What is the Snipping Tool in Windows 7?

Snipping ToolOne of the tools in Windows 7 that I use the most is the Snipping Tool.  This allows me to grab something that I have on the screen and place it into a word document or save it to a file for later use.  Before Windows 7 (I skipped Vista), I had to use a third party program to do this (SnagIt).  Now this tool is built into windows and is very easy to use.

1. To start the Snipping Tool, click on the Start Button and type Snipping Tool into the search box.  Click on Snipping Tool in the results to launch the program.  You can also find the program under All Programs and then under Accessories.

2. The program will launch and will assume you have something on your screen to capture.  If you don't, select Cancel and you can then open what you need to.  Once ready, click on New.

3. By default, it will select Rectangular Snip but there are four available:

  • Free-form Snip.  Draw a free-form shape around an object.
  • Rectangular Snip.  Drag the cursor around an object to form a rectangle.
  • Window Snip.  Select a window, such as a browser window or dialog box, that you want to capture.
  • Full-screen Snip.  Capture the entire screen.

For this example, we will use Rectangular Snip.

4. Place the cursor at the top left of what you would like to capture and then drag and unclick to the end of the area you would like to capture.

5. The image will be shown and you can now annotate the snip.  You can use one of the built in Pens to write on the image or use the Highlighter to highlight a section.

6. Saving your Snip. Click on the Save Snip button on the menu bar.  Enter a file name and choose a location to where you would like to save the image.  You have the option of saving the file as a .jpg, .png, .gif or as a .mht.

7. Sharing the Snip.  You also have the ability to send the snip directly to your e-mail program.  Click on File, then Send To and then select E-mail Recipient.  This will start up a new e-mail with the snip in the e-mail.

This is a great little program that will get used on a regular basis.


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