Microsoft has introduced an option to extract text from images with Snipping Tool. The feature will be available to all soon. The tool now ships with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology that allows it to recognize text in an image and then extract it. In this post, we will learn how to extract text from images with the Snipping Tool in Windows 11.
Microsoft, in its quest to improve the Snipping Tool, has added OCR or Optical Character Recognition to the app after allowing it to record videos. However, as of now, the Text Action feature is only available on Microsoft Insider Dev and Canary channel but will be rolled out to all soon. You can take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool, scan it, and then it will extract texts out of it.
Before you begin check for updates and install the latest available one.
Extract Text from Images with Snipping Tool in Windows
If you want to extract text from images with the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, follow the below steps:
- Open the Snipping Tool app.
- Click on New or the keyboard shortcut Win + Shift + S (you don’t have to even open the Snipping Tool to use this shortcut) and take a screenshot.
- Now, click on the Text Action button.
- The AI will scan the screenshot and allow you to select text.
- You can either click on Copy all text or drag your cursor to select the text that you want.
- Once the text is selected, you can copy it using Ctrl + C and paste it anywhere you want.
This will do the job for you.
You can not just copy text using the tool, but also Redact text. As of now, Snipping Tool only offers two Redaction options: Email addresses and Phone numbers, which are used to exclude sensitive information from a text. When you take a screenshot, just click on the drop-down menu that’s placed next to Quick Redact and then select either of the two options.
Related: Extract Text from Images: Using the Windows Photo Scan app | Using OneNote | In Microsoft Word.
Hopefully, this AI integration of the Snipping Tool helps you to extract text from an image easily.
Read: How to Disable Snipping Tool or Print Screen in Windows?
How do I extract text from the Snipping Tool?
To extract text from the Snipping Tool, you must update the app to version 11.2308.33.0 version or later. Once you do that, just take a screenshot and click the Text Action button. You can then either copy the image or use the Redact option.
How do I use the Snipping tool in Windows 11?
Snipping Tool comes preinstalled on Windows 11. However, if, for some reason, the app is not on your device, go to microsoft.com and download the tool. To use it, either open the app and click on New or use the shortcut Win + Shift + S. Now, use the cursor to drag over the screen and select the portion you want to capture. If you want to know more, check our guide on Snipping Tool Tips and Tricks.
Read Next: Free Online OCR sites and services to extract Text from Images.
