How to take a screenshot in Windows Vista

Until now, third party tools were needed for taking accurate screenshots but Vista comes with a build-in accessory called Snipping Tool. The tool lets you select a certain area on your screen and copies the image intro you system clipboard. You can either save the picture directly from the Snipping Tool making no modifications to it, or you can export it a photo editing software like Photoshop.

Using Vista's Snipping Tool

To launch the Snipping tool follow the instructions bellow:

  • Open the Start Orb
  • Type "snip" in the search box
  • Select the Snipping Tool when this appears

When you start the tool for the first time, it will assume that you would want to capture a portion of the screen right away. You can cancel this auction by clicking the Cancel button.

Whenever you are ready to take a screenshot, click on the arrow besides New:

Snipping Tool options

You now have 4 choices:

  1. Free-form snip – allows you to capture an irregular shape
  2. Free-form snip
  3. Rectangular snip – capture a rectangular area
  4. Rectangular snip
  5. Windows Snip – to capture a single window
  6. Full-screen snip – to capture the entire screen

To actually take a screenshot, select one of the options above and drag the pen around the area you want to take a screenshot of. The image is now hidden in the Windows clipboard and you can import it in your favourite image editing software. Open the program, go to Edit and select Paste.

If you are talking a lot of screenshot on a regularly basis we recommend ,a more elegant and efficient tool.

you guys are out of your

you guys are out of your minds... it has always been possible to take screenshots with win vista - you push the "Print Screen" button - you go to paintbrush and paste (ctrl+V) and there you have your screenshot ready to save in bmp or jpg...
no need to have programmes or anything


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