Extract Texts from Screen with OCR in Windows 11 Without Taking Screenshots

Unlocking the New Text Extraction Feature in Windows 11

Windows 11 has introduced an exciting addition to its Snipping Tool, enhancing productivity with the incorporation of the popular “text extraction”feature, previously found in PowerToys. This means that users can now extract text seamlessly from their screen without the extra step of taking screenshots first. Let’s explore what this feature entails, how it works, and how it can revolutionize your workflow.

What is Text Extraction in Windows 11?

Text extraction enables users to easily extract text from images and screenshots directly through the Snipping Tool. Unlike traditional methods where you had to open a captured image after taking a screenshot, this new feature allows for immediate access to text extraction directly from your screen in real-time.

Previously available as a part of PowerToys, this feature has gained praise for its efficiency and effectiveness, often being the main reason users opt to install PowerToys. However, with its integration into Windows 11’s native tools, it aims for broader accessibility without the need for third-party applications.

How to Access the New Text Extraction Feature

Using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is simpler than ever. Once you press the Shift + Alt + S keyboard shortcut, you will notice a dedicated “Text Extraction” button on the capture toolbar. This feature eliminates the need for creating a screenshot purely to access text; the toggle is ready for use as soon as you activate the screenshot function.

For a more streamlined approach to copying text, future updates will allow you to utilize Shift + Alt + T to input text directly, saving you even more time in your daily tasks.

Text Extraction in Windows 11 via Snipping

Your Guide to Using Text Extraction

Capture and Extract: Once you initiate the text extraction button, the AI-enhanced functionality scans your screen and detects any text. You can manually select the text you want to extract.
Copy with Ease: After making your selection, a right-click allows you to effortlessly copy the text to your clipboard, ready to be pasted anywhere.
QR Code Convenience: Another notable feature is the ability to create a QR code for easy access to the extracted text on mobile devices, making text transfer super simple.
Inclusive Formatting: Should you want a clean version of the text, the tool also offers options like “remove line break, ” ensuring extracted text is devoid of unwanted formatting that often complicates usage.

The Technology Behind Text Extraction

While Microsoft claims that AI powers the text extraction tool, it leverages the well-established Windows Media OCR engine. This robust engine is already familiar to PowerToys users, providing solid performance without extensive reliance on additional AI algorithms. It’s possible that Microsoft has incorporated some AI elements to enhance the extraction while maintaining the formatting and structure of the original text. In any case, the outcome is impressive and promises to make your workflow smoother.

Get Ready for a Game-Changer!

As this feature begins rolling out more widely, you can expect a significant enhancement in your productivity, making tedious text extraction tasks a breeze. Stay tuned for future updates that will continue to refine and enhance the capabilities of Windows 11’s Snipping Tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the text extraction feature in Windows 11 differ from PowerToys?

The text extraction feature is now integrated directly into the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, allowing users to extract text directly from their screen without first capturing a screenshot, unlike in PowerToys which required an additional step.

2. Can I use keyboard shortcuts for text extraction?

Yes! You can use Shift + Alt + S to activate the Snipping Tool’s capture functionality, and soon Shift + Alt + T will allow you to directly extract text without taking a screenshot.

3. Is AI truly involved in the text extraction process?

While Microsoft claims that the text extraction utilizes AI, it is primarily powered by the Windows Media OCR engine that is already effective. Some minor AI enhancement may be integrated to improve formatting and style during text extraction.

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