How to Screen Clip on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello and welcome to this article about how to screen clip on Windows! Screenshots can be very helpful when trying to explain something to someone, but a lot of people don’t know how to take them. Fear not, because in this article we will cover everything you need to know about screen clipping on Windows.

Steps to Screen Clip on Windows

Step 1: Locate the Snipping Tool

The first step in taking a screen clip on Windows is to locate the Snipping Tool. This can be done by searching for it in the Windows search bar or by locating it in the Accessories folder in the Start menu.

Step 2: Open the Snipping Tool

Once you have located the Snipping Tool, open it by selecting it from the search results or by clicking on it in the Accessories folder.

Step 3: Choose Your Snip Type

Once the Snipping Tool is open, you will be given the option to choose the type of snip you want to take. You can choose from Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip.

Step 4: Select the Area to Snip

After selecting the type of snip you want to take, use your mouse to select the area of the screen you want to capture. If you are taking a rectangular snip, click and drag your mouse to select the area. If you are taking a free-form snip, use your mouse to draw a shape around the area you want to capture.

Step 5: Edit Your Snip (optional)

If you want to edit your snip before saving it, you can do so by selecting the Pen or Highlighter tool in the Snipping Tool menu. This will allow you to draw or highlight over your snip.

Step 6: Save Your Snip

Once you have taken your screen clip, save it by clicking on the Save Snip button in the Snipping Tool menu. Choose a location to save your snip and give it a name.

Step 7: Share Your Snip

If you want to share your snip with someone else, you can do so by clicking on the Copy button in the Snipping Tool menu. This will copy your snip to your clipboard, which you can then paste into an email, document, or other program.

Step 8: Use the Print Screen Key

An alternative to using the Snipping Tool is to use the Print Screen key on your keyboard. This key will take a screenshot of your entire screen, which you can then paste into a document or other program.

Step 9: Use the Windows Game Bar

If you are using Windows 10, you can also use the Windows Game Bar to take screen clips. To do this, simply press the Windows key + G and then select the “Take screenshot” option.

Step 10: Use a Third-Party Program

If you don’t like the Snipping Tool or the other options available in Windows, you can also use a third-party program to take screen clips. Some popular options include Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX.

Step 11: Use the Snipping Tool Shortcut

If you use the Snipping Tool frequently, you can create a shortcut to it on your desktop or taskbar. To do this, right-click on the Snipping Tool icon in the Accessories folder and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar.”

Step 12: Use the Keyboard Shortcut

Finally, you can also use a keyboard shortcut to open the Snipping Tool. Simply press the Windows key + Shift + S, which will open the Snipping Tool with the “Rectangular Snip” option selected.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Use the Delay Feature

The Snipping Tool has a Delay feature that allows you to delay taking your screen clip by a few seconds. This can be helpful if you need to capture something that is difficult to click on or if you need to set up the screen in a certain way.

Tip 2: Use the Markup Feature

In addition to the Pen and Highlighter tools, the Snipping Tool also has a Markup feature that allows you to add text or a stamp to your snip. This can be helpful if you need to provide additional context or information about your screen clip.

Tip 3: Use the Arrow Keys

When taking a free-form or rectangular snip, you can use the Arrow keys on your keyboard to adjust the selection area.

Tip 4: Use Alt + Print Screen

If you want to take a screenshot of just the active window, you can use the Alt + Print Screen key combination.

Tip 5: Use Windows Key + Print Screen

If you want to take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it automatically, you can use the Windows key + Print Screen key combination.

Tip 6: Use Windows Key + H

If you are using Windows 10 and want to take a screenshot and share it immediately, you can use the Windows key + H key combination.

Tip 7: Use SnagIt

If you need a more powerful screen capture tool, consider using SnagIt. This program allows you to capture scrolling screenshots, videos, and more.

Tip 8: Use a Wireless Presenter

If you frequently give presentations and need to capture screenshots, consider using a wireless presenter with a built-in screen capture button.

Tip 9: Use OneNote

If you have Microsoft OneNote installed, you can use it to take screen clips. Simply open OneNote and click on the “Insert” tab, then select “Screen Clipping.”

Tip 10: Experiment with Different Tools

Everyone works differently, so it’s worth experimenting with different screen capture tools to find the one that works best for you. Thank you for reading this article on how to screen clip on Windows. We hope you found it helpful and informative!

