Knowing how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows can make your daily computer work faster and more efficiently. Whether you want to capture screenshots for work, tutorials, school assignments, or troubleshooting, the Snipping Tool is a simple yet powerful built-in Windows feature.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to use Snipping Tool in Windows step by step, including all snip modes, shortcuts, editing options, and practical tips—no technical experience required.
What is the Snipping Tool in Windows?
Before learning how to use Snipping Tool in Windows, it’s important to understand what it is.
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Full screen
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Selected areas
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Specific windows
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Free-form shapes
Unlike the Print Screen key, the Snipping Tool gives you more control and editing options.
Why Use Snipping Tool in Windows?
Understanding how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows offers several benefits.
Key Advantages
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No third-party software needed
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Easy to use for beginners
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Built-in editing tools
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Quick sharing and saving
It’s ideal for students, office workers, bloggers, and anyone who needs screenshots regularly.
How to Open Snipping Tool in Windows
Open Snipping Tool Using Search
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Click the Start menu
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Type Snipping Tool
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Click the app from the results
Open Snipping Tool Using Keyboard Shortcut
Press:
This is the fastest way to access the Snipping Tool overlay.
Knowing these methods is the first step in mastering how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows efficiently.
How to Use Snipping Tool in Windows to Take Screenshots
Once the tool is open, capturing screenshots is easy.
Basic Steps to Take a Screenshot
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Open Snipping Tool
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Click New or use Windows + Shift + S
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Choose the snip mode
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Capture the screen
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Edit or save the screenshot
This workflow forms the foundation of how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows.
Snipping Tool Modes Explained
The Snipping Tool offers different capture modes.
Rectangular Snip
Allows you to drag and capture a rectangular area.
Best for: Documents, text, images
Freeform Snip
Let’s you draw any shape to capture irregular areas.
Best for: Highlighting specific elements
Window Snip
Captures a specific open window.
Best for: App screenshots, error messages
Full-Screen Snip
Captures the entire screen.
Best for: Desktop views, presentations
Understanding snip modes is essential when learning how to usethe Snipping Tool in Windows effectively.
How to Use Snipping Tool in Windows to Edit Screenshots
Editing is built directly into the Snipping Tool.
Available Editing Tools
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Pen
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Highlighter
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Eraser
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Crop tool
You can annotate screenshots without opening another program.
How to Edit a Screenshot
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Take a snip
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Use the pen or highlighter
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Crop unnecessary areas
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Save or copy the image
These tools make how to use Snipping Tool in Windows more productive.
How to Save Screenshots Using Snipping Tool
Saving your screenshots correctly is important.
Steps to Save a Snip
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Click Save
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Choose a folder
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Select file format (PNG, JPG)
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Name the file
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Click Save
Proper file naming helps organize your screenshots better.
How to Copy and Share Screenshots
The Snipping Tool makes sharing easy.
How to Copy a Screenshot
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Click Copy
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Paste into emails, documents, or chats
Where You Can Share Snips
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Email
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Word documents
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PowerPoint slides
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Messaging apps
This feature enhances how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows for everyday tasks.
How to Use Snipping Tool in Windows 10 vs Windows 11
While similar, there are small differences.
Windows 10 Snipping Tool
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Classic interface
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Basic editing tools
Windows 11 Snipping Tool
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Modern design
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Better editing and delay features
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Improved performance
Regardless of version, the basics of how to use Snipping Tool in Windows remain the same.
How to Use Snipping Tool with Delay Feature
The delay feature helps capture menus or pop-ups.
Steps to Use Delay
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Open Snipping Tool
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Set delay time (3–10 seconds)
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Click New
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Prepare the screen
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Capture after delay
This is especially useful for instructional screenshots.
Common Problems When Using Snipping Tool
Snipping Tool Not Opening
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Restart Windows Explorer
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Check Windows updates
Shortcut Not Working
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Enable Snipping Tool in settings
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Update Windows
Screenshots Not Saving
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Check the default save location
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Ensure storage space is available
Troubleshooting helps you use the tool smoothly.
Tips to Master the Snipping Tool in Windows
Helpful Tips
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Use keyboard shortcuts for speed
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Save images in PNG for quality
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Annotate before sharing
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Organize screenshots by folders
These tips improve your overall experience of how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows.
FAQs About How to Use the Snipping Tool in Windows
How to use Snipping Tool in Windows without a mouse?
Use Windows + Shift + S and keyboard navigation to capture screenshots.
How to use the Snipping Tool in Windows for scrolling screenshots?
Snipping Tool does not support scrolling screenshots natively.
How to use the Snipping Tool in Windows to record the screen?
Windows 11 Snipping Tool supports basic screen recording.
How to change the default save location in Snipping Tool?
You can manually choose the save location each time you save a screenshot.
Is Snipping Tool free in Windows?
Yes, it comes preinstalled with Windows and is completely free.
Conclusion
Learning how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows is a simple yet powerful way to improve productivity. From capturing quick screenshots to editing and sharing them instantly, the Snipping Tool covers all basic screenshot needs without requiring extra software.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows will save time and make your work more efficient.
