Screen capture is one of the most useful features of any device. You may need to immediately save important on-screen information. A free and handy program on your PC is the best way to take screenshots that already exist. The snipping tool allows you to take, edit and share screenshots without downloading and installing any additional programs. So you can save your storage space for the more important stuff.
How to run the snipping tool?
There are several ways you can open and use this program. We introduce you to the best and easiest ways to access this program The classic way is to open the Start menu and scroll down to find Windows Accessories. The program will be there and you can launch the app by clicking on Snipping Tool. This way can be a bit time-consuming. Alternatively, you can open the Start menu and search for the words “sniping tool”. Because this app’s useful, you can pin it to the Start menu or link it to the taskbar. So it will be available and easy to reach even if you are in a hurry.
How to use a Snipping tool?
When you launch it, you will face 5 main buttons.
1. New
The new button is the first button you will encounter. But first, you need to choose the mode you want to take a snip. We’ll examine the different modes below.
2. Mode
By clicking the arrow, you can see some options that specify the sniping mode:
- Free-form Snip: You can select the shape you want to capture in free form by moving the cursor around.
- Rectangular Snip: You can take a snip in a rectangular shape by selecting this option.
- Window Snip: This option allows you to capture a snip of the active window.
- Full-screen snip: This captures the entire screen.
3. Delay
You should use this button if you want to delay screen capture by snipping the tool for up to 5 seconds. You can choose your delay time from the dropdown menu.
4. Cancel
This button cancels the snipping process. Press the Cancel button or press the Esc key instead.
5. Options
By choosing options, you can customize this program as you wish. You can select each option by filling in the check box next to them.
Hide instruction text: This will hide the instruction text in the main toolbar.
Always copy snips to the clipboard: The captured file will be copied to the Windows clipboard. Therefore, you can paste the photo into other programs, such as Microsoft Word.
Include URL below Snips (HTML only): Enabling this option will save Snips as HTML or MHT documents.
Prompt to save snips before exiting: By enabling this option, the program will ask you if you want to save snips before closing the program.
Show screen overlay when the snipping tool is active: While using this program, a white overlay will appear on your screen until you take a screenshot. You can disable the overlay by clearing this check box.
Ink Color: You can change the ink color of the selection border in this section.
Show selection ink after capturing snips: Filling this check box allows you to see a border with the color defined in the ink color around your image after taking a snip. Buy Web Hosting from Oudel Inc.
How to edit images with the snipping tool?
Editing your screenshots with other programs can be time-consuming. In such a situation, you need to save the image first, upload it to another app, edit it, and then save it again. So if the app you choose to capture screenshots comes with the necessary editing tools, you can save your time and energy for more important work.
As for the snipping tool, once you’ve finished capturing snips, you can start editing and making changes as you wish. And then, you can save your file, copy it, or share it with the same app.
Save the snip
Selecting this option opens a new window. You can set your file name, format, and location to save your captured files.
Copy
Pressing this button will copy your screen snip file to the Windows clipboard. So, you can paste it into other apps if you need to.
Send Snip
If you want to share your screen snip directly and instantly with the snipping tool then you need to click this button.
Pen
This button is a writing tool. You can create notes or draw something on your screenshot if needed. You can customize your pen from the dropdown menu and change its color thickness & tip.
Highlighter
Highlighter is a see-through tool that highlights very important parts of your screenshot.
Eraser
An eraser tool is available if you make a mistake while highlighting or drawing something on your screenshot. So you can delete unnecessary changes.
Snipping Tool Shortcut
This app is easy to use, but you can make it more easier by using shortcut keys for various functions.
- Choose a snipping mode: Alt + M, then the arrow keys and Enter to make your selection.
- Create a new snip in the same mode as the last one: Alt + N
- Move the cursor to select a rectangular snip area: Shift + arrow keys
- Delay Capture: Alt + D, then use the arrow keys and Enter to make your selection
- Copy a captured snip to the clipboard: Ctrl + C
- Save Snip: Ctrl + S
- Print Snip: Ctrl + P
- Create a new snip: Ctrl + N
- Cancel the snip operation: Esc
The following shortcuts are set to launch and use the Snipping Tool menu bar:
File menu: Alt + F. Then, you can use the down arrow keys or shortcut keys instead
- To take a new screenshot: N
- To save the snip: A
- Send via email to: t
- To print it: p
Edit menu: Alt + E, then:
- To copy the current snip to your clipboard: C
- To edit in Paint 3D: E
Tools menu: Alt + T, followed by one of the:
- To open the Pen menu: P
- To select the highlighter: H
- To switch to the Eraser tool: E
- To open this Snipping Tool Options panel: O
Help menu: Alt + H, then:
- To open the online help page: H
- To view the snipping tool information page: A
Conclusion
If you are looking for a free and easy-to-use app to take screenshots on Windows, Snipping Tool will be the best for you. This useful app lets you take screenshots instantly and allows you to edit, save and share options.
You don’t even have to bother downloading and installing this app. Find its name, find the app and start using this flexible tool.
