can establish whether it succeeded.
In TriggerFlow, scenario triggers use image matching. OCR Capture, OCR Click and OCR conditions provide the text-based operations within or alongside the workflow. Choose the operation deliberately rather than describing them all as the same trigger.
Choose with a small test set
Collect representative normal, missing and confusing states from your test application. Evaluate the approach against those cases at the intended display settings.
There is no universal speed or accuracy winner. The appearance, text quality, search area and settings determine how well the check fits your task.