Copying text from an image in Windows 11 might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty simple when you know what tools to use. In a nutshell, you’ll need to use the built-in Snip & Sketch tool to grab the image, and then a text recognition tool like OneNote or an online OCR (Optical Character Recognition) service to extract the text. This process can help you save time, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of text that’s locked inside an image.
How to Copy Text from Image in Windows 11
Below, we’ll break down the steps needed to extract text from an image on your Windows 11 device. These steps will guide you through the process using Snip & Sketch and OneNote, making the task easier than you might think.
Step 1: Open Snip & Sketch
First, you need to capture the image from which you want to extract text.
Open the Snip & Sketch tool by pressing Windows Key + Shift + S. This will bring up a small menu at the top of your screen with different snipping options (rectangular, freeform, window, and full-screen).
Step 2: Capture the Image
Choose the type of snip that best suits your needs (usually rectangular for most tasks).
Drag your cursor around the portion of the screen you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, Snip & Sketch will capture the selected area and save it to your clipboard.
Step 3: Paste into OneNote
Open OneNote, which is part of the Microsoft Office suite but also available as a free app.
Press Ctrl + V to paste the captured image into a new OneNote page. OneNote is great for this task because it comes with a built-in OCR feature.
Step 4: Extract Text
Right-click on the pasted image in OneNote.
Select “Copy Text from Picture.” OneNote will automatically recognize the text within the image and copy it to your clipboard.
Step 5: Paste Text
Finally, open a blank document or text editor.
Press Ctrl + V to paste the text extracted from the image. You can now edit and use this text however you like.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have successfully extracted text from an image. The text will be available for you to paste into any document, making it easy to work with.
Tips for Copying Text from Image in Windows 11
- High-Quality Image: Make sure the image is high-quality to improve text recognition accuracy.
- Clear Text: Ensure the text in the image is clear and legible.
- OneNote Tools: Utilize OneNote’s other tools for organizing the extracted text.
- Online OCR: If OneNote isn’t available, use a reputable online OCR service.
- Check for Errors: Always review the extracted text for any recognition errors, especially with complex fonts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other tools besides OneNote?
Yes, there are many online OCR tools, as well as other software like Adobe Acrobat that can extract text from images.
Is Snip & Sketch available on older versions of Windows?
No, Snip & Sketch is specific to Windows 10 and 11. Older versions of Windows use the Snipping Tool.
How accurate is the text recognition?
The accuracy depends on the quality of the image and the clarity of the text. High-quality images with clear text yield better results.
Can I extract text from a PDF?
Yes, you can use Adobe Acrobat or online OCR tools to extract text from PDF files.
Is there a limit to the amount of text I can extract?
Most tools do not limit the text amount, but extremely large amounts might require multiple passes.
Summary
- Open Snip & Sketch.
- Capture the image.
- Paste into OneNote.
- Extract text.
- Paste text.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Copying text from an image in Windows 11 is a straightforward process once you get the hang of it. By using Snip & Sketch and OneNote, you can quickly and easily extract text from any image. These tools are powerful allies in saving you time and hassle when dealing with text that’s locked in images.
If you often find yourself needing to do this, consider exploring other OCR tools and apps that might offer additional features. The key is to ensure your images are clear and high-quality for the best results.
For further reading, you might want to check out more advanced text recognition software or explore other tips and tricks that Windows 11 has to offer. Happy text extracting!
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.