Can OneNote convert handwriting to text on a tablet?

FAQ Handwriting to text
Published April 16, 2024

OneNote is a versatile note-taking app that allows users to capture and organize their thoughts in various formats, including handwritten notes. One of the useful features of OneNote is its ability to convert handwritten text to digital text, even on a tablet. This functionality is crucial for users who prefer writing with a stylus or their finger but want the flexibility of searchable and editable text later on. Here’s how you can make the conversion process work for you on a tablet:

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Steps to Convert Handwriting to Text in OneNote on a Tablet:

  1. Write Your Text: Open OneNote on your tablet and use a stylus or your finger to write your notes in a note container.

  2. Select Your Handwriting: Tap and hold to select the handwritten text. You can drag the handles to adjust the selection as needed.

  3. Convert to Text: Once your handwriting is selected, tap the 'Draw' tab on the ribbon at the top of the screen. Then, choose the 'Ink to Text' option. OneNote will process your handwriting and convert it to digital text.

  4. Review and Edit: After the conversion, review the text for any errors and make the necessary corrections. Handwriting recognition isn’t always perfect, so some minor tweaks might be required.

Additional Tips:

  • Consistent Handwriting: The success of the handwriting-to-text conversion strongly depends on the clarity and consistency of your handwriting. Writing in neat and legible script improves accuracy.

  • OneNote Settings: Ensure that OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is enabled in your OneNote settings for the best results.

If you need to convert handwriting in PDFs or images to text, an alternative method is using HandwritingOCR, available at https://www.handwritingocr.com.

HandwritingOCR: An Alternative Solution

In cases where OneNote’s built-in functionality may not be sufficient, or if you are dealing with handwritten notes in PDFs or images, HandwritingOCR offers a robust solution. This web-based tool is designed to accurately convert handwritten content into editable digital text, making it easy to work with written information from various sources.

When using tablet devices, leveraging apps and tools like OneNote or HandwritingOCR ensures that your handwritten notes are not only preserved but also made more functional and accessible for further use.

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