Windows 11 Introduces New Built-in Color Picker Tool for Designers

A Deep Dive into the New Features of Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Windows 11 is redefining productivity with the introduction of exciting features in the Snipping Tool, a beloved screenshot utility. Among the standout additions are the built-in Color Picker and an AI-enhanced Text Extractor, both of which streamline user experience significantly. Currently, these innovations are being rolled out to Windows Insiders in version 11.2504.38.0, paving the way for more intuitive workflows.

The Color Picker: A Game Changer for Designers

One of the major upgrades in the Windows 11 Snipping Tool is the Color Picker. This feature allows you to capture and identify colors on your screen without needing to take a screenshot first. Here’s how it works:

Immediate Availability: Launch the Snipping Tool, and the Color Picker will be accessible right away. The pencil-like icon, located next to the screenshot selection icon, enables you to engage with this feature immediately.
Simplified Color Identification: Instead of capturing an image to determine color codes, users can hover over any area on the screen with the Color Picker active, instantly displaying the color code.
Multiple Format Options: The Color Picker supports HEX, RGB, or HSL formats. Select your preferred format from a convenient drop-down menu and copy the color code directly to your clipboard, eliminating the need for external conversion tools.

Simply click on the area of interest, and the selected color code is stored in your clipboard, ready for use. This feature is also reminiscent of similar tools available in PowerToys, indicating a thoughtful integration by Microsoft.

AI Text Extractor: Effortless Text Recognition

Another groundbreaking feature is the AI Text Extractor, now accessible with the Win + Shift + T keyboard shortcut. This addition allows users to copy text from their screen without the need to first capture a screenshot.

Streamlined Workflow: Activate the Snipping Tool and select the Scan Text icon. This allows you to outline the area containing the text, which is then automatically recognized and copied to your clipboard.
Preserved Formatting: The tool maintains the original structure of the text as seen on the screen, ensuring that your copied content retains its intended appearance—line breaks included. For those who prefer a cleaner output, there’s an option to ignore line breaks during copying.
Ideal for Quick Tasks: This feature is perfect for efficiency-focused users who need to extract information quickly without the hassle of preliminary screenshots.

You can easily paste the recognized text into any text editor, making daily tasks more manageable and efficient.

Exciting AI Features in Paint and Notepad

The rollout doesn’t stop with the Snipping Tool. Other core Windows 11 applications are also receiving significant updates:

Notepad AI Feature: Notepad is introducing a “Write” feature that assists in generating text based on user inputs or existing content, though it will require users to obtain credits through their Microsoft account.
New Sticker Generator in Paint: Paint will feature an innovative Sticker Generator that utilizes prompts to create custom stickers, enhancing creativity and usability in future projects.
Enhanced Object Selection Tool: A new tool designed for intelligent scanning and object selection in Paint is also in the pipeline, further enhancing user capabilities.

This new plethora of features is slated to roll out to all users in the coming weeks, making it an exciting time for Windows 11 enthusiasts and professionals alike.

As Microsoft continues to innovate with regular updates, staying informed about these changes is essential for maximizing productivity. Discover more about these features through the official Microsoft site and explore comprehensive guides on Windows 11 features.