How to Screen Clip on Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Screen clipping is an important feature in Windows that provides several benefits. Here are some advantages of using screen clipping:

Advantages Explanation
Easy and Convenient Screen clipping is easy and convenient to use as it requires only a few clicks to capture an image or an object on the screen.
Quick Sharing Screen clipping allows you to capture images and share them instantly with others, making it easy to collaborate with colleagues and friends.
Improved Productivity Screen clipping can help improve productivity by allowing you to capture important information quickly and easily without interrupting your workflow.
Increased Clarity Screen clipping captures high-quality images that are clear, making it easy to read text or view objects on the screen.
Customization You can customize your screen clipping to capture specific parts of the screen, making it easy to focus on one particular section of the image.
Save Time Using the screen clipping feature can save you time as you no longer need to take screenshots and then crop them to get the desired image.
Integration Screen clipping is integrated with other Microsoft Office programs, making it easy to use in conjunction with other software.
Accessibility Screen clipping makes it possible for individuals with disabilities to access images and information on the screen.
Free Screen clipping is a free feature that is built into Windows, making it accessible to anyone.
Multiple Output Formats You can save screen clipping as various output formats such as PNG and BMP formats.

Disadvantages

While screen clipping is an essential feature, there are also some downsides to consider:

Disadvantages Explanation
File Size Screen clipping captures high-quality images, which can result in large file sizes. This can take up valuable storage space and make it challenging to share files over email or using other methods.
Difficult to Edit Screen clipping images may be difficult to edit to meet specific requirements, such as resizing or changing the background color.
Limited Functionality Screen clipping has limited functionality compared to other software that offers more robust features, such as image editing or annotation tools.
Screen Clipping Shortcuts Some users may find it challenging to remember the screen clipping shortcuts, making it difficult to use the feature efficiently.
Screen Clipping Inconsistencies Screen clipping may produce inconsistent results, such as capturing unwanted elements or not capturing specific parts of the screen as intended.
Copying and Pasting Issues Screen clipping images may encounter issues when copying and pasting them into other programs, such as losing image quality or the image not pasting at all.
Privacy Concerns Screen clipping may violate privacy concerns if sensitive or personal information is inadvertently captured and shared.
Hardware Limitations Screen clipping requires a specific hardware specification to function correctly, such as a compatible screen capture graphics card.
Compatibility Issues Screen clipping may not be compatible with other software or operating systems, making it difficult or impossible to use in specific situations.
Learning Curve Screen clipping may have a learning curve, making it difficult for new users to understand or use the feature efficiently.

Overall, screen clipping is a valuable feature that can enhance productivity and collaboration, but it also has potential drawbacks to consider.

FAQ

1. What is a screen clip?

A screen clip is a function to capture and save a part of your computer screen as an image or a video.

2. Can I screen clip the entire screen?

Yes, you can screen clip the entire screen by pressing the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard or pressing the “Windows + Print Screen” button simultaneously.

3. How do I screen clip a specific area?

You can screen clip a specific area by pressing the “Windows + Shift + S” button simultaneously. This will give you the option to choose the area you want to clip.

4. What is the function of the Snipping Tool?

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application that allows you to capture and save parts of your screen as an image.

5. How do I use the Snipping Tool?

To use the Snipping Tool, open the application and click “New”. Then, select the area you want to clip and save it as an image.

6. Can I edit the image after screen clipping?

Yes, you can edit the image after screen clipping by using image editing software such as Paint or Photoshop.

7. What is the difference between screen clipping and screenshot?

Screen clipping allows you to capture and save a specific part of your screen while a screenshot captures and saves the entire screen.

8. How do I save a screen clip?

After capturing a screen clip, you can save it by clicking “Save” or “Save As” in the tool or application you used to capture it.

9. What formats can I save my screen clip in?

You can save your screen clip in various formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.

10. Does Windows have a built-in screen recording function?

Yes, Windows 10 has a built-in screen recording function called “Game Bar” that allows you to record and save your screen as a video.

11. How do I use the Game Bar to record my screen?

To use the Game Bar, press “Windows + G” to open the Game Bar, then click the “Record” button to start recording your screen.

12. Can I customize the shortcut for screen clipping?

Yes, you can customize the shortcut for screen clipping by going to “Settings” > “Ease of Access” > “Keyboard” and selecting “Print Screen shortcut”.

13. Is screen clipping available on all versions of Windows?

No, screen clipping is only available on Windows 10 and above.

How to Screen Clip on Windows

Screen clipping is a valuable tool that allows you to capture a certain area of your computer screen as an image or a screenshot. With screen clipping, you can easily save important information, create tutorials or presentations, or simply capture moments that you want to keep. If you’re using a Windows computer, you can learn how to screen clip in just a few easy steps.

Conclusion and Closing

Screen clipping on Windows is a simple process that can save you time and effort. By following these easy steps, you can capture any part of your screen and use it for a wide range of purposes. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to save memories, screen clipping is a tool that everyone should know how to use.

So, next time you need to capture an image or a screenshot, remember these steps and start screen clipping today. Thank you for reading and happy screen clipping!