Windows 11 Snipping Tool gets OCR support to copy text from images – Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com

Microsoft has added text recognition support to the latest Snipping Tool build, allowing users to select and copy text from screenshots.

The new OCR (optical character recognition) support is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels.

Named Text Actions, the feature is available starting with Snipping Tool version 11.2308.33.0, as Dave Grochocki, Principal Product Manager Lead for Windows Inbox Apps, explained.

“We are introducing Text Actions, which detects text in your captured screenshots, making it easy to copy text from any image to share with others or paste in another app,” Grochocki said.

“To get started, click the Text Actions button in the toolbar to show selectable text before selecting and copying text with your mouse.”

After the update is deployed, the Snipping Tool app will let you select and copy text using the “Copy all text” toolbar button or keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl + A and Ctrl + C.

Furthermore, it has redaction capabilities for removing sensitive information from screenshots before sharing them. 

You can click “Quick Redact” in the toolbar, which will automatically conceal emails and phone numbers. Alternatively, select the text you want to hide and click “Redact Text” in the right-click context menu.

Since Snipping Tool is an ‘inbox’ application pre-installed by default in Windows, all users will ultimately gain access to this feature without installing additional Microsoft software.

​Today, Grochocki also announced that Windows Insiders will be automatically prompted to use the Snipping Tool app to edit any snapshots captured using their Android device.

This new feature will only work if the computer is connected to the Android device via Phone Link, a companion app designed to forward notifications, receive calls on the desktop, and use your mobile apps from your PC.

“We are also beginning to gradually roll out a new feature for Phone Link (version 1.23082.123.0 or greater on PC) that introduces the ability to effortlessly access and edit your most recent photos from your Android mobile device in Snipping Tool on your PC,” Grochocki said.

“Say goodbye to missed opportunities as you’ll receive instant notifications on your PC whenever a new photo is captured on your Android device, provided both devices are connected via Phone Link.”

Microsoft also revealed that Windows Photos versions rolling out today to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels now have background blur capabilities that help highlight photo subjects by blurring the surrounding background.