The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has received an exciting upgrade, introducing a visual search engine that enhances its functionality. This new feature allows users to delve deeper into the content captured in their screenshots, leveraging Bing’s capabilities to provide additional information about images, text, and even mathematical equations.
With the latest version of the Snipping Tool, users can now perform a visual search by simply capturing an item on their screen. Whether it’s an intriguing image from the Photos library, a snippet of text from a web page, or a complex math problem, the tool facilitates a seamless transition from capture to inquiry.
How to use Visual Search
To take advantage of this feature, users should ensure they are running the most recent version of the Snipping Tool. This can be done by opening the Microsoft Store app, navigating to Downloads, and checking for updates. Once updated, users can proceed to capture their desired content.
After launching the Snipping Tool from the Start menu, the user can select the camera icon in the top toolbar and then click on “New.” The next step involves choosing the snipping area—options include rectangle, window, full screen, or freeform. The user can then draw the area they wish to capture using their mouse or finger.
Once the screenshot is taken, right-clicking the image will reveal the option “Visual Search with Bing.” This action redirects the user to the Bing website, where a variety of search results related to the captured content are displayed. From here, users can perform several tasks:
- Click the Translate button to convert the captured text into another language.
- Highlight visible text to copy and paste it elsewhere.
- Click the Solve button to obtain solutions for any mathematical equations captured.
This visual search capability may remind some users of Google Lens, which has long offered similar functionalities through its integration in Google Photos and other applications. However, the Snipping Tool’s enhancements signify Microsoft’s commitment to evolving its utility beyond mere screenshot capture. Users can also mark up, edit, and fine-tune their images, while built-in OCR technology allows for easy text extraction from images.
For those who have yet to explore the Snipping Tool, now presents a perfect opportunity to engage with this versatile application and discover its expanded capabilities.
