In this digital age, screenshots are the modern-day equivalent of old-school notepads. Whether it’s a snippet from a document, a screenshot of a chat, or an image with vital information, the need to extract text from images has become commonplace. But typing out text manually from an image can be tiresome, which is where the power of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) comes into play. Thankfully, Windows 11 comes bundled with tools that make extracting text from images easier than ever.
So go ahead, take that screenshot, and let Windows 11 do the heavy lifting!
Source: YTECHB How to Extract Text From Images on Windows 11
Why Extract Text?
Picture this: you’ve taken a screenshot of an important receipt or some essential notes for school. The last thing you want to do is type everything verbatim into another application. OCR allows you to scan images and convert them into editable text, saving you both time and effort. Let’s dive into several methods you can use within Windows 11 to extract text from images—some built-in features and a couple of third-party options that are worth mentioning.1. Using the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool has been a staple in Windows, and with Windows 11, it received a hefty upgrade. Here’s how you can use it to extract text:- Capture the Image: Open the image in a photo viewer. Press Win + Shift + S to activate the Snipping Tool.
- Select the Area: Drag your mouse across the text area you want to capture.
- Extract the Text: Click on the "Text Actions" button that appears. The tool will identify the text within the snipped area and highlight it.
- Copy: Use your mouse to select the required text, or click “Copy All” to snatch everything. The text is now in your clipboard, ready for pasting elsewhere.
Why It Works:
The Snipping Tool is great for quick text extraction and is perfect for users who prefer native solutions within the Windows ecosystem.2. Using Copilot
Windows 11 introduces Copilot, an AI assistant that pulls double duty, including enabling text extraction. Here's how to get started:- Open Copilot: Click its icon in the taskbar.
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag the image into the Copilot window.
- Extract Text: After dropping the image, prompt it to “extract text” and hit Enter.
- Check the Output: The extracted text will appear in a line-by-line format. Note that some output may appear jumbled, so a quick comparison with the original image is needed.
Caveat:
The AI isn’t foolproof. Expect some quirks in how it organizes the text!3. Using Phone Link App
For those who use an Android or iOS device linked to their Windows 11 machine, the Phone Link app is a game-changer:- Update the App: Make sure Phone Link is updated on both your PC and mobile.
- Open Photos Tab: Launch Phone Link and access the Photos tab.
- Double-click the Photo: Select the image from which you want to copy text.
- Click on Text: Hit the Text option in the menu bar to highlight all the text from the selected image.
- Copy the Text: Select and copy the desired text!
Integration:
This feature bridges the gap between your mobile device and Windows 11, allowing seamless information sharing.4. Using PowerToys
PowerToys is a gem for power users who enjoy tweaking their Windows experience:- Download PowerToys: Install it from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Focus on the Text Extractor utility.
- Open Your Image: Launch an image viewer and open the desired image.
- Activate Text Extractor: Press Win + Shift + T to invoke the OCR feature. Select the text area to capture it automatically.
Bonus Tip:
PowerToys allows for multi-language OCR, ensuring flexibility in your text extraction needs.5. Using Google Lens
Last but certainly not least, Google Lens is a go-to option for users comfortable with browser-based utilities:- Open Chrome: Launch a new Google Chrome window.
- Drag the Image: Simply drag your image into the window.
- Search with Google Lens: Right-click on the image, selecting “Search with Google Lens.”
- Select Text & Copy: Highlight the text you wish to extract, then hit Ctrl + C to copy it.
Know the Risks:
Remember, using Google Lens uploads your image to Google, which might raise privacy concerns for some users.FAQs
Does Windows 11 have OCR software?
Yes, multiple built-in applications like the Snipping Tool and Phone Link provide OCR capabilities.Which OCR is best for Windows 11?
Microsoft has integrated OCR across various native apps, making it accessible and user-friendly for most extraction tasks.Can I do OCR in Word?
No, Microsoft Word lacks an integrated OCR feature. Utilize the Snipping Tool or PowerToys for effective text extraction.Conclusion
The ability to extract text from images on Windows 11 opens a world of possibilities, making life a little easier for everyone—from savvy students to busy professionals. With a mix of native tools and third-party applications at your disposal, there’s no reason to suffer the burden of manual typing. Explore these tools, and you’ll find that copying text from images becomes a breeze.So go ahead, take that screenshot, and let Windows 11 do the heavy lifting!
Source: YTECHB How to Extract Text From Images on Windows 11