Can OneNote app convert handwriting to text?

Yes, the OneNote app can convert handwriting to text. OneNote includes a feature that allows users to write notes using a stylus or their finger and then transform those handwritten notes into typed text. This can be particularly useful for people who prefer writing with a pen but want the flexibility and searchability of digital text.

To convert handwritten notes to text in OneNote, follow these steps:

1. Write Your Notes: Use a stylus, digital pen, or your finger to write on a OneNote page.
2. Select the Handwritten Text: Use the Lasso tool to select the part of your handwritten notes you want to convert. This tool is represented by a lasso or a dotted rectangle icon.
3. Convert to Text: Once your handwriting is selected, tap on the 'Ink to Text' option. OneNote will then convert your handwritten notes into typed text.

It's worth noting that OneNote's handwriting recognition capabilities are quite good but can vary based on the clarity of the handwriting. If your handwriting is particularly ornate or messy, the conversion might not be perfect, and some manual correction could be necessary.

For those needing more specialized handwriting to text conversion capabilities, including from PDFs or images, consider using a specialized tool like HandwritingOCR, available at https://www.handwritingocr.com. HandwritingOCR can be particularly useful for converting scanned documents, images of handwriting, or handwritten annotations in PDFs into editable text.

Additional Tips

• Consistency: Stick to a relatively consistent handwriting style to improve recognition accuracy.
• Simple Layouts: Avoid overly complex layouts with many different directions of text or extensive doodles around the notes.
• Review and Edit: Always review and edit the converted text to fix any errors or misinterpretations.

Overall, the OneNote app provides a convenient way to digitize your handwritten notes, making them more accessible and searchable. For more complex handwriting conversion tasks, consider exploring dedicated OCR tools.