Taking a cropped screenshot on Windows 10 is a breeze once you know the ropes. Simply press the correct keys on your keyboard, select the area you want to capture, and save the screenshot to your desired location. Follow the steps below to become a pro at capturing cropped screenshots in no time!
How to Take a Cropped Screenshot on Windows 10
In this section, you’ll learn how to take a cropped screenshot on Windows 10 using built-in tools. By the end, you’ll be able to quickly and easily capture just the part of your screen you need.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + Shift + S
Pressing these keys together will open the Snip & Sketch tool.
This tool allows you to select the part of the screen you want to capture. When you press Windows Key + Shift + S, your screen will dim slightly, indicating that the Snip & Sketch tool is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Select the Area to Capture
Click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to screenshot.
As you drag your mouse, you’ll see a rectangular box outlining the selected area. This lets you choose exactly what part of your screen you want to capture, making your screenshot neat and focused.
Step 3: Release the Mouse Button
Once you’ve selected the area, release the mouse button to capture the screenshot.
After releasing the mouse button, the selected area will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an application like Paint, Word, or an email.
Step 4: Open Snip & Sketch to Save
Open the Snip & Sketch application by searching for it in the Start menu and pasting your screenshot there.
This step is handy if you need to do any editing or want to save the image as a file on your computer. The Snip & Sketch app offers additional features like cropping, highlighting, and drawing.
Step 5: Save Your Screenshot
Click on the "Save As" button in Snip & Sketch and choose where you want to save your screenshot.
You can save your capture as a PNG, JPEG, or other image file type. Pick a destination folder where you can easily find your screenshot later.
After completing these steps, your cropped screenshot will be saved to your chosen location, ready for use. You can now insert it into documents, share it via email, or upload it to social media.
Tips for Taking a Cropped Screenshot on Windows 10
- Practice using the Snip & Sketch tool a few times to get comfortable with it.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.
- If you accidentally select the wrong area, press "Esc" to cancel and try again.
- Edit your screenshot in Snip & Sketch before saving it to make it look more professional.
- Save your screenshots in a dedicated folder for easy access later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?
Press Alt + PrtScn to capture the active window. This will also copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
Can I edit my screenshot after capturing it?
Yes, you can open it in Snip & Sketch or another image editing tool to make adjustments.
Is there a way to automatically save my screenshots?
You can use the Snip & Sketch app’s settings to automatically save screenshots to a specific folder.
What file formats can I save my screenshot in?
Typically, PNG, JPEG, and GIF formats are available when saving screenshots.
Can I capture a freeform shape?
Yes, Snip & Sketch allows you to select freeform, rectangular, window, and full-screen snips.
Summary of Steps
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S
- Select the area to capture
- Release the mouse button
- Open Snip & Sketch to save
- Save your screenshot
Conclusion
Taking a cropped screenshot on Windows 10 is a straightforward process once you get the hang of it. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily capture just the part of the screen you need without any unnecessary clutter. This can be particularly useful for creating tutorials, sharing specific information, or simply saving a portion of what’s displayed on your screen.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend a little time familiarizing yourself with Snip & Sketch and its features. Once you become comfortable with the tool, you’ll find that taking cropped screenshots is quick and efficient. If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your Windows 10 experience, consider exploring other built-in tools and features that can streamline your daily tasks. Happy screenshotting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.