How to Use Snipping Tool’s New Text Extractor Feature
The text extractor in Windows 11 Snipping Tool (a built-in app for taking screenshots) copies printed words straight out of your images so you never have to type them by hand. Available starting with version 11.2310.35.0, this feature scans any captured picture, grabs the text, and puts it on your clipboard for pasting into other apps.
Flyers, receipts, and photos turn into editable words in seconds without any extra software. Taking a screenshot runs the text scan behind the scenes, so you can highlight and copy what you need right away.
Extract text from screenshots using the Snipping Tool’s Text Actions. Capture an image, then click the Text Actions icon in the editor window to copy or edit the detected text. You can also use Quick Redact to hide sensitive information.
Use the Text Actions feature in Snipping Tools
You can use the Snipping Tool text extractor to copy words from any image on your screen by opening the app, taking a screenshot, and clicking the Text Actions button on the top toolbar. This tool reads the text in your capture so you can copy and paste it anywhere without typing it out by hand.
Capture your screen using the Win+Shift+S shortcut or by opening the app directly. Once the image appears in the editor, click the Text Actions icon on the toolbar.
Here is how to do it:
- First, capture a snip using the Win+Shift+S shortcut or by opening the app.
- Once the image opens in the editor window, click the Text Actions icon. This looks like a document or text symbol in the toolbar.
The app scans the image for words. Specific sections can be highlighted for copying, or the “Copy all text” button grabs everything at once. Selecting the Quick Redact option masks sensitive items like phone numbers or email addresses before sharing.
Clicking the “More options” menu reveals tools to “Remove line breaks” or enable “Automatically copy text” for faster workflows.
The process finishes there.
Reference: Microsoft blog
Conclusion
Transforming images into editable text accelerates daily workflows. Accessing the capability requires capturing a snip and clicking the Text Actions icon in the editor window. Additional tools like Quick Redact protect digital privacy securely.
Can a Snipping Tool extract text?
Yes, the Snipping Tool extracts text directly from images using integrated OCR (optical character recognition) features.
How to extract text from a snippet?
Open the Start menu in Windows and select Snipping Tool. Clicking 'New' and dragging a selection box creates the required snip.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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