Taking a selected screenshot on Windows is a handy skill that lets you capture just a portion of your screen. Perfect for saving a specific error message, sharing parts of a webpage, or keeping a visual record, this task is straightforward. You’ll use built-in tools like Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool to snip exactly what you need. Follow these simple steps to learn how to take a selected screenshot on Windows, making sure you capture only what you want without any extra clutter.
Step-by-Step: How to Take a Selected Screenshot on Windows
Let’s walk through the process of capturing a specific area of your screen on Windows. This method uses Windows’ built-in tools to make capturing screenshots a breeze.
Step 1: Open Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool
Press the Windows key, type “Snip & Sketch” or “Snipping Tool,” and select the app to open it.
Both tools are available on Windows 10 and later. Snip & Sketch is more modern, while Snipping Tool is the classic option. They both do the job well, so feel free to choose whichever you prefer.
Step 2: Start a New Snip
In the app, click on “New” to begin a new snip.
You’ll notice that the screen dims slightly, indicating that you’re in snipping mode. This is your cue to get ready to choose the specific part of the screen you want to capture.
Step 3: Select the Area to Capture
Click and drag your mouse to select the area you’d like to capture.
Be precise with your selection. As you drag the mouse, you’ll see a rectangular outline forming. This outline represents the area that will be captured in your screenshot, so make sure it includes everything you need.
Step 4: Save the Screenshot
Once you’ve captured the screenshot, click “Save as” and choose where to save the file on your computer.
After selecting the save location, give your screenshot a descriptive name. This way, you won’t have to sift through files later to find the one you need.
Step 5: Share or Edit the Screenshot
Use the built-in tools to annotate, share, or further edit your screenshot.
Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool offer basic editing features, such as highlighting or cropping. These can be helpful if you need to make quick adjustments before sharing.
Once you complete these steps, your selected screenshot is ready to go. You’ll find it in the location you saved it, ready for you to use. You can attach it to an email, insert it into a document, or even upload it to a website.
Tips for Taking a Selected Screenshot on Windows
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Press “Windows + Shift + S” to quickly open Snip & Sketch and start a snip.
- Choose the right tool: For more advanced editing, consider using third-party software like Greenshot or Lightshot.
- Pin Snip & Sketch to your taskbar: Right-click its icon and select “Pin to taskbar” for easy access.
- Adjust snip delay: In Snip & Sketch, you can delay the screenshot capture by a few seconds, useful for capturing menus.
- Customize your snips: Use the pen and highlighter tools to annotate your screenshots immediately after capturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I capture a screenshot of a specific window using these tools?
Yes, both Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool allow you to capture a specific window as well.
How do I take a full-screen screenshot?
Press “PrtScn” to capture the entire screen and paste it into any app like Paint or Word.
Are there any differences between Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool?
Snip & Sketch has more modern features like quick access via a keyboard shortcut and a delay timer.
What file formats can I save my screenshot in?
Both tools allow you to save in formats like PNG, JPEG, and GIF.
Can I capture a screenshot of a dropdown menu?
Yes, use the delay feature in Snip & Sketch to take screenshots of dropdown menus.
Summary
- Open Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool.
- Start a new snip.
- Select the area to capture.
- Save the screenshot.
- Share or edit the screenshot.
Conclusion
Taking a selected screenshot on Windows is like having a magic eye that only sees what you want it to. It’s a skill that, once learned, saves time and makes sharing information so much easier. With tools like Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool at your disposal, capturing the exact part of your screen you need has never been easier. Whether it’s for work, school, or just sharing something cool, being able to take a selected screenshot is a superpower worth having.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend a little time experimenting with these tools, and you’ll be snipping like a pro in no time. For further reading, you can explore more advanced tools or learn about integrating screenshots into your workflow more effectively. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, go ahead and try it out. Taking a selected screenshot on Windows is just a click away!
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.