How to convert handwriting to text in OneNote app?

Converting handwriting to text in OneNote can be incredibly useful for digitizing notes and making them easier to edit and search. Here's how you can do it in a few simple steps:

Steps to Convert Handwriting to Text in OneNote

1. Open OneNote: Start by opening OneNote and navigating to the page where your handwritten notes are located.

2. Select Handwritten Text: Use the lasso tool to select the handwritten notes that you want to convert. This can be found in the ‘Draw’ tab on the ribbon.

3. Choose 'Ink to Text': Once your handwritten notes are selected, look for the 'Ink to Text' option on the ribbon under the 'Draw' tab. Click on this option to convert your handwriting into typed text.

4. Review and Edit: Once converted, review the text to ensure that it has been accurately converted. Make any necessary corrections or edits directly in OneNote.

Tips for Better Accuracy

• Neatness Matters: The neater your handwriting, the better the conversion accuracy. Try to write clearly and with consistent spacing.
• Use a Stylus: If you are writing directly onto a tablet or touchscreen device, using a stylus can improve the quality of your handwriting, making it easier to convert.

Limitations and Alternatives

While OneNote's built-in features are quite robust, they may not always produce perfect results, especially with complex handwriting. For more advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, you can convert handwriting in PDFs or images to text using HandwritingOCR, which offers advanced features specifically designed for handwriting recognition.

Conclusion

OneNote provides an effective tool for converting handwriting to text, making it easier to manage and edit your notes. By following the above steps, you can make the most of OneNote’s capabilities. For more challenging handwriting or additional functionalities, consider using specialized tools like HandwritingOCR.