text extraction Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 Secret Windows 11 Features Everyone Should Be Using By Now

Windows 11 includes features for photo editing, advanced calculations, text extraction from screenshots, timezone management, and enhanced text formatting in Notepad. The Photos app allows users to remove objects and backgrounds from images using AI-powered editing tools. Users can erase objects by selecting the Erase option, adjusting the brush size, and brushing over the object. To remove backgrounds, users choose the Background option and use the Background brush tool. The Windows Calculator offers various modes for complex calculations, including Standard, Scientific, Graphing, Programmer, Date calculation, and Converter options. Users can switch modes via the hamburger icon and keep the Calculator window on top of other applications. The Snipping Tool enables users to copy text from screenshots. Users can take a screenshot with Win + Shift + S, open the Snipping Tool editor, select the Text actions icon, highlight the desired text, and choose to copy it. Windows 11 allows users to add multiple time zones in the Notification Center by accessing the Settings app, selecting Time & language, and navigating to Date & time to set additional clocks. Notepad has been updated to include basic text formatting options. Users can toggle on Formatting in Settings, adjust text size, create lists, and apply bold and italic styles, saving their work as Markdown files.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

10 Of The Best Free Android Apps You Haven’t Heard Of

A selection of free Android apps with a minimum rating of 4.0 on the Play Store includes: 1. Solid Explorer File Manager - Rated 4.3 stars from 150,000 reviewers; features a dual-pane layout, cloud storage integration, file management across various storage options, batch renaming, and AES encryption. 2. Cashew - Expense Budget Tracker - Rated 4.8 stars; provides visual representations of spending, tracks subscriptions, and securely backs up data via Google Drive. 3. RunPee - Rated 4.7 stars with over 500,000 downloads; notifies users of optimal restroom break moments during movies and provides summaries of missed scenes. 4. Orbot: Tor for Android - Rated 4.0 stars; connects users to the Tor network for enhanced online privacy and allows for device-wide or app-specific encryption. 5. Libby, the Library App - Rated 4.8 stars; connects users to their local library's digital collection for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, supports offline reading, and integrates with Kindle devices. 6. Image Toolbox - Edit & Convert - Rated 4.7 stars; offers photo editing capabilities, file format conversions, and an OCR feature for text extraction. 7. MacroDroid - Device Automation - Rated 4.4 stars; allows users to create custom automation workflows with over 80 triggers and 100 actions. 8. Hermit - Lite Apps Browser - Rated 4.6 stars; enables the creation of lightweight web-based applications with features like ad blocking and dark mode. 9. Bitwarden Password Manager - Rated 4.8 stars; provides secure password management with end-to-end encryption and syncing across devices. 10. ReadEra - Book Reader PDF EPUB - Rated 4.8 stars; supports various document formats, offers an ad-free reading experience, and includes features like bookmarks and text-to-speech.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Microsoft is updating Windows 11’s Snipping Tool with option to add text to screenshots

Microsoft has transformed the Snipping Tool into a multifaceted application, adding features like video creation and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction from images. Recently, new text editing capabilities were discovered, allowing users to insert text when editing screenshots. This feature was demonstrated by a user on X, and while Microsoft has not officially commented on it, the potential applications include simple annotations and creative projects. Windows Insiders are expected to be the first to access these new tools, although a release timeline is not yet clear.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

I tried every unusual Android app you suggested, and these 3 are my favorites

Stellarium is an app that provides detailed information about celestial bodies, featuring enhanced graphics, intuitive navigation, and a Visibility feature that helps users determine optimal viewing times for celestial events, although this feature requires a premium subscription. Fooview acts as a multifunctional shortcut hub with over 100 customizable options, allowing users to access various functions through a hot zone overlay, but may have a steep learning curve and requires multiple permissions. Ampere tracks battery parameters and provides real-time data on wattage, featuring a clean interface that adapts to the battery's state, though some features require a fee for access.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool just got a Google Lens-like feature – here’s how to use it

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has been upgraded to include a visual search engine that utilizes Bing to provide additional information about captured content, such as images, text, and mathematical equations. Users can perform a visual search by capturing content on their screen and then right-clicking the image to select "Visual Search with Bing," which redirects them to Bing for related search results. The tool allows users to translate text, copy visible text, and solve mathematical equations. Users can also mark up, edit, and fine-tune images, with built-in OCR technology for text extraction. To use this feature, users need to ensure they have the latest version of the Snipping Tool, which can be updated through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has prompted users to reflect on the differences between the two operating systems. Key observations from a week-long comparison include: - Windows 11 features an upgraded Windows Explorer with tabbed browsing for better file management. - The Screen Capture tool in Windows 11 allows for seamless screen recording, improving upon the previous version. - Windows 11 includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities in the Snipping Tool, enabling easy text extraction from images. - It comes with bundled applications like Clipchamp, Copilot, and an upgraded Photos app, which enhance functionality compared to Windows 10. - Performance metrics suggest Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. - Windows 11 is designed to offer better security for personal information and system integrity. Negative aspects of Windows 11 include: - Increased surveillance and personalized advertising, making it harder to use without a Microsoft account. - The Start button has been relocated to a central position, which some users dislike, though customization options are available. - The right-click menu has become more cluttered, making essential options harder to find. - Microsoft is phasing out security updates for Windows 10, raising concerns for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft begins testing built-in GIF maker on Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 by introducing a feature that allows users to create GIFs. This feature is currently in early testing with Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, with a broader rollout expected soon. Users can select a specific area of their screen to record and then convert the recorded video into a looping GIF. The Snipping Tool will also allow users to choose between high and low resolution for their GIFs and includes a new text extraction mode for copying text from images, as well as a visual search feature for identifying items in screenshots.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows 11’s sneaky new AI tool is a game-changer

Microsoft introduced Foundry AI Local, a command-line tool for running large language models (LLMs) on users' machines, aimed initially at developers but accessible to a broader audience. The installation process utilizes the "winget" tool, allowing users to install it by opening a command line and entering the command: winget install Microsoft.FoundryLocal. Users can run the Phi-3.5-mini model with the command: foundry model run phi-3.5-mini and explore other models with: foundry model list. Foundry AI Local automatically selects the best model for the user's hardware, enhancing performance. While currently functioning as a local chatbot, it has potential applications beyond text generation, including text extraction tools and integration into Windows applications. Future enhancements may include art generation and custom model training.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

A New Start Menu and More Major Upgrades Are Coming to Windows 11

Microsoft announced significant upgrades for Windows 11, including enhancements to the Start menu, Copilot AI, and utilities like Paint and the Snipping Tool. The Start menu will become larger, more customizable, and user-friendly, allowing users to view all apps at once, hide recommended shortcuts, and increase the size of the pinned apps panel. A "phone companion" feature will be integrated into the Start menu. These changes are expected to roll out to the Windows Insider channel within the next month. File Explorer will introduce AI actions for document summarization and image editing directly from the right-click menu. Notepad will gain AI text generation and summarization features, along with lightweight formatting options like bold, italic, lists, and Markdown support. Copilot Vision will allow users to interact with AI regarding on-screen content. Some features will debut on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon chipsets, including an AI agent in Settings to assist users with adjustments and the Click to Do feature for scheduling meetings and launching Immersive Reader mode. The Photos app will introduce a relight feature for dynamic lighting control. Paint will gain capabilities for creating custom stickers from text prompts and an AI-powered object select tool. The Snipping Tool will receive enhancements like intelligent screenshot cropping, text extraction, and a color picker. The Narrator on Copilot+ PCs will be upgraded to provide rich descriptions of images.