Snipping Tool Review: Windows’ Built-in Screenshot App

Screenshots are now essential tools for saving important information or sharing content quickly. Many users rely on screenshots to capture what’s on their screens. For Windows users, the Snipping Tool serves as the built-in utility designed specifically for this purpose. It has been available on Windows systems for years. However, many users still lack a comprehensive understanding of its full potential and features. That’s why this Snipping Tool review aims to provide an in-depth look at what it can do. We will cover its strengths, shortcomings, notable features, and determine whether it remains the right solution for your screenshot needs. This way, we can help you better understand the tool, enabling you to make the most of it. Or, consider whether an alternative would serve you better.

Part 1. Windows Snipping Tool Overview

Windows Snipping Tool is a pre-installed utility in Microsoft Windows for capturing and editing screenshots. In its recent updates, even short screen recordings are now supported. The tool offers several modes for capturing specific areas of the screen, including Free-form, Rectangular, Window, and Full-screen snips. Once you take a snip, it opens in the editor, where you can annotate it. You can use drawing tools like pens, highlighters, and erasers, then save it in standard formats, copy it to