How to Use Snipping Tool to Capture Screenshots

What is Snipping Tool?

Snipping Tool is a free screenshot program built into Windows. It lets you capture all or part of your screen, then save, copy, or annotate the image. Perfect for sharing what you see with colleagues or IT support.

Common uses:

• Capture error messages to send to IT
• Take screenshots of documents or web pages
• Create images for presentations or reports
• Document steps in a process

Open Snipping Tool

Method 1: Search

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard
• Type Snipping Tool
• Click on the Snipping Tool app

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping toolbar immediately.

Method 3: Start Menu

• Click the Start button
• Scroll to S in the app list
• Click Snipping Tool

Types of Snips

When you take a screenshot, you can choose what to capture:

Rectangle Snip

Draw a rectangle around the area you want to capture. Best for:

• Part of a document or webpage
• A specific window area
• Error messages or dialogs

Window Snip

Click on any window to capture just that window. Best for:

• A single application window
• A dialog box
• A specific program

Full-Screen Snip

Captures your entire screen, including all monitors. Best for:

• Showing your complete desktop
• Capturing everything visible
• Multi-monitor screenshots

Free-Form Snip

Draw any shape to capture an irregular area. Best for:

• Capturing odd-shaped content
• Avoiding sensitive information nearby
• Creative selections

Take a Screenshot

Using the App

• Open Snipping Tool
• Click New
• Choose your snip type from the toolbar
• Select the area you want to capture
• The screenshot appears in Snipping Tool

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

• Press Windows + Shift + S
• The screen dims and a toolbar appears at the top
• Choose Rectangle, Window, Full-screen, or Free-form
• Make your selection
• The screenshot is copied to your clipboard
• A notification appears — click it to open in Snipping Tool for editing

Save Your Screenshot

Save to a File

• After taking a snip, click the Save icon (floppy disk) or press Ctrl + S
• Choose a location on your computer
• Give the file a name
• Choose a format (PNG is recommended for quality)
• Click Save

Copy to Clipboard

Your snip is automatically copied when using Windows + Shift + S. You can immediately paste it:

• In an email: Ctrl + V
• In a Word document: Ctrl + V
• In Teams chat: Ctrl + V

Annotate Screenshots

Snipping Tool includes basic markup tools:

Pen Tool

Draw freehand lines in various colours to circle or highlight items.

Highlighter

Highlight text or areas with a transparent colour overlay.

Eraser

Remove any annotations you have made.

Ruler

Create straight lines by drawing along the ruler edge.

Touch Writing

Write with your finger or stylus if you have a touchscreen.

Delay a Screenshot

Need to capture a menu or tooltip that disappears when you click away?

• Open Snipping Tool
• Click the clock icon or Delay option
• Choose 3, 5, or 10 second delay
• Click New
• Quickly open the menu or hover over the item you want to capture
• The screenshot is taken after the delay

Screenshot Tips

Capture Error Messages

When you get an error, press Windows + Shift + S immediately and snip the error message. This helps IT support diagnose problems quickly.

Clean Up Before Capturing

Close unnecessary windows and tabs before taking full-screen shots. This keeps the focus on what matters.

Use Rectangle for Precision

Rectangle snip is the most useful for business purposes. It lets you capture exactly what you need without extra clutter.

Name Files Descriptively

Instead of "Screenshot 2024-01-22", use names like "Error-message-login-screen" so you can find them later.

Alternative: Print Screen Key

If you just need a quick full-screen capture:

• Print Screen (PrtScn) — captures entire screen to clipboard
• Alt + Print Screen — captures only the active window
• Windows + Print Screen — saves screenshot directly to Pictures > Screenshots folder

Troubleshooting

Snipping Tool Not Opening

• Restart your computer
• Search for "Snip & Sketch" instead (renamed in some Windows versions)
• Check Windows Update for any pending updates

Screenshots Are Blurry

• Capture at 100% zoom in your browser or application
• Use PNG format instead of JPG for clearer images

Cannot Find Saved Screenshots

• Check your Downloads folder
• Check Pictures > Screenshots folder
• Use Windows search to find files by name

Need Help?

For help with screenshots or computer issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.