Snipping tools are ideal for quickly and easily taking screenshots of specific areas of your screen.
Everyone from students to content creators can benefit from them, but which is the best free snipping tool to use?
In this guide, we’ll look at some screenshot techniques as well as the best free snipping tools.
What is Snipping Tool?
The Snipping Tool is a Windows 7 feature that is also available in Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
It can save a screenshot of the entire screen, a window, or a rectangular area of the screen as an image file.
For example, if you wanted to send a recipe to a friend without sending the entire web page, you could use this tool to capture only the recipe.
Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots
Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7
To copy words or images from your PC screen, take a screenshot. Make changes or take notes with the Snipping Tool, then save and share.
Capture any of the snips listed below:
| 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 dialog box, that you want to capture. |
| Full-screen snip | Capture the entire screen. |
When you capture a snip, it is automatically copied to the Snipping Tool window, where you can edit it, save it, and share it.
Open Snipping Tool
| Snipping Tool Windows 10 | Click Start, type snipping tool, and then click Snipping Tool from the results. Press Windows logo key + Shift + S. |
| For Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 | Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select Search, type snipping tool into the search box, and then choose Snipping Tool from the results. |
| Snipping Tool Windows 7 | Select Start, then type snipping tool into the search box, and finally choose Snipping Tool from the list of results. |
How to Use the Windows Snipping Tool
Have you ever wondered how to take a screenshot? The snip tool is a powerful feature of most Windows computers that can be used to create screen images.
The snip tool is very simple to use.
To find it, type “snipping tool” into the Windows search bar.
Then, in the results, click on the scissors and paper icon.
This tool has a very simple user interface. A snip is a screenshot of a portion of the screen.
Users can take snips as well as change the basic settings.
To take a snip, press the “New” button.
Then, adjust the box to capture the area that you want.
By default, this box is rectangular in shape.
To switch modes, click mode and choose your preference.
Simply release your mouse or touchpad when you’re ready to take a screenshot.
A new interface with your image and additional options will appear.
For example, you can email your screenshot by clicking the mail icon, or you can save it as follows:
To save, press the file button. Then select Save As. You will be prompted to select the type of image you want as well as the location to save it to.
Snipping Tool Windows 11
How to get started with the Snipping Tool app in Windows 11
For a long time, Windows could take screenshots with the Snipping Tool, but Windows 11 replaces the legacy Snip Tool and Snip & Sketch apps with a new version that combines the best features of these apps with an updated interface.
The new app allows you to take screenshots in a variety of ways.
You have the option of selecting a rectangle, using free mode, or quickly capturing a window or the entire screen.
The second component of the experience is the new editor, which allows you to crop, annotate, save, and share screenshots.
This guide will walk you through the steps of taking screenshots with Windows 11’s Snipping Tool app.
How to use Snipping Tool to take screenshots
It is an easy-to-use app.
On Windows 11, you can take screenshots using an app or a shortcut.
In addition, you can customise the app’s settings, such as using the Print screen button instead of the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut.
Screen capture via app
To capture screenshots with the Tool app, follow these steps:
1. Launch Start.
2. Search for Snipping Tool and open the app by clicking the top result.
3. Choose one of the available screen capture modes, such as:
- Rectangle mode — uses the mouse to create a rectangle screenshot.
- Window mode — takes a screenshot of a window and saves it.
- Full-screen mode — captures an image of the entire screen.
- Free-form mode — this mode allows you to use the mouse to select any form from the screen.
4. (Optional) Delay the capture for up to 10 seconds using the Delay option.
- Quick note: This option can be useful when attempting to capture a specific action.
5. Select the New option.
6. Take a screenshot in the mode you chose.
When you finish the steps, the screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool editor, where you can save or annotate it before sharing it.
Relatyed Articles: HOW TO TAKE A SCREENSHOT ON WINDOWS 11, 10, 8, AND 7 EASILY
Screen capture via shortcut
On Windows 11, you can also use a keyboard shortcut to quickly bring up the tools for taking a screenshot. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S.
2. Choose one of the following screen capture modes:
- Rectangle view.
- The window mode.
- Full-screen and free-form modes
3. Take a screenshot using the option you chose.
After you finish the steps, the capture will be opened in the SnipTool editor.
Editing screenshot
Follow these steps to edit and save the screenshot:
1. In the command bar, select the Image Crop tool.
2. Crop and resize the screenshot using the edges.
3. To apply the changes, click the Check button.
4. Annotate the image using the Ballpoint pen, Highlighter, or Touch Writing features.
- Quick tip: To annotate the image, use the Ballpoint pen or Highlighter to change the colour and stroke size.
5. (Optional) Draw straight lines with the Ruler.
6. Delete strokes with the Eraser.
7. (Optional) In the top right corner, click the Copy button to copy the image to the clipboard and paste it into a document.
8. In the top right corner, click the Save button to save the screenshot as an image file (.jpg, png, or .gif).
9. From the top right, click the Share button to share the capture with others via different apps.
When you finish the steps, the screenshot will be saved on your computer.
