Step-by-Step Guide to Extract Text as a Table from a Screenshot Using Snipping Tool

This guide will demonstrate how to extract all text as a table from a screenshot using the Snipping Tool on a Windows 11 computer. We will utilize the Copy as table feature, a newly introduced function that converts the captured snip into structured table data, organized into rows and columns with the corresponding text.

Once the table is prepared, you can copy it to your clipboard and paste it into applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or even an email. This feature proves particularly useful for extracting data from a webpage or image into a neatly formatted table. Unlike traditional copying from a webpage, which frequently leads to messy pasting, this Snipping Tool functionality ensures that you get the data formatted exactly how you need it.

The Copy as table feature is set to be available in the upcoming Stable release. Before making use of it, ensure that your screenshot does not include extraneous text (like separate lines or paragraphs) or unnecessary areas; otherwise, it may not function correctly. Additionally, snips made in Full screen, Window, or Freeform modes will not yield the desired output.

Steps to Copy All Text as a Table from a Screenshot in Snipping Tool

Follow these simple instructions to copy all text as a table from a screenshot using the Snipping Tool on Windows 11:

1. Access a webpage or application that contains the required image or information.
2. Open the Snipping Tool application. While you could use the Win+Shift+S shortcut to capture a snip, it’s preferable to launch the Snipping Tool directly for further editing.
3. Select the Rectangle option from the snipping mode available in the app.
4. Press Ctrl+N or click the New button to create a screenshot; this will automatically open in the Snipping Tool interface.
5. Select the Take actions icon located at the top center (next to the Image crop option). This begins processing the snip. You can also crop the snip if there are any unwanted sections.
6. After processing, you will see a Copy as table option. Click on it.
7. The Snipping Tool will prepare the output and copy it to your clipboard.
8. Open a new document in Excel, Google Sheets, or alternative applications and paste the content.
9. Utilize the Word Wrap option and adjust the column widths to properly display the table data.

This feature is largely effective, with one exception: if any cell or row contains multiple lines, each line will become a separate row when pasted. It is hoped that this bug will be resolved as the feature evolves.

That’s all there is to it!

How Can I Extract Text from a Snipping Tool?

If you wish to extract text from an image using the Snipping Tool, start by capturing a screenshot of the image. The snip will appear in the Snipping Tool interface. From there, click the Text Actions icon to scan the screenshot. After scanning, select the Copy all text option, or choose specific text to copy. There’s also a Quick redact option, which allows you to obscure sensitive information such as phone numbers and email addresses before copying the text.

Is It Possible to Copy an Entire Page Using Snipping Tool?

The Snipping Tool does not support copying an entire webpage or application, as it can only capture the content visible on the screen at the time. To get a larger portion, you will need to scroll and take additional snips. However, there are several effective free tools available for taking scrolling screenshots, including ShareX, PicPick, and Screenshot Captor, which function similarly to long screenshot features on Android and iOS.

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