How to Use Handwriting Recognition in Microsoft OneNote
However, the advantage of noting notes in OneNote is that it allows you to convert your handwriting into text in just a few seconds. This feature can be useful if you want to convert one of your notes into editable documents, which are much easier to use afterwards. And if you do not know how to do that, you're in the right place.
In this article, I will show you how to use handwriting recognition in OneNote, as well as some other helpful tips. Let's jump into the heart of the matter.
How to take handwritten notes in OneNote under Windows 10
Taking handwritten notes in OneNote is a pretty simple process. Just follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Open OneNote, and then switch to the Drawing tab by clicking the Draw option on the top toolbar.
S2nd step: Here, click on any of the pen / highlighter tools available to start writing.
You will notice that the cursor changes shape when a tool is selected. And once that's done, you're ready to take notes with your writing.
Each pen / highlighter tool also offers many different settings that will help you change the size and color of the tool. You can access it by clicking again on the tool to open a drop-down menu.
Once you have completed a page, you can easily move to the next one by clicking the Add Page button at the bottom of the second column.
Now that you have finished taking your notes, you have the option to convert them to a text file. OneNote does it very well.
How to convert handwriting to text in OneNote under Windows 10
To convert your handwritten notes to text, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click the Lasso Selection tool on the top toolbar. This tool will help you select the handwriting you want to convert to text.
2nd step: Draw a selection around your handwritten notes that you want to convert to text.
Step 3: Now, click on the Ink in Text option to instantly convert your selected handwriting into text.
Is not it simple? Well, that's not all. If you want to draw simple shapes while taking notes and you do not want them to be perfect, you can use the ink-shaped tool. To draw perfect shapes, just click on the Ink-shaped option on the top toolbar and start drawing.
There is just one thing you need to note. The Ink to Text feature does not work with all languages. You must therefore make sure that you are using English (United Kingdom) or English (United States). If you get the message that the chosen language does not support Ink to Text, you must first change the language.
Fortunately, the change of language in OneNote is a pretty simple process. Just follow these steps to do it:
Step 1: Click on the bulb icon in the upper right corner of the application.
2nd step: In the search bar, type Set Language. The application should automatically display the setting.
Step 3: Click the Set Language option, and then choose English (United Kingdom) or English (United States).
Step 4: If you do not see these options in the list, click See all at the bottom to open the list of supported languages.
Once you have selected the language, simply return to the Draw tab and try the Ink to Text function again. Simple, is not it?
Unfortunately, these handwriting recognition features are not yet available in the Android and iOS versions of OneNote. So, if you take handwritten notes on any of these applications, you will have to wait to get a PC before you can convert them to text. I hope that Microsoft will soon add these features to applications because they are already available on competing applications such as Google Keep.
Get the most out of handwriting recognition on OneNote
Now that you know how to take handwritten notes in OneNote, and then convert them to text, I'm sure you'll be able to search for several identical use cases. The features work surprisingly well and change the way you take notes or create to-do lists on the go.
Just make sure you use the latest version of OneNote to try them out. If you are still using the older version of OneNote 2020 on your system, you may encounter problems locating some of the settings mentioned in this article. If this is the case, just drop a comment below and we will do our best to resolve any issues you may encounter.
Then: Have you just started using OneNote? Check out the next article for some tips that will help you get the most out of it.