How To Use The New Sniping Tool In Windows 11

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is a powerful, revamped tool that allows users to take screenshots, annotate, and save images with ease. The tool has been updated from previous versions to provide a more seamless experience and enhanced functionality. Below is a detailed guide on how to use the new Snipping Tool in Windows 11.

1. Opening the Snipping Tool in Windows 11

There are multiple ways to access the Snipping Tool, depending on your preference:

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S)

The quickest way to access the Snipping Tool is by using the keyboard shortcut:

1. Press Windows key + Shift + S.

2. The screen will dim slightly, and the snipping toolbar will appear at the top of the screen, giving you different snipping options.

Method 2: Using the Start Menu

1. Press the Windows key or click the Start button.

2. In the search bar, type Snipping Tool and select it from the list of results.

Method 3: Pinning Snipping Tool to the Taskbar

1. Open the Snipping Tool using one of the above methods.

2. Right-click on the Snipping Tool icon in the taskbar and select Pin to taskbar for quick future access.

2. Understanding the Snipping Tool Interface

Once you open the Snipping Tool, you will see the toolbar at the top of the screen, which offers four primary snipping modes:

1. Rectangular Snip: Allows you to draw a rectangle around the area you want to capture.

2. Freeform Snip: Lets you draw a freeform shape around the area you want to capture.

3. Window Snip: Allows you to select and capture a specific open window.

4. Full-screen Snip: Captures the entire screen.

After choosing a snip type, you can also access the following features:

1.Annotating: After capturing, you can use the pen, highlighter, and eraser tools to mark up your screenshot.

2.Delay Function: This allows you to take a screenshot after a few seconds, useful for capturing context menus or other elements that disappear when interacting with them.

3. How to Take Screenshots with Snipping Tool

Step 1: Select the Snipping Mode

1. Press Windows + Shift + S or open the Snipping Tool via the Start menu.

2. Choose one of the snipping options from the toolbar:

•    Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select a rectangular portion of the screen.
•    Freeform Snip: Draw around the part of the screen you want to capture.
•    Window Snip: Click on a specific window to capture.
•    Full-screen Snip: Instantly captures the entire screen.

Step 2: Capture the Screenshot

After choosing the mode, follow the prompts to take your screenshot. For instance, in Rectangular Snip, click and drag the cursor to highlight the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be taken.

Step 3: Editing and Annotating

After you take the snip, it will be automatically copied to the clipboard and displayed in a pop-up notification at the bottom right corner of your screen. You can:

1.Click on the notification to open the screenshot in the Snipping Tool for editing.

2.Use tools like the pen, highlighter, or ruler to annotate your screenshot.

3.The Eraser tool allows you to remove any unwanted markings you’ve added.

4. Saving and Sharing Screenshots

Step 1: Save the Snip

Once you're satisfied with the screenshot, you can save it:

1. Click on the Save icon (a floppy disk) at the top right.

2. Choose the destination folder, give the file a name, and select the file format (PNG, JPEG, or GIF).

3. Click Save.

Step 2: Share the Snip

You can share your screenshot directly from the Snipping Tool:

1. Click the Share icon at the top.

2. Select an option from the Windows Share dialog box, such as sharing via email, nearby sharing, or through another app installed on your PC.

5. Using the Delay Function for Time-sensitive Snips

The new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 includes a Delay feature, which allows you to set a timer for taking a screenshot. This is particularly useful for capturing things like context menus or transient screen elements.

Step 1: Set the Delay

1. Open the Snipping Tool app (not just the snipping toolbar).

2. In the Snipping Tool window, click the New Snip dropdown arrow next to the New button.

3. Select a delay time from the list: 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.

Step 2: Take the Snip

After the set delay, the snipping toolbar will appear, and you can select the snipping mode to capture the screen.

6. Capturing Pop-up Menus and Tooltips

Sometimes you need to capture pop-up menus or tooltips that disappear when you try to click on them. Using the Delay feature makes this possible.

1. Open the Snipping Tool, and set a delay (e.g., 3 or 5 seconds).

2. During the delay, open the menu or tooltip you want to capture.

3. Once the delay is over, the Snipping Tool will appear, and you can take the snip normally.

7. Shortcut for Quickly Taking Screenshots

If you frequently need to take screenshots, the Windows + Shift + S shortcut is your best option for speed. However, if you prefer using a specific snipping tool (like Window Snip or Rectangular Snip), you can customize the Snipping Tool settings to open directly in your preferred mode.

8. Additional Tips for Using Snipping Tool

1.Keyboard Shortcuts: The Snipping Tool supports some keyboard shortcuts for efficiency:

  2.Ctrl + N: Start a new snip.

 3.Ctrl + S: Save the current snip.

 4.Ctrl + C: Copy the snip to the clipboard.

 5.Ctrl + P: Print the snip.  

6.Print Screen Key Integration: You can set the Print Screen key to open the Snipping Tool by going to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turning on the Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping option.

7.Clipboard Integration: By default, screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool are automatically copied to the clipboard, making it easy to paste them into documents or emails by pressing Ctrl + V.

Conclusion

The new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 combines ease of use with powerful features, making it a versatile tool for capturing screenshots. With various snipping modes, annotation tools, and sharing options, it’s ideal for anyone needing quick or detailed screen captures. Whether you're saving entire screen snips, capturing a specific window, or using advanced features like delay and pop-up menu capture, the Snipping Tool has you covered.