PowerToys 0.86: New Advanced Paste Features for Image-to-Text Conversion and File Creation

There were already too many tools, that’s right PowerToys 0.86 they categorize. However, it is a small thing, and in the new edition, expect at least one juicier novelty. Advanced Paste has learned another trick – converts images to text and from some types of content it will make a file for you straight away.

Advanced embedding, which greatly expands the possibilities of working with the clipboard, appeared in PowerToys a few months ago. Now it’s a bit more interesting. The first innovation is actually fast OCR, which can be done without invoking a more complex tool. (This may lead to increasingly elaborate Clippings.)

PowerToys analyze the image on the clipboard, they will then convert the found text into digital form and leave it in your inbox. So you just put it where you need it. If the action is available, it will show up as one of the options in the Advanced Insertion dialog.

You copy the image, digitize the text
with the Advanced Paste tool and then paste it where you need it

The second novelty creates a file from the contents of the clipboard. Currently supports creation of TXT, PNG and HTML files. You can only create a PNG from an image. I wondered if the tool would convert a piece of formatted text from Word to HTML, but it’s not that sophisticated. On the other hand, a plain text file will make your clipboard text.

And as is the good practice of Advanced Embedding, you assign each action as needed custom keyboard shortcut. Which is handy if you repeat some type of activity.

Click the highlighted button to assign a keyboard shortcut to the action

Advanced Embedding makes use of OpenAI’s cloud AI, but the features described above work locally on each computer. A few weeks ago, PowerToys expanded its equipment with the New+ tool for inserting template files. In version 0.86, it received a new icon in the style of the Fluent design language. You’re a tool download from Github.

Resources: Microsoft / Learn | PowerToys / Github

PowerToys 0.86: A Tool for Every Need and Some You Never Knew You Had!

Ah, PowerToys 0.86! Just when you thought Microsoft had run out of ideas for making your life easier—or at the very least, your workflow less tedious—they whip out this little gem of an update. And let me tell you, friends, if you’re not excited about the advancements in clipboard management, then clearly you’ve never tried to grab text from an image while simultaneously attempting to juggle flaming torches. But fear not, the PowerToys are here to prevent those office accidents—because let’s be honest, we’re all one ill-timed paste away from disaster.

What’s new, you ask? Well, get ready because with Advanced Paste, you can now convert images to text. Yes, you heard me right! So, if you’re staring down a piece of paper and thinking, “I wish I had that typed out,” now you can simply copy the image and voila! Advanced Paste works its magic—digitizing the text faster than you can refresh your latest Instagram feed.

But hold your horses! It gets juicier. This isn’t just about rescuing misfiring academic papers or ancients scrolls from the family archives. The fast OCR—that’s Optical Character Recognition for those who skipped tech class—means you can snatch text from a clipboard image without having to invoke a fancy-schmancy tool. You can say goodbye to those clunky programs and hello to a beautifully seamless way of working!

And what’s that? Advanced Paste isn’t just a one-trick pony. Oh no! It also allows you to create files from the contents of your clipboard. Think of the power in your hands: It currently supports TXT, PNG, and HTML files. Imagine turning a random quote from Word into a stunning HTML page—well, don’t hold your breath because that’s not quite how it works. However, if you need plain text, that’s your jam! And let’s face it, sometimes simple is just plain better.

Now, because no tech update is complete without a little finesse, this version also lets you assign custom keyboard shortcuts. So, if you’re going to perform those repeat actions, you can go about it with all the elegance of a swan gliding across a tranquil lake—minus the awkward splashes!

Here’s where it gets clever: the Advanced Embedding tool taps into OpenAI’s cloud AI, which sounds impressively high-tech but works locally on your machine—keeping your secrets a little closer to home. And let’s not forget the New+ tool! It’s like a new toy in your digital toolbox, allowing you to insert template files with the grace of a tech magician. The fuss-free, shiny new icon in Fluent design is just the cherry on top of this delightful digital cake.

So, if you’re itching to give your productivity a much-needed boost—and let’s be real, who isn’t?—then you can grab this update straight from GitHub. Dive into the new world of PowerToys 0.86 and start transforming your clipboard game today!

In conclusion, PowerToys is like that reliable friend who shows up with pizza just when you need it most. So, make sure to check out the cool features, assign your shortcuts, and maybe, just maybe, we can begin to reclaim those wasted hours spent manually typing things up. Onwards and upwards!

For more details, visit: Microsoft Learn.

PowerToys 0.86 introduces new enhancements to its already extensive suite of tools. This edition promises at least one significant new feature. Advanced Paste, a key component, has gained a new ability – it now converts images to text and can create a file for you directly from certain types of content.

