What you need to know
The revamped Snipping Tool in Windows 11 stands out as one of the platform’s most significant enhancements in recent years. This new iteration replaces its predecessor and introduces a host of upgraded features that elevate the user experience. Among its many capabilities are screen recording, annotations, and shape placements, making it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.
One particularly exciting addition is the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature, which allows users to extract text from screenshots effortlessly. In an upcoming build, this functionality will receive a dedicated keyboard shortcut, streamlining the process even further.
As Windows 11 continues to evolve, a steady stream of updates and improvements has been rolled out to Windows Insider builds throughout the year. While not every update has been met with enthusiasm—such as the new Outlook replacing Mail & Calendar—there have been notable successes that deserve recognition. Among these, the Snipping Tool has emerged as a favorite, particularly for those who rely on it daily for work-related tasks.
Initially, the Snipping Tool may have lacked some essential features, but its transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. It has become an indispensable resource for quickly cropping screenshots for articles and guides. The updated version now includes video recording capabilities, a variety of stickers, and shapes like arrows and rectangles for highlighting important information.
The introduction of the OCR feature has been a game-changer, enabling users to copy and paste text directly from screenshots using advanced character recognition technology. A recent discovery by an Insider user on Twitter revealed that the OCR feature will soon be accessible via a keyboard shortcut: Win + Shift + T. This enhancement promises to simplify the process of entering OCR extraction mode, eliminating the need for multiple steps currently required to access this functionality.
While this update has yet to be made available to the public, those interested in testing future Windows builds can sign up for the Windows Insider Program. OCR technology, while not new, has seen significant advancements in accuracy and usability, making it a valuable addition to tools like the Snipping Tool.
There is hope that similar OCR capabilities could be integrated into the Windows Photos app, enhancing its functionality even further. The demand for such features reflects a growing interest in utilizing OCR technology across various platforms.
More features, more fun (sometimes)
Microsoft has been actively collaborating with AI partners, including OpenAI, to infuse new features into its suite of Windows applications. While many of these enhancements are exclusive to the Copilot+ PC range, they showcase the potential for broader application across devices. For instance, Notepad is set to receive a co-writer feature powered by Copilot and ChatGPT, while Microsoft Paint has introduced a co-creator imaging feature that leans more towards meme creation than practical content.
Amidst these playful additions, the OCR capabilities in the Snipping Tool stand out as genuinely useful tools that enhance productivity for users. For those who have yet to explore the Snipping Tool, a quick press of Windows Key + Shift + S will open up a world of possibilities in Windows 11. Ultimately, the Snipping Tool exemplifies the thoughtful innovations that Microsoft has brought to its user base, making it a topic worth celebrating.
