how to use snipping tool on windows

Jordan Emanuel

2 min read

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05-09-2024

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The Snipping Tool is a handy built-in application in Windows that allows you to capture screenshots in various forms. Whether you want to grab a quick image of your desktop, capture an open window, or snip a specific area, this tool has you covered. In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Snipping Tool effectively.

What is the Snipping Tool?

The Snipping Tool is like a digital pair of scissors that you can use to cut out parts of your screen. You can take screenshots and then save, edit, or share them easily. This tool is perfect for creating tutorials, capturing receipts, or saving information from the web.

How to Open the Snipping Tool

Method 1: Using the Start Menu

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type Snipping Tool in the search bar.
3. Click on the Snipping Tool app that appears in the search results.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

• You can quickly open the Snipping Tool by pressing Windows + Shift + S. This shortcut opens a snipping mode directly.

Types of Snips

When you use the Snipping Tool, you have several options for the type of screenshot you want to take:

1. Free-form Snip: Draw a shape around the area you want to capture.
2. Rectangular Snip: Drag the cursor around an object to form a rectangle and capture it.
3. Window Snip: Select an open window to capture.
4. Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.

How to Take a Screenshot

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Snipping Tool by using one of the methods mentioned above.
2. Click on the New button to start a new snip.
3. Select the type of snip you want from the dropdown menu.
4. For free-form or rectangular snips, click and drag your mouse to select the area. For window and full-screen snips, follow the prompts.
5. Once captured, the snip will appear in a new window for you to review.

Editing Your Snip

• After capturing a screenshot, you can annotate it by using the pen, highlighter, and eraser tools located in the toolbar.
• You can also click on File > Save As to store your screenshot in various formats (JPEG, PNG, etc.).

Tips for Effective Snipping

• Use the Delay Feature: If you need to capture a menu or a tooltip that disappears when you click elsewhere, use the Delay feature. Click on the arrow next to the New button, select a delay time (up to 5 seconds), and then take your snip.
• Organize Your Snips: Save your snips in a dedicated folder to keep them organized and easily accessible.

Conclusion

The Snipping Tool on Windows is a simple yet powerful tool for taking screenshots. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily capture and edit images of your screen. Whether you're working on a project, sharing information, or simply saving important visuals, the Snipping Tool can help streamline your process.

For more tips and tricks on using Windows tools, check out our article on Windows Keyboard Shortcuts or How to Edit Images on Windows. Happy snipping!