Windows Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcuts – A to Z Shortcuts

Windows Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcuts

Are you tired of manually capturing screenshots on your Windows PC? The Snipping Tool is a best default tool that allows you to capture specific areas of your screen. But did you know that you can enhance your productivity even further by using shortcut keys of this tool? In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential keyboard shortcuts for the Windows Snipping Tool.

What is the Snipping Tool?

The Snipping Tool is a default application/ tool on Windows PCs that allows you to capture screenshots and save them in various formats, like PNG, JPEG, and GIF. It also allows you to highlight specific areas of your captured screenshot using a pen or highlighter tool.

How to Open the Snipping Tool in Windows?

You can open the Snipping Tool by following these simple steps:

  • Press the Windows key on your keyboard
  • Type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar
  • Click on the Snipping Tool application

Now that we know what the Snipping Tool is and how to open it, let’s dive into the keyboard shortcuts.

How to Open the Snipping Tool in Windows

List of Most Useful Keyboard shortcuts for the Windows Snipping Tool

#01: Shortcut for Launch the Snipping Tool

To launch the Snipping Tool quickly, press the Windows key + Shift + S. This will open the Snipping Tool in rectangular snip mode, allowing you to select a specific area of your screen to capture.

#02: Shortcut key for Capture an Entire Screen

To capture an entire screen, press the Windows key + Print Screen. The screenshot will be saved automatically to your default Pictures folder.

#03: Capture a Specific Window with Kwyboard Shortcut

To capture a specific window, press Alt + Print Screen. This will capture the active window and save it to your clipboard. You can then paste it into another program, such as Microsoft Word or Paint.

#04: Shortcut key for Capture a Rectangular Area

To capture a rectangular area, press Ctrl + Shift + S. This will open the Snipping Tool in rectangular snip mode, allowing you to select the area you want to capture.

#05: Shortcut key for Capture a Free-Form Area

To capture a free-form area, press Ctrl + Print Screen. This will open the Snipping Tool in free-form snip mode, allowing you to draw the area you want to capture.

#06: Copy a Snip to the Clipboard

To copy a snip to the clipboard, press Ctrl + C after you have captured it.

#07: Shortcut to Save a Snip

To save a snip, press Ctrl + S after you have captured it. You can then choose where you want to save it on your computer.

#08: Keyboard Shortcut for Cancel a Snip in Snipping Tool

To cancel a snip, press Esc. This will cancel the snip and return you to the Snipping Tool interface.

#09: Keyboard Shortcut key to Open the Options Menu in Snipping Tool

To open the Options menu in the Snipping Tool, press Alt + T. From here, you can change various settings, such as the default snip type or the output format of your snips.

List of Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcut keys

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Snipping Tool

Keyboard ShortcutDescription
Windows key + Shift + SOpens the snipping bar for taking a screenshot
Ctrl + CCopies the snip to clipboard
Ctrl + NCreates a new snip
Ctrl + SSaves the snip
EscCancels the snip

Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Snipping Tool

Keyboard ShortcutDescription
Alt + MChooses the snipping mode
Alt + DDelays the snip
Alt + TChooses the snip type
Ctrl + ZUndoes the last action
Ctrl + YRedoes the last action
Ctrl + Arrow keysMoves the cursor to select a rectangular snip area

Saving and Sharing Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Keyboard ShortcutDescription
Ctrl + SSaves the snip
Ctrl + CCopies the snip to clipboard
Ctrl + EOpens the snip in the default email program
Ctrl + PPrints the snip
Ctrl + MOpens the snip in Microsoft Office Document Imaging

Editing Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Keyboard ShortcutDescription
Ctrl + ZUndoes the last action
Ctrl + YRedoes the last action
Ctrl + TOpens the Snipping Tool markup window
Ctrl + FOpens the search bar to find text within the snip
Ctrl + WCloses the current snip

Some useful information about Windows Snipping Tool

Types of Snips in Windows Snipping Tool

Snip TypeDescription
Free-form snipDraws an irregular shape around an object
Rectangular snipSelects a rectangular area
Window snipSelects a window or dialog box
Full-screen snipCaptures the entire screen
Delayed snipDelays the capture by 1-5 seconds

Delay Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Delay OptionDescription
No delayCaptures the screen immediately
1-second delayDelays the capture by 1 second
2-second delayDelays the capture by 2 seconds
3-second delayDelays the capture by 3 seconds
4-second delayDelays the capture by 4 seconds
5-second delayDelays the capture by 5 seconds

Snipping Mode Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Snipping ModeDescription
Rectangular snipSelects a rectangular area
Free-form snipDraws an irregular shape around an object
Window snipSelects a window or dialog box
Full-screen snipCaptures the entire screen

Image Format Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Image FormatDescription
JPEGSaves the snip as a JPEG image
PNGSaves the snip as a PNG image
GIFSaves the snip as a GIF image
TIFFSaves the snip as a TIFF image
BMPSaves the snip as a BMP image

Shortcut Customization Options in Windows Snipping Tool

ShortcutDescription
Customize shortcutsAllows customization of keyboard shortcuts
Restore default shortcutsResets keyboard shortcuts to their default values
Show shortcut keysDisplays keyboard shortcuts on screen

Snip Annotation Options in Windows Snipping Tool

Annotation OptionDescription
PenDraws a line with a pen
HighlighterDraws a highlighted line
EraserErases lines or highlights
TextInserts text on the snip
Sticky noteAdds a sticky note to the snip
CropCrops the snip
Color optionsChanges the color of the pen or highlighter
Line thickness optionsChanges the thickness of the pen or highlighter
Font optionsChanges the font of the text annotation

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to save time and enhance your productivity when using the Snipping Tool on your Windows PC. By using these essential keyboard shortcuts, you can capture screenshots quickly and efficiently. We hope this guide has been helpful, and happy snipping!

FAQ’s

Can I use the Snipping Tool on Windows 11?

Yes, the Snipping Tool is also available on Windows 11.

Can I edit my snip after capturing it?

Yes, we can edit your snip using the pen and highlighter tools within the Snipping Tool application.

Can I capture a screenshot using a custom shape?

Yes, we can capture a screenshot using a custom shape by selecting the “Free-form snip” option and then drawing the shape you want to capture.