How to take a screenshot with using the snipping tool in Windows
Microsoft's Snipping Tool allows users to take full-screen images or snippets, providing the flexibility to save, copy, paste, send, or annotate captured content. This article will walk you through using the snipping tool on Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista, including capturing screen menus that usually disappear when you click elsewhere.
Access the tool
- In Windows 10, click Start, type "snipping tool" in the search bar, then open the app.
- For Windows 8, scroll the mouse arrow down to the bottom right of the screen, then move it up, then select "Find", type "snipping tool", or in English Snipping and choose it as soon as it appears.
- Users of Windows 7 or earlier versions can click "Start", then "All Programs", then "Accessories", and finally select "Snipping Tool".
Capture options
- Free-form clip: draw freely around the desired element.
- Rectangular clip: Pick up a rectangular snippet by clicking and dragging around the area.
- Window snippet: Click on the window you want to capture.
- Full screen clip: Capture the entire screen.
Using the cutting tool
- Press and hold the mouse arrow while drawing around the object you wish to capture.
- The captured snippet will open in the Snipping Tool window, allowing editing, annotation, or sharing.
Timed clip feature
- Windows 10 introduces a new feature called "Delay", allowing adjustments to be made 4 to 5 seconds before capturing the snippet. This feature is especially useful for capturing mouse click child items.
Additional features
- Capture the active indicator is available for users of Windows 8, 7 and Vista. You can access it through Start, All Programs, and Accessories, and then select Snipping Tool.
- Pressing the "Esc" key removes the clipping window, leaving the snipping tool visible.
- Different types of clips can be saved, including free-shaped, rectangular, window, and full-screen clips.
Advanced annotation
- The crop tool includes a pen feature to comment on shots. Choose from red, blue, black, or virtual pens to highlight important sections.
- Select "Edit" from the drop-down menu to customize the pen color, thickness and style.
Save and share
- After adding annotations or editing, click "Save" to preserve the snippet.
- Clicking "Save" launches the default email program, and automatically attaches the snippet to the share.
Useful tips
- Disable the white clip window by unchecking "Show clip preview window when snipping tool is active" in the snipping tool options.
- Some laptops combine the "Print Screen" key with another function. You can access it by pressing the Fn key or the function key.
- Excerpts can be saved in various formats, including JPEG, HTML, PNG, or GIF.
Mastering the snipping tool enables users to capture and share essential content efficiently and easily.