How to Use the Snipping Tool in Microsoft Windows Vista

Many people don't know about the Snipping Tool that comes with Microsoft Windows Vista. It is an excellent, useful accessory that allows you to easily capture full or partial screen shots. This article shows you the steps to use it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows Vista

1. 

   First, access whatever it is that you want to capture, and make sure that no windows are blocking it.

2. 

   Access the Snipping Tool from the Accessories Group of the Program menu (off the Start button). If you're having trouble finding it, just do a search on your computer for "Snipping." Once you find it, you might want to drag it to the toolbar near the Start button where you keep your frequently used applications.

3. Click the drop-down arrow next to the New button. Choose what you want to capture. It can be a full screen, a full window, a rectangular portion of a window, or a free-form portion of a window (such as an oval cut-out). Your selection will automatically take effect, and it will be remembered until you change it.

4. 

   If you choose a rectangular portion, you'll need to drag a box around the portion of the window that you want to capture. When you let go of the mouse, a new window will open that contains your capture.

5. 

   If you choose a free-form portion, you'll need to use your mouse to trace around the area that you want to capture.

6. A window will appear with your capture. You can then use a highlighter tool to highlight portions, or a pen tool to draw things over your capture such as arrows. (See pic for Step 4). The pen can be a bit hard to control with your mouse. You may need a graphics tablet if precision is important.

7. From there, you can then save your capture as a JPG, or automatically generate an e-mail with the picture as an attachment. It is very convenient and easy. Prior to this tool, it was necessary to do a Print Screen command, paste your screen capture into a program such as Paint, crop your photo, and then save the cropped portion. The Snipping Tool just makes it all seamless. I use it almost every day!

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to explore the various options and settings that are on the Snipping Tool menus. They are all self-explanatory.

[jenicoe2001]

on 8/17/2009 Great tips on How to Use the Snipping Tool in Vista! 5*R This will be so helpful!!

[sunshine11219]

on 12/9/2008 I am so new to vista thanx for this article