Copying text from an image in Windows 10 is easier than you might think. With the right tools, you can extract text from any image and use it as regular text in your documents. This guide will walk you through it step-by-step, so you can get started right away.
How to Copy Text from Image in Windows 10
By following the steps below, you’ll learn how to use tools like Microsoft OneNote and third-party applications to extract text from images on your Windows 10 device.
Step 1: Open Microsoft OneNote
Open Microsoft OneNote from your Start menu or taskbar.
OneNote is a versatile note-taking app that comes pre-installed on most Windows 10 devices. It has a built-in feature that allows you to extract text from images.
Step 2: Insert the Image
Insert the image from which you want to extract text by clicking "Insert" -> "Pictures" in the OneNote menu.
You can insert images from your computer or even directly from the web. Once the image is in your OneNote notebook, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Right-Click the Image
Right-click on the inserted image to open a context menu.
Right-clicking the image will bring up several options. This is where you’ll find the magical "Copy Text from Picture" feature.
Step 4: Select "Copy Text from Picture"
Click on "Copy Text from Picture" in the context menu that appears.
This option uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert the image text into editable text. It’s surprisingly accurate for most clear images.
Step 5: Paste the Text
Paste the copied text into any text editor or document by pressing Ctrl+V.
Open any application where you need to use the extracted text, from Word to Notepad, and simply paste it in.
After following these steps, you’ll have the text from the image ready to use. It’s really as simple as Insert, Right-Click, Copy, and Paste.
Tips for Copying Text from Image in Windows 10
- Use Clean Images: Ensure the image is clear and free of clutter for the best OCR accuracy.
- Try Different Tools: If OneNote isn’t working well for you, consider other OCR tools like Adobe Acrobat or online services such as Google Keep.
- Check for Errors: Always proofread the extracted text, as OCR isn’t perfect and might miss or misinterpret characters.
- Handwritten Text: Handwritten text may not be as accurately converted; printed text works best.
- Regular Updates: Keep your OCR tools updated to benefit from the latest enhancements in text recognition technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OneNote free to use?
Yes, Microsoft OneNote is free and comes pre-installed on most Windows 10 devices. If not, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.
Can I extract text from a scanned document?
Absolutely! As long as you can insert it as an image into OneNote, you can extract text from it.
Is there a limit to the size of the image?
There’s no strict limit, but extremely large images may take longer to process and could lead to errors in text extraction.
How accurate is the OCR in OneNote?
The OCR in OneNote is fairly accurate for clear printed text but may struggle with handwritten text or highly stylized fonts.
Are there alternatives to OneNote for this task?
Yes, there are many alternatives such as Adobe Acrobat, Google Keep, and various online OCR tools.
Summary of Steps
- Open Microsoft OneNote.
- Insert the image.
- Right-click the image.
- Select "Copy Text from Picture."
- Paste the text into any text editor or document.
Conclusion
Using Microsoft OneNote to copy text from an image in Windows 10 is a straightforward and efficient process. With just a few clicks, you can convert text from images into editable, usable text, saving you time and effort. While OneNote is a fantastic tool for this task, it’s also worth exploring other OCR options to find the one that best suits your needs. Regular updates and experimenting with different tools can significantly enhance your text extraction process.
By mastering this simple technique, you can streamline your workflow, improve productivity, and tackle any text extraction task with confidence. So, go ahead and try it out on your Windows 10 device. You might be surprised at just how powerful and easy-to-use these tools can be!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.