Laura’s Blog

I’m always discovering functions on my computer that I didn’t know existed. When I was searching for a way to take custom screenshots on my PC (other than Ctrl + Prt Scr), I learned about the “Snipping Tool” that comes installed on Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. I love it!

To access and use the Snipping Tool, do the following:

1.  Boot up your computer and click the Start button in the lower lefthand corner of your screen.

2.  In the “Search programs and files” box that pops up, type Snipping Tool. A link to the program will display. Click the link to open the program.

3.  Once the toolbox opens, click “New” and a drop-down menu will allow you to choose from:

• Free-form Snip
• Rectangular Snip
• Window Snip
• Full-screen Snip

4.  Select one option (or play with ‘em all to see how they differ). I usually use Rectangular Snip.

5.  Drag your cursor around the portion of the screen you want to capture and a new window will open with the Snip (the screenshot) in it. You can write on the snip or highlight portions of it (and you can erase what you’ve written, do don’t worry if you goof).

6.  You can copy the Snip, e-mail it, or save it as a PNG, GIF, JPG, or HTML file.

Snips are the quickest, easiest way I’ve found to create and add screenshots to a blog post. Here’s a Snip I just took of an update I posted to the new Social Media Support Group on Facebook (I embedded a link to the Support Group into the image. When you click the image, you’ll be routed to the Social Media Support Group):

Sample of a Rectangular Snip

If you’re a PC user, try the Snipping Tool and share with us a creative way you’re using it. Mac users: what’s the easiest way you’ve found to take screenshots?