Whether you’re creating user guides for your product or service, describing something through online content, or trying to give someone a tutorial on how to do something in their lives, there’s never been a more important source of media than the screenshot.
Thanks to advancements in modern software, screenshots don’t rely on the Print Screen button and then messing around with editing software. You can instead use a niche of programs known as ‘Snipping Tools.’
These are professional applications that can help you capture and trim any part of a computer screen, ensuring you’re able to produce a sample of the information you’re talking about. Here’s how to use the said software in just five easy steps.
Step #1 – Find a Snipping Tool
There are many types and brands of snipping tool out there, each with their own features and settings to help you get the exact experience you’re looking for. It’s always worth shopping around to see which one will best suit you.
Step #2 – Install Your Snipping Tool
Most snipping tools operate in the same way, and you’ll simply need to download the software, double-click on the file to install the software to your computer, and then you’ll be ready to open it and use it whenever you need.
Be aware that some free applications may include freeware that installs onto your computer during the installation process unless you uncheck the box.
Step #3 – Capturing a Screenshot
Whenever you need to capture a screenshot, simply open the tool and click the ‘New’ option. This will grey out your screen, and you’ll be presented with a crosshair for easily selecting the area you need to capture.
Simply click and drag to highlight the area you want to capture. If you’re unhappy with your selection, just keep trying until you get it right.
Step #4 – Saving Your Screenshot
Once you’re happy with your selection, you’ll be able to save the content you’ve created. For this, you can simply copy and paste the highlighted area, and then pasting it in the location you want it to go, such as a Word document.
Alternatively, you can save the screenshot as an independent image file which you can then upload and use anywhere.
Step #5 – Editing Your Screenshot
If you’re happy with your screenshot as it is, feel free to use it straight away. However, for some uses, such as tutorials or other forms of online content, you may want to edit it. This means adding circles or arrows to highlight certain areas or hiding personal information like email addresses.
You can edit your screenshots as you please. Some snipping tools will come with basic editing tools. Otherwise, you’re going to need to use photo editing software like Paint or Photoshop.
Summary
As you can see, snipping tools have been designed to provide a simple yet powerful service where you can get things done without too much hassle. While most snipping tools will operate in a similar way, always check the features and requirements of each tool, so you can easily find out which one works best for you.
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