Microsoft updated the Snipping Tool last week. In the latest version 11.2307.44.0, a new navigation bar and keyboard combination were introduced, and there is another item that was not included in the update log. The improvement is the introduction of the OCR function, which can recognize the text in the image and extract it to the clipboard.
This feature is called “Text actions” and Microsoft says it will be supported by AI and will be expanded to provide richer text actions.
However, the application of the text extraction OCR function and other applications overlap, Microsoft has long ago in OneNote and other official applications have been provided, in addition to PowerToys also has a function called “Text Extractor”.
It’s not clear when Microsoft will open up OCR for screenshot tools to all users, but it’s expected to be pre-installed in the Win11 23H2 update.
