The Snipping Tool is a Microsoft Windows screenshot utility that is included in the Windows operating system.

It can take still screenshots of an open window, rectangular areas, a free-form area, or the entire screen.

Snips can then be annotated using the mouse, Some very basic image editing of the snapshot is possible, with different colored pens and a highlighter.

The image can be stored as an image file in the PNG, GIF, or JPEG file format. Alternatively, the image can be copied and pasted into other Windows applications, such as PowerPoint, or into an instant messenger chat window that is opened in an Internet Explorer, as I have described here https://ip-lawyer-tools.com/the-one-killer-trick-that-makes-smartphone-instant-messenger-apps-work-for-you-pair-them-with-your-work-computer/

Inserting pictures into a Powerpoint presentation is a breeze if you use the Snipping Tool. I have described earlier where you can find free online photos, here https://ip-lawyer-tools.com/how-to-fast-find-and-use-royalty-free-photos-for-articles-on-linkedin/

Just snip a part of the photo that you have selected, press Ctrl-C for copying it and press Ctrl-V for pasting it into your Powerpoint slide. That way you also create new images as a combination of various snips of other images.

Video Tutorial

Here is a short screencast that demonstrates the basic functions of the Snipping Tool. Start at minute 00:55:

New “Delay” Function

Windows 10 added a “Delay” function to the Snipping Tool, which allows for a timed capture of screenshots. The delay function is valuable for taking a screenshot showing context menus, or handles that appear around a graphic object when that object is selected. With the delay feature, it is now possible to take a screenshot showing context menus and object handles, even if they disappear when any other item (such as the Snipping Tool itself) is clicked on.

To use the delay feature, one opens the Snipping Tool and sets a delay of a few seconds. Then during that delay, one opens the context menu or selects the object so that its handles appear, and waits for the delay to lapse. At the end of the delay, the Snipping Tool automatically becomes active without the user having to click, and therefore the context menu or object handles do not disappear and a screenshot can be taken of them.

Call to Action

If you have not yet done so, try out the Snipping Tool now.

Send me a Whatsapp with a screenshot of your Windows desktop.

 

 

Martin “Snip” Schweiger