how to take a snippet on windows

Colin Whitehouse

3 min read

·

05-09-2024

40

0

Share

Snipping a part of your screen can be incredibly useful for sharing information, saving pictures, or even for personal notes. Whether you need to capture a full screen, a specific window, or a custom area, Windows offers several tools to help you take screenshots, often referred to as "snippets." In this article, we’ll explore different methods for taking a snippet on Windows, making it easy for everyone to share their screen captures effectively.

Why You Might Need Snipping Tools

Taking a snippet can be handy for many reasons:

• Sharing Information: Quickly share a portion of a document, website, or image.
• Creating Tutorials: Include visual aids in guides or presentations.
• Saving Ideas: Capture important information for future reference.
• Bug Reporting: Document issues for tech support with a visual reference.

Now, let's look at how to create a snippet on your Windows device.

Methods to Take a Snippet on Windows

Method 1: Using Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in application in Windows that allows you to capture different types of snips.

Steps to Use Snipping Tool:

1. Open the Snipping Tool:

   • Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu and open the app.

2. Select the Snip Type:

   • Click on the arrow next to "New" to select the type of snip you want (Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen).

3. Capture the Snip:

   • Once you select your type, draw or click on the area of the screen you wish to capture.

4. Save the Snip:

   • After capturing, you can use the “File” menu to save your snippet to your desired location.

Method 2: Using Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 & 11)

Snip & Sketch is an upgraded snipping tool that offers more features and is very user-friendly.

Steps to Use Snip & Sketch:

1. Open Snip & Sketch:

   • Press Windows + Shift + S on your keyboard to open the snipping bar.

2. Choose Snip Type:

   • Select the snip type you wish to take from the options (Rectangular, Free-form, Window, or Full-screen).

3. Select the Area:

   • Click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture.

4. Access the Snip:

   • The captured snippet will be copied to your clipboard, and a notification will appear. Click on it to edit and save your snip.

Method 3: Using Print Screen Key

The Print Screen (PrtScn) key is a quick way to capture the entire screen or a specific window.

Steps to Use Print Screen:

1. To Capture Entire Screen:

   • Press PrtScn. This captures the entire screen and copies it to your clipboard.

2. To Capture the Active Window:

   • Click on the window you want to capture, then press Alt + PrtScn.

3. To Save the Screenshot:

   • Open an image editor like Paint, press Ctrl + V to paste, and save your image.

Method 4: Using Windows Game Bar

If you’re gaming or need to capture a video, the Windows Game Bar offers excellent features.

Steps to Use Windows Game Bar:

1. Open Game Bar:

   • Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.

2. Capture Snip:

   • Click on the Capture widget, then click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.

Conclusion

Taking a snippet on Windows is not only easy but also a powerful tool to enhance communication and productivity. Whether you choose the traditional Snipping Tool, the versatile Snip & Sketch, or the instant Print Screen option, you have plenty of ways to capture your screen effectively.

Quick Tips:

• Use Windows + Shift + S for quick access to Snip & Sketch.
• Always remember to save your snippets in an organized folder for easy access later.

For further reading on tips and tricks for Windows, check out our articles on Windows Shortcuts and Enhancing Your Productivity on Windows.

Now that you have the tools, go ahead and start capturing those snippets!