ByCopying text from screenshots in Windows 11 has now become easier and more efficient than ever. Many users find this feature useful as it saves time by typing the data manually. Let us tell you in detail about the different ways to copy text from screenshots in Windows 11.
Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
What is OCR?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technology that helps in recognizing and copying text present in images or screenshots. Many applications on Windows 11 support this feature.
Using Microsoft PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys is a powerful tool for Windows 11 users. Its Text Extractor feature allows you to copy text from screenshots using OCR.
1. Download and install Microsoft PowerToys
Visit the [PowerToys GitHub page](https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys).
Install it after downloading.
2. Activate the Text Extractor feature
Go to PowerToys Settings.
Turn on the “Text Extractor” feature.
3. Copy text from a screenshot.
Press `Windows + Shift + T`.
Select the area on the screen containing text.
The text will be automatically copied to your clipboard.
Use of Google Keep
Google Keep is a free and simple tool that allows you to extract text from screenshots.
1. Open Google Keep.
Go to [Google Keep website](https://keep.google.com/).
2. Upload screenshot.
Click on “+ Add Note” and upload the screenshot.
3. Extract text.
Click on the “Grab Image Text” option.
The text will appear in your note.
Use of Snip & Sketch Tool
Snip & Sketch Tool is also a great option in Windows 11. However, it does not extract text directly but helps in taking screenshots.
1. Launch Snip & Sketch Tool
Press `Windows + Shift + S`.
2. Select the text area of the screen.
Select the required area using the mouse.
3. Upload to OCR software.
Upload this screenshot to an OCR tool, such as Adobe Acrobat or Google Docs.
Using a Third-Party Application
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is a premium tool that helps extract text from screenshots.
1. Convert the screenshot to PDF.
2. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
3. Use the “Edit PDF” feature and copy the text.
Easy Screen OCR
This is a lightweight and useful tool:
1. Download Easy Screen OCR.
Go to [Easy Screen OCR](https://easyscreenocr.com/) website.
2. Install and setup.
Launch it after installation.
3. Copy text from a screenshot.
Capture a screen and use the “OCR” option.
Use built-in Windows features
Windows 11 has some built-in features that make text extraction easier.
Use OneNote
OneNote is a Microsoft application that allows you to copy text from screenshots.
1. Open OneNote.
2. Upload a screenshot.
3. Click the “Copy Text from Picture” option.
Windows Clipboard History
If you often copy text, use the Clipboard History feature. To enable it:
1. Press `Windows + V`.
2. Turn on the “Enable Clipboard History” option.
Use online OCR tools
If you don’t want to install any software, online OCR tools can be a fast and convenient option.
Smallpdf
1. Visit [Smallpdf](https://smallpdf.com/) website.
2. Upload the screenshot.
3. Extract and copy the text.
Online OCR
1. Visit [Online OCR](https://www.onlineocr.net/).
2. Upload the screenshot and click “Convert”.
3. Download the text.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble with text extraction, follow the tips below:
Make sure the screenshot resolution is high.
Take screenshots with clear and readable text.
Update the software or tool.
Conclusion
Copying text from screenshots on Windows 11 has become extremely simple through various tools and techniques. Tools like Microsoft PowerToys, Google Keep, and OneNote have made this process fast and efficient. Third-party applications and online tools are also helpful in this task.
FAQ
1. Can I copy text from a screenshot on Windows 11?
Yes, on Windows 11 you can copy text from a screenshot using various tools and techniques. Options like Microsoft PowerToys, OneNote, and online OCR tools help with this.
2. How to use Microsoft PowerToys?
After installing Microsoft PowerToys, turn on its “Text Extractor” feature. Then copy text from the screenshot by pressing `Windows + Shift + T`.
3. Does Google Keep help with text extraction?
Yes, Google Keep is a useful tool. You can upload a screenshot and extract text using the “Grab Image Text” option.
4. Does Windows 11 have a built-in text extraction feature?
Windows 11 has no built-in feature for text extraction directly. But you can use features like Snip & Sketch and Clipboard History.
5. Which is the best OCR tool?
Microsoft PowerToys and Adobe Acrobat are among the best OCR tools. Apart from this, online tools like Smallpdf and Online OCR are also good options.
6. What to do if OCR is not working properly?
Check the resolution of the screenshot.
The font of the text should be clear and large.
Update the software.
7. Is this process free?
Microsoft PowerToys, Google Keep, and many online OCR tools are free. But premium tools like Adobe Acrobat may have to be paid for.
8. Are online OCR tools safe?
For security, use only trusted and popular OCR tools. Avoid uploading sensitive data.
9. How to copy text from a screenshot in OneNote?
Upload a screenshot to OneNote and click the “Copy Text from Picture” option.
10. Can Snip & Sketch extract text?
Snip & Sketch doesn’t extract text directly. But you can take a screenshot and use it in an OCR tool.
11. Do I need to install OCR tools?
No, if you don’t want to install software, you can use online OCR tools.
12. Does this process work on other operating systems?
Yes, most OCR tools are available on operating systems other than Windows, such as macOS and Linux.