Adjust Snipping Tool settings
The Tool allows you to customise a number of settings.
Follow these steps to modify the app’s settings:
1. Launch Start.
2. Search for Snipping Tool and open the app by clicking the top result.
3. Select the Settings option from the See more (three-dotted) menu.
4. On the Settings page, enable or disable the following options as necessary:
- Copy to clipboard automatically — Copies the capture to the clipboard for easy pasting into documents.
- Save snips — Requests that the capture be saved as you close the editor.
- Multiple windows — For each capture, a new instance of the app is launched.
- Snip outline — Automatically adds borders to each snip.
5. Select the App theme setting from the “Appearance” section.
6. Choose a colour scheme. Options include:
- Light.
- Dark.
- Use the system settings.
7. Click the Change in settings option for the Print Screen shortcut setting under the “Shortcuts” section.
8. Press the Yes button.
9. Enable the Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping toggle switch to open the tool with the Print screen button rather than the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut.
When you finish the steps, the settings will be applied automatically.
Best free snipping tools for Windows 10: Desktop programs
Movavi Screen Recorder
Best for: Those looking for a full-featured snipping tool and screen recorder.
OS: Windows and Mac
Price: Free trial, $44.95 full version
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 50 reviews
Movavi Screen Recorder should be on your list if you’re looking for a snipping tool for Windows or Mac.
This multifunctional app is a screen recorder and snip tool in one, capable of recording online calls and webinars, creating original video content, and taking partial or full screen snapshots.
You can try out the app for free before purchasing it.
Key features:
- Screen recording and snipping;
- Built-in editing tools
- Capable of recording audio and video
Pros:
- More functional than most snip tools
- Produces high-quality images and video recordings
- Simple to use for beginners
Cons:
- You must pay for the full-featured version.
ShareX
Best for: Users looking for a free, open-source snip tool.
OS: Windows
Price: Free
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5
ShareX is frequently regarded as one of the best free snip tool for Windows 10.
It’s a completely free and open-source tool for Windows 7 to 11 that allow you to capture your screen in a variety of ways, including full-screen, region, and window capture.
Key features include:
- Various methods of capture
- An open-source application
- There are no advertisements or hidden fees.
Pros:
- Lightweight and quick to set up
- Simple to use
- Always free for everyone
- One of the best free snip tools
Cons:
- No advertisements or hidden fees
Screenpresso
Best for: Users who have multiple monitors.
OS: Windows
Price: Free version, premium version from $29.99
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 27 reviews
Screenpresso is a lightweight, quick-to-install, and simple-to-use free Windows snipping tool.
It supports image and video capture, as well as built-in editing, so you can add arrows and annotations to your captures.
It’s also an excellent tool for people who use multiple monitors, as you can easily capture different windows and image regions across each screen.
Key features include:
- One-button capture
- Editing tools built in
- Sharing via drag and drop
Pros:
- Ideal for multiple monitor setups
- Quick and simple online sharing
- High-quality images and videos
Cons:
- There is no Mac or Linux support.
ScreenRec
Best for: Users looking for a one-button snip tool.
OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: Free
G2 rating: 4.9 out of 5, 5 reviews
ScreenRec is another snipping tool for Windows that you might want to look into.
This tool is notable for its speed and convenience.
It’s extremely simple to use and takes screenshots with a single click or keyboard shortcut. You can also instantly upload your screenshots to the cloud, which has a storage capacity of 2 GB.
Key features include:
- Capture with a single click
- Capture with multiple methods
- 2GB of cloud storage
Pros:
- Quick and simple to use
- Instant capture with a single click or keyboard shortcut
- Includes free cloud storage
Cons:
- The cloud has some privacy concerns.
Lightshot
Best for: Users looking for a snipping tool with simple editing.
OS: Windows and Mac
Price: Free
G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5, 103 reviews
Lightshot is a useful snipping tool available for both Windows and Mac.
The best feature of this tool is its built-in editor, which allows you to easily adjust, enhance, and annotate your captures before saving or sharing them online.
Key features:
- Two-click capture
- Online sharing of screenshots
- Built-in editor with various editing tools
Pros:
- Extremely simple to use
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac
- Effective and simple editing
Cons:
- A lot of pop-up notifications
PicPick
Best for: Users looking for an all-in-one design tool.
OS: Windows
Price: Free version, premium version from $2.50/month
CNET rating: 3.5 out of 5, 137 reviews
PicPick is the next app on the list. This is a more advanced design tool than a snipping tool. It can capture screenshots, but it also has graphical special effects, whiteboard features, and other design tools aimed at a designer audience.
Key features include:
- All-in-one design tool
- Includes snipping, image editor, whiteboard, and other features
- Graphical tools and special effects
Pros:
- A plethora of useful features
- Excellent customer support
- Innovative design elements
- Only available for Windows
Greenshot
Best for: Users looking for a simple snipping tool.
