Taking screenshots is a common task for many Windows users—whether you’re saving information for later, creating a tutorial, reporting a software issue, or simply sharing something interesting with a friend. In Windows 11, Microsoft has made this process easier and more powerful by upgrading the Snipping Tool. This built-in utility replaces the older Snip & Sketch and classic Snipping Tool by combining the best features of both into one clean, user-friendly app.
The Snipping Tool allows you to capture your screen in several flexible ways: you can take a rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or even capture your full screen. Once the screenshot is taken, you can annotate, crop, highlight, and save or share it—right from within the app. And thanks to built-in shortcuts like Windows + Shift + S, you don’t even need to open the app manually every time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using the Snipping Tool on Windows 11—from launching the app and taking screenshots to editing, saving, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, this guide has you covered.
What Is the Snipping Tool?
The Snipping Tool is a screen capture utility that lets you take screenshots in various ways. Microsoft first introduced it in earlier versions of Windows, but in Windows 11, it’s been improved and combined with Snip & Sketch to provide better features and a modern look.
With the Snipping Tool, you can:
- Take rectangular or freeform snips
- Capture a full screen or a specific window
- Annotate or highlight parts of the screenshot
- Save or share your screenshot easily
Why Use Snipping Tool?
Here are a few reasons why the Snipping Tool is useful:
- Built-in tool: No need to install third-party software.
- Quick and lightweight: Opens fast and is simple to use.
- Multiple capture modes: Gives you flexibility depending on your needs.
- Annotation and editing tools: Allows quick edits before sharing.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Makes your work even faster.
How to Open the Snipping Tool in Windows 11
There are several ways to launch the Snipping Tool:
1. Using the Start Menu
- Click the Start button.
- Type Snipping Tool in the search bar.
- Click on the app from the results.
2. Using the Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S)
Press Windows + Shift + S on your keyboard. This immediately launches the screenshot overlay, allowing you to take a snip quickly.
3. From the Action Center
- Open Action Center (click the network/battery/volume icon in the taskbar).
- Click on Screen snip if it’s pinned there.
4. Using the Run Dialog
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
snippingtooland press Enter.
How to Take a Screenshot Using Snipping Tool
Here’s a step-by-step process:
Method 1: From the Snipping Tool App
- Open the Snipping Tool from the Start Menu.
- Click + New.
- Your screen will dim, and you can choose your capture mode (top of the screen).
- Use your mouse to select the area (for rectangular/freeform) or click on a window (for window snip).
- The screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool editor.
Method 2: Using the Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S)
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Choose the capture mode from the toolbar.
- Capture your desired area.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard.
- A small preview appears at the bottom right – click it to edit or save.
How to Edit Screenshots in Snipping Tool
After taking a screenshot, it opens in the Snipping Tool editor where you can make basic edits.
Editing Options Available:
- Pen: Draw or underline with a pen. You can change the color and thickness.
- Highlighter: Highlight text or areas.
- Eraser: Remove annotations made with the pen or highlighter.
- Crop: Trim the image to focus on a specific area.
- Touch Writing: Draw with a touchscreen or trackpad.
- Undo/Redo: Undo or redo changes.
- Zoom: Zoom in or out for precision.
Once done editing, you can save or share the screenshot.
How to Save or Share a Screenshot
Saving
- Click on the Floppy Disk icon or press Ctrl + S.
- Choose a location, name your file, and select a format (PNG, JPG, GIF).
- Click Save.
Sharing
- Click the Share icon (looks like a paper plane).
- Choose how to share: via email, apps, or other available options.
Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcuts
Knowing shortcuts can save you time:
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Open screenshot overlay |
| Ctrl + N | New snip |
| Ctrl + S | Save screenshot |
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y | Undo / Redo |
| Ctrl + C | Copy snip to clipboard |
| Ctrl + P | Print screenshot |
Also Read: 10+ Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10/11
How to Set a Screenshot Delay
Sometimes, you may want to capture something that appears after a delay (like a dropdown menu). Snipping Tool lets you set a timer.
Steps:
- Open Snipping Tool.
- Click the clock icon or go to the Snipping Tool settings.
- Choose a delay (3, 5, or 10 seconds).
- Click New to begin countdown.
This gives you time to open the menu or perform the action you want to capture.
How to Change Snipping Tool Settings
To customize the experience:
- Open the Snipping Tool.
- Click the three-dot menu or the gear icon for Settings.
- You can change:
- Theme (light/dark/system default)
- Save snips automatically
- Prompt to save before closing
- Copy to clipboard automatically
- Multiple window snipping
Adjust these based on your preference.
Where Are Screenshots Saved?
If you just use Windows + Shift + S, the screenshot is copied to the clipboard. You’ll need to paste it manually (Ctrl + V) into:
- Paint
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Or any image editor
If you open and save via the Snipping Tool, you can choose your own save location.
How to Use Snipping Tool with a Touchscreen
If you have a touchscreen device like a Surface or a touchscreen laptop, Snipping Tool supports touch input. Use your finger or stylus to:
- Select areas in Freeform mode
- Draw annotations
- Highlight content
This makes it easier for artists, designers, and note-takers to work visually.
Troubleshooting Snipping Tool Issues
Here are some common issues and fixes:
Snipping Tool Not Opening
- Restart your PC.
- Make sure Windows is updated.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool, click Advanced options, then click Repair or Reset.
Snip Shortcut Not Working
- Check that Windows + Shift + S is not overridden by another app.
- Try launching Snipping Tool manually.
Screenshots Not Saving
- Check if you’re clicking Save after editing.
- Make sure you have write permissions to the folder.
Clipboard Not Copying
- Check Snipping Tool Settings and make sure “Automatically copy to clipboard” is enabled.
Alternatives to Snipping Tool (Just in Case)
While Snipping Tool is great, here are some alternatives:
- Snip & Sketch (older version)
- Greenshot – lightweight third-party app
- ShareX – powerful open-source tool
- Lightshot – simple and fast
- Print Screen + Paint – basic method
But for most users, Snipping Tool is enough for everyday needs.
Tips and Tricks for Using Snipping Tool Effectively
- Pin the Snipping Tool to your taskbar for quick access.
- Use Windows + Shift + S to snip immediately without opening the app.
- Combine Snipping Tool with OneNote for notes and study.
- Use the delay feature to capture menus and tooltips.
- Try using Touch Mode for drawing or annotation.
Conclusion
The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is an essential and easy-to-use tool for capturing anything on your screen. Whether you’re a student taking notes, a worker preparing a presentation, or someone trying to explain a tech issue, Snipping Tool is your go-to utility. With multiple capture modes, editing options, and sharing features, it’s powerful enough to meet most users’ needs without the hassle of installing anything extra.
Learning how to use it efficiently—especially using shortcuts and editing features—can save you a lot of time and effort. So start using Snipping Tool today, and see how much easier your digital life becomes!
