How to Use Windows Vista Snipping Tool

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(2 Ratings)

One of the best new features of Windows Vista is the Snipping Tool. Windows Vista Snipping Tool replaces the need to buy a commercial screen shot program, by allowing Vista users to grab selections of windows or the desktop and save them to the PC. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Windows Vista

Step 1

Type "Snipping Tool" in the search bar of the window's menu. Choose to add the tool to your quick launch bar for easy access later.
Step 2

Choose the type of selection you want to make with the Snipping Tool. Click the down arrow next to "New" in the Snipping Tool menu bar.
Step 3

Make a free-form snip. Using this method, you can draw any shaped selection by using a mouse or stylus. When the shape is drawn, the snip will be created and presented to you to save or delete.
Step 4

Make a rectangular snip. Create a rectangle using your mouse to draw from the upper left corner, to the lower right corner of your selection. Anything in the rectangle selection will be your snip. Save or delete the selection.
Step 5

Choose "Window Snip" from the drop down menu. By using this method of snip, Snipping Tool will capture any open window that you select.
Step 6

Create a Full-screen Snip. By selecting "Full screen" from the drop down menu, Snipping Tool will capture the entire contents of your screen and save to your PC.
Step 7

Get creative. Snipping Tool comes with drawing tools that allow you to draw on the clipping using pens and markers. Just click on the Tools menu to get started drawing. Use the Eraser tool to remove drawings.
Step 8

Send your clipping in an email. Click on the mail icon or on the File menu, and then select "Send To."

Comments

jane00001 said

Flag This Comment

on 4/30/2009 Don't use this little piece of junk. Use your free Print Screen button, download free Paint.Net and adjust your image. I can't believe that the author stated that this is "One of the best new features of Windows Vista". LOL Read the Mircosoft forums. A lot of people are having problems with it. JUNK!!!