OS: Windows, Mac
Price: Free
G2 rating: 4.8 out of 5, 143 reviews
Greenshot is yet another Windows and Mac snipping tool. It’s open-source and free, and it’s notable for its user-friendly design and sleek interface, as well as its diverse range of screenshot modes and capture methods, including scrolling screenshots.
Key features include:
- Open source and free
- Various capture methods
- Scrolling screenshots
Pros:
- Very user-friendly for beginners;
- Always free to use with no hidden fees;
- Useful for various screenshot types and sizes
- No recording capabilities
Best snipping tools: Free online apps
- Screencapture.com
Best for: Users looking for an online snipping tool.
OS: Any (web-based)
Price: Free version, premium version for $9.95 /month
Trustpilot rating: 4.7 out of 5, 637 reviews
- Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
Best for: Users looking for a snipping tool with real-time editing.
OS: Any (web-based)
Price: Free version, premium version from $29.95/month
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best browser extensions for taking screenshots
- Movavi ScreenShot – Best for: Users who want to take screenshots directly in the browser
- Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder – Best for: Users who want a screenshot and screen recorder extension
- Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder – Ideal for: Chrome users looking for a reliable snipping tool.
How do you use snip it?
Select the Start button, then type snipping tool into the search box, and finally choose Snipping Tool from the list of results.
Select Mode in Snipping Tool (in older versions, select the arrow next to the New button), the type of snip you want, and then the area of your screen you want to capture.
Snipping Tool not Working
Simply exiting and restarting the Snipping Tool may help with the not-working issue.
You can use the built-in programme Task Manager to close any non-responsive or freezing application to terminate the Snipping Tool completely, and then relaunch to see if the problem is resolved.
Windows 11 Snipping Tool not Working
If the Snipping Tool’s installation is corrupt, it may not work on Windows 11.
This corruption could have occurred as a result of a bug while upgrading to Windows 11 or performing a clean installation of the operating system.
Reinstalling the Snipping Tool app may resolve the issue in this case.
FAQs
Is Snipping Tool free download for Windows 7 available?
To begin, type Snipping into the Windows 7 Search Box to locate the Snipping tool.
Is Snipping Tool an app?
The Snipping Tool is an easy-to-use app. On Windows 11, you can take screenshots using an app or a shortcut.
In addition, you can customise the app’s settings, such as using the Print screen button instead of the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut.
What is Snipping Tool shortcut?
When you have a mouse and a keyboard, use the Snipping Tool as follows:
Press the Windows logo key + Shift + S at the same time.
While you select an area for your screenshot, the desktop will darken.
Snipping tool Chromebook, how to go about it?
In Chrome OS, press Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows to bring up the snipping tool. The Show Windows key has a stack of rectangles on it, representing a number of windows .
It’s usually the fifth or sixth key in the top row, between Full Screen and Brightness Down.
How do I use Snipping tool Mac?
Hold down the Shift, Command, and 4 keys at the same time. Drag the crosshair to select the screen area to capture.
To move the selection, hold down the Space bar while dragging. Press the Esc (Escape) key to cancel taking the screenshot.
What is the best free Snipping Tool?
ShareX is frequently regarded as one of the best free snipping tools for Windows 10.
It’s a completely free and open-source tool for Windows 7 to 11 that allows you to capture your screen in a variety of ways, including full-screen, region, and window capture.
Is Mathpix snipping tool free?
Mathpix Snip is available for free (up to 50 snips per month) Original equations can be typed or handwritten and entered into programmes like Canvas and Microsoft Office. Mathpix Snip is compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
How do I download Microsoft Snipping Tool Download, how do I go about it?
Obtaining the CloudApp, the Microsoft Windows Snipping Tool is simple and quick to use.
To get started, simply download the app from GetCloudApp or the Microsoft Windows Store, create a free account, install it, and begin snipping.
Is apple snipping tool available?
Macs have their own snipping tool as well.
This versatile and easy-to-use tool allows Mac users to capture a wide range of screenshots and/or screen recordings.
Using the snipping tool for Mac is as simple as pressing and holding the Shift+Command+5 key combination.
Is there a Ubuntu Snipping Tool?
GIMP is an abbreviation for GNU Image Manipulation Program.
In Ubuntu, it’s an excellent snipping tool.
It is an open-source tool that includes numerous editing tools.
This tool provides three screenshot options: a specific region, the entire screen, and a single window.
How do you take a screenshot with snipping tool online?
Print Screen captures the entire screen, whereas Alt + Print Screen only captures the currently active window.
After pressing Ctrl + V, press Ctrl + C to copy the image’s URL to your clipboard.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has answered many of your questions.
If you’re still unsure about which tool is best for you, consider the following factors to make your decision much easier:
Ease-of-use: Snipping tools must be simple to use. They should be simple and straightforward.
Features: Some snipping tools are very basic and only provide simple screenshots, whereas others include numerous screenshot modes, screen recording, and built-in editing tools.
Support: Check to see if the developer offers any kind of support, such as a live chat system you can use if you have any questions or problems.
User reviews: It’s also a good idea to read through some snipping tool user reviews.
