Copying text from an image on Windows 11 is easier than you might think. Using built-in tools and some additional software, you can extract text from any image file. Here’s a quick guide: use the Snip & Sketch tool to capture the image, then employ an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool like OneNote to convert the captured image into editable text. Follow the detailed steps below to accomplish this task.
How to Copy Text from Image in Windows 11
This step-by-step guide will show you how to extract text from an image using the tools available in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Snip & Sketch
Launch the Snip & Sketch tool by pressing Windows Key + Shift + S.
The Snip & Sketch tool allows you to capture specific parts of your screen. After pressing the keys, your screen will dim, and you can select the area of the image you want to capture.
Step 2: Capture the Image
Select the portion of the screen containing the text you want to copy.
Click and drag to draw a box around the text area. Once you release the mouse button, the captured image will be saved to your clipboard automatically.
Step 3: Open OneNote
Launch Microsoft OneNote from the Start menu or by searching for it in the search bar.
OneNote is a versatile application that includes powerful OCR capabilities. You’ll use this to convert your captured image into text.
Step 4: Paste the Image in OneNote
Press Ctrl + V to paste the captured image into a OneNote page.
After pasting, right-click on the image. This brings up a context menu where you can access the OCR functionality.
Step 5: Extract Text from Image
Select “Copy Text from Picture” from the context menu.
OneNote will analyze the image using OCR technology and copy the recognized text to your clipboard. You can then paste this text wherever you need it, whether it’s in a Word document, email, or any other text editor.
After following these steps, the text will be extracted from the image and copied to your clipboard. You can now paste it into any application of your choice and edit it like regular text.
Tips for Copying Text from Image in Windows 11
- Ensure the image is clear: Poor quality images may result in less accurate text extraction.
- Use high-contrast images: Text that stands out against its background is easier for OCR to recognize.
- Crop irrelevant parts: Focus only on the text you need to extract to increase accuracy.
- Update your software: Keep OneNote and other tools updated to benefit from the latest OCR improvements.
- Double-check extracted text: OCR isn’t perfect and may require you to correct some errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the OCR in OneNote?
The OCR in OneNote is quite reliable but not perfect. The accuracy can depend on the clarity and quality of the image.
Can I use other OCR software besides OneNote?
Yes, there are many other OCR tools available, such as Adobe Acrobat, Google Keep, and third-party applications.
Is there a way to automate this process?
Some advanced tools and scripts can automate the process, but for most users, the manual method described here is straightforward and effective.
Do I need an internet connection for OneNote OCR?
No, OneNote can perform OCR offline. However, syncing features will require an internet connection.
What types of images work best for OCR?
High-resolution images with clear, readable text work best. Handwritten text may also work but is generally less reliable.
Summary
- Open Snip & Sketch.
- Capture the image.
- Open OneNote.
- Paste the image in OneNote.
- Extract text from image.
Conclusion
Copying text from an image in Windows 11 is a simple process if you have the right tools. Using Snip & Sketch to capture the image and OneNote for OCR, you can easily transform image-based text into editable text. While the built-in tools should suffice for most needs, there are always other software options if you require more advanced features.
Remember, the key to successful text extraction is the quality of your image. Clear, high-contrast pictures yield the best results. And while OneNote’s OCR is robust, always double-check the extracted text for errors, especially if clarity is crucial.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other OCR tools or features that might further enhance your productivity. The digital world is full of possibilities, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.