8 Snipping Tool Features You Need to Know

Unlock the Hidden Power of Windows Snipping Tool: Beyond Basic Screenshots

Many Windows users limit themselves to the Snipping Tool's basic screenshot function, unaware of its extensive capabilities. This tool goes far beyond simple captures; it enables delayed screenshots, freeform snips, screen recording, text extraction from images, and much more. If you only use it for simple screenshots, you're missing out on significant time-saving features.

1. Master Different Snip Modes:

While most users rely on the standard rectangular snip, the Snipping Tool offers three additional modes:

• Freeform Snip: Capture irregular shapes, perfect for screenshots of complex or uniquely shaped areas.
• Window Snip: Quickly capture a specific application window, ideal for isolating browser tabs or program windows.
• Full-screen Snip: Capture your entire screen, especially useful for multi-monitor setups.

Access these modes via the "Snipping Mode" menu.

2. Utilize the Time Delay Feature:

Dynamic elements like dropdown menus often vanish before you can capture them. The Time Delay feature solves this, giving you 3, 5, or 10 seconds to prepare your screen before the screenshot is taken. Select your snip mode, choose your delay from the "Delay Snip" menu, and start the snip.

3. Explore Annotation Tools:

Enhance your screenshots with built-in annotation tools. Draw, write, add shapes, or highlight key areas using the pen, highlighter, and shape tools. Customize colors and thickness, and use the eraser to correct mistakes. Crop unwanted sections for a cleaner image.

4. Effortless Screen Recording:

The Snipping Tool now includes screen recording. Record your screen with or without system audio and voice narration – there's no time limit.

To record, select "Record," choose your recording area, and click "Start." Stop recording with the red button.

5. Streamlined Editing with Paint and Clipchamp:

Edit screenshots directly in Paint by selecting "Edit in Paint." Similarly, export videos to Clipchamp, Microsoft's free video editor, for advanced editing capabilities.

6. Extract Text with OCR:

The Snipping Tool's OCR (Optical Character Recognition) extracts text from images, eliminating manual typing of handwritten or printed content. Import an image, select "Text Actions," copy, and paste the extracted text. Redaction tools protect sensitive information.

7. Enhance HDR Screenshots:

If you have an HDR monitor, enable the "HDR Screenshot Color Corrector" in the settings (three horizontal dots > "Settings") for more vibrant screenshots.

8. Leverage Keyboard Shortcuts:

Master keyboard shortcuts for faster operation: Win Shift S for instant screenshots, PrtSc for full-screen copy to clipboard, Windows key PrtSc for active window capture, and Win PrtSc for full-screen save.

The Snipping Tool is a powerful, versatile tool. By utilizing these advanced features, you can significantly improve your productivity and potentially eliminate the need for expensive third-party software.

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