Microsoft is set to enhance the Snipping Tool with a sophisticated optical character recognition (OCR) feature, streamlining the process of text extraction from images. This development promises to significantly improve productivity for users who often find themselves needing to copy text from screenshots or images without the hassle of manual typing.
Microsoft is adding a more advanced OCR feature to the Snipping Tool
The discovery of this new feature can be credited to the keen eye of PhantomOfEarth, a notable figure in the realm of Windows beta testing. Months ago, they identified references to an advanced OCR capability within the Snipping Tool’s code. What was once a hidden gem is now evolving into a fully functional tool that users can readily access.
Currently, the Snipping Tool allows for text extraction, but the process is somewhat cumbersome, requiring users to take a screenshot first. With the upcoming update, this will change dramatically. Users will be able to extract text with just a couple of clicks, eliminating the need for preliminary screenshots.
PhantomOfEarth describes the new feature as “essentially the PowerToys tool,” which is familiar territory for many users. However, the significant advantage lies in the fact that the Snipping Tool is pre-installed on every Windows 11 device. This means that whether you are using a personal laptop, a public library computer, or a colleague’s workstation, the OCR functionality will be readily available without the need for additional downloads.
This enhancement is poised to make the Snipping Tool not only more versatile but also a vital asset for anyone looking to improve their workflow and efficiency in handling text from images.
