Enhancing Productivity with Text Extraction in Snipping Tool
PowerToys has long been a favorite among productivity enthusiasts, and one of its standout features, the Text Extractor, has garnered significant attention. This tool allows users to effortlessly extract text from images, making it readily available for editing and integration into other documents. Building on this functionality, Microsoft has recently introduced a similar feature within Microsoft Photos, and now it has made its way into another essential component of Windows 11.
The Snipping Tool, already known for its versatility, has received an update that includes a dedicated text extractor button in its capture bar. This enhancement streamlines the process of copying text directly from the screen to the clipboard, eliminating the need for a preliminary screenshot. The result is a remarkably efficient workflow, allowing users to focus on their tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
See also:
- PowerToys Overview
- Microsoft Photos Enhancements
- Windows 11 Features
The introduction of text extraction in the Snipping Tool has been anticipated for some time, with initial hints surfacing a couple of months ago. However, the feature is currently available only to a select group: Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev Channels, who have received the latest version of Snipping Tool (11.2503.27.0).
According to Microsoft, the addition of the text extractor button is aimed at reducing the number of steps required to copy text to the clipboard. Users can easily initiate this process by opening the Snipping Tool using the shortcut Win + Shift + S or by launching the app directly. Once opened, they can click the new “Text Extractor” button located in the toolbar.
To extract text, users simply select the desired area for scanning, similar to how they would perform a standard rectangle snip. They have the option to manually select specific text for copying or utilize the “Copy all text” button for a quicker approach. Additionally, the “More options” dropdown menu offers features such as “Remove line breaks” from the copied text, or the convenience of “Automatically copy text,” which allows for a seamless experience by dismissing the Snipping Tool and copying all selected text directly to the clipboard.
While this update is currently exclusive to Dev and Canary Channel subscribers, anticipation builds for its eventual rollout to the Beta and release channels. Users are hopeful that this innovative feature will soon be accessible to a broader audience, further enhancing productivity across Windows 11.
