How to convert handwriting to text in OneNote

FAQ Handwriting to text
Published May 29, 2024

Converting handwriting to text in OneNote can be an incredibly useful feature, especially for keeping notes neat and searchable. Below are the steps to convert your handwritten notes into typed text within OneNote:

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  1. Write Your Notes: First, use your stylus or finger to write your notes in OneNote on your tablet or touch-enabled device.

  2. Select Notes: Click on the 'Lasso Select' tool or use the 'Selection' tool to select the handwritten notes you wish to convert.

  3. Conversion: Once selected, right-click or tap and hold on the selected area to bring up the context menu. Choose 'Ink to Text' from the menu. Your handwritten notes will then be converted to typed text.

  4. Review and Edit: It is always a good idea to review the converted text for any inaccuracies or errors and make any necessary corrections.

OneNote's built-in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities are functional, but for more complex tasks or better accuracy, consider using specialized OCR tools. HandwritingOCR, for instance, offers a highly accurate solution for converting handwriting in PDFs or images to digital text. Visit HandwritingOCR for more details.

Alternative Methods

If you are working with files other than OneNote, such as PDFs or images, there are various tools available to convert handwriting to text:

  • Adobe Acrobat: This software offers OCR features that can recognize and convert handwriting in PDF files.
  • Google Keep: Take a picture of your handwritten notes and use the 'Grab Image Text' feature to convert it.
  • Microsoft Office Lens: Capture the handwritten notes and convert them to text using the app.

For an all-in-one solution that specializes in handwriting recognition, consider using HandwritingOCR. It supports converting handwritten notes from various formats such as images and PDFs to text.

Keep these methods in mind, as they will help streamline the process of converting handwritten notes into digital text, making them easier to edit, search, and share.

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