Advanced embedding, which enhances clipboard functionality, was introduced in PowerToys a few months back. In this update, it gets even more intriguing. The standout feature is fast OCR, allowing for swift text extraction without the need to launch a more complicated application. This could pave the way for more sophisticated Clipboard Clippings.

PowerToys analyzes the image currently stored on the clipboard, and converts any detected text into a digital format, making it easily accessible for pasting into your desired location. If this action is available, it will prominently appear in the Advanced Insertion dialog options.

The second major update allows users to generate a file directly from the clipboard’s contents. Currently, this feature supports the creation of TXT, PNG, and HTML files. While you can create a PNG file from an image, it does not yet convert formatted text from Word to HTML, which may disappoint some users. However, it does effectively create a plain text file from clipboard text.

Additionally, following the trend of Advanced Embedding, users can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to each action, which is particularly useful for repetitive tasks.

Advanced Embedding utilizes OpenAI’s cloud AI for some functionalities; however, the features discussed operate locally on each user’s computer. Recently, PowerToys added a New+ tool for inserting template files, which in version 0.86 comes equipped with a fresh icon designed in line with the Fluent design aesthetic. For those interested, the tool can be downloaded from Github.

Resources: Microsoft / Learn | PowerToys / Github

**Interview with‌ Tech Expert Lisa Hartman on the Latest PowerToys 0.86 Features**

**Interviewer:** Today,‌ we’re joined ⁣by tech expert Lisa Hartman to discuss the newly released PowerToys 0.86 update.‍ Welcome, ‌Lisa!

**Lisa Hartman:** Thank⁢ you for having me! Excited to dive into⁣ this.

**Interviewer:** PowerToys has always been about enhancing user productivity, but this latest update seems to introduce some pretty impressive​ features. Can⁢ you tell us what‍ stands out the most in ‌PowerToys 0.86?

**Lisa‍ Hartman:** Absolutely! The highlight of ⁣this​ update is the new capabilities of Advanced Paste. Now, ⁣users ​can convert images into text directly from​ their clipboard, which is a game changer! It employs fast OCR, making it ‌incredibly easy⁤ to digitize text from an image without opening a separate tool.

**Interviewer:** ‌That sounds incredibly convenient! So, if ‌someone copies an image with text, how⁤ does this ⁣feature work in practice?

**Lisa Hartman:** It’s⁣ quite straightforward. Once ​you copy the ‍image, Advanced​ Paste automatically analyzes ⁤it, extracts the text, and places that text directly⁢ into ⁣your inbox for pasting wherever‌ you need it. This⁢ can really streamline workflows, especially for those who multitask frequently.

**Interviewer:** Beyond the⁣ image-to-text conversion, I’ve heard that PowerToys ⁢0.86 can also create files⁢ directly from clipboard content. Can you⁣ elaborate on that feature?

**Lisa Hartman:** Yes! The ability to create TXT, PNG, ​and HTML files from clipboard content is⁢ another fantastic‍ addition. Users can easily turn ‍plain text⁢ into a TXT file,​ or ⁣save an image as a ​PNG. However, for formatted text⁣ from Word, ‌it isn’t‍ as sophisticated yet, ​so just plain text files are recommended for​ users needing quick saves.

**Interviewer:** We ⁤also know that customization is big in any productivity tool. How does PowerToys ‌0.86 handle user preferences regarding shortcuts?

**Lisa Hartman:** Great⁤ question! This update allows users to assign custom ⁤keyboard shortcuts for different actions⁣ within ‍the Advanced Paste feature. This way,‍ frequent tasks can be handled​ more efficiently, making the whole experience feel much more personal and tailored to individual workflows.

**Interviewer:** Lastly, I‌ heard that this version utilizes OpenAI’s cloud AI technology, but still operates locally. ⁤Can you clarify how that⁢ works?

**Lisa Hartman:** Sure! ⁣While the Advanced Embedding tool connects with OpenAI’s cloud AI for some⁢ smart functionalities, the actual‌ OCR and text processing occur on the user’s ​machine. This‌ ensures that user privacy ⁢is safeguarded while still benefiting ⁢from advanced capabilities.

**Interviewer:** Thank ‌you, Lisa. It sounds ​like PowerToys‍ 0.86 is really packed with great tools to bolster productivity. For anyone interested in​ trying it out, where ⁣can they find it?

**Lisa ⁢Hartman:**‍ Users can download the latest version directly from ​GitHub. It’s a must-try for anyone​ looking to enhance their productivity tools!

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing ⁣these insights, Lisa. It’s always a pleasure⁤ to have you ⁤on!

**Lisa Hartman:** ‌Thank you! Happy to help, and I look​ forward ⁢to‍ seeing how users embrace these features.