If you need to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 device, the Snipping Tool is your best friend. This tool lets you easily capture any part of your screen and save it as an image. You can quickly snip a portion of your screen, annotate it, and save or share it with others. Let’s go through the steps to effectively use the Snipping Tool on Windows 10.
How to Use Snipping Tool Windows 10
The following steps will walk you through the process of using the Snipping Tool to capture screenshots on your Windows 10 device. By the end of these steps, you’ll know how to open the tool, create different types of snips, and save your screenshots.
Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool
To open the Snipping Tool, click the Start menu and type "Snipping Tool."
The Snipping Tool app should appear in the search results. Click on it to open the application.
Step 2: Choose Your Snip Mode
Once the Snipping Tool is open, click the "Mode" button to choose the type of snip you want.
You have four options: Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, and Full-screen Snip. Each mode allows you to capture different parts of your screen.
Step 3: Create Your Snip
After selecting the snip mode, click "New" to start your snip.
Your screen will freeze, and you can use your mouse to capture the area you want. For Free-form and Rectangular Snips, click and drag to outline the area.
Step 4: Annotate Your Snip
Once your snip is captured, you can annotate it using the pen or highlighter tool.
These tools are located in the toolbar of the Snipping Tool. You can use them to draw or highlight important parts of your snip.
Step 5: Save Your Snip
After annotating, click the "File" menu and choose "Save As" to save your snip.
You can save your snip in various formats like PNG, JPEG, or GIF. Choose your preferred format and location to save the file.
After completing these steps, your screenshot will be saved on your computer. You can now use it for presentations, documentation, or sharing with others.
Tips for Using Snipping Tool Windows 10
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: You can quickly open the Snipping Tool by pressing "Windows Key + Shift + S."
- Delayed Snip: Use the "Delay" feature to set a timer before your snip is captured. This is useful for capturing drop-down menus.
- Copy to Clipboard: After taking a snip, you can copy it directly to your clipboard by clicking the "Copy" button.
- Print Snips: You can print your snips directly from the Snipping Tool by clicking "File" and then "Print."
- Edit in Paint 3D: For more advanced editing, click the "Edit in Paint 3D" button after capturing a snip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Snipping Tool to capture a video?
No, the Snipping Tool only captures still images. For video captures, use the Game Bar or other screen recording software.
Is Snipping Tool available on all Windows 10 versions?
Yes, the Snipping Tool comes pre-installed on all versions of Windows 10.
Can I change the default save location for snips?
No, you must manually choose the save location each time you save a snip.
What happens if I accidentally close the Snipping Tool without saving?
If you close the Snipping Tool without saving, you’ll lose your snip. Make sure to save your snip before closing the tool.
Can I undo an annotation?
Yes, you can undo your last annotation by clicking the "Undo" button in the toolbar.
Summary
- Open the Snipping Tool
- Choose your snip mode
- Create your snip
- Annotate your snip
- Save your snip
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use the Snipping Tool on Windows 10, capturing screenshots should be a breeze. This handy little tool is perfect for quickly grabbing images of your screen, whether you need to save important information, share something with a friend, or include visuals in your work. If you haven’t already, give it a try and explore the different snip modes and annotation features. For further reading, you might want to check out Microsoft’s official documentation on the Snipping Tool. Happy snipping!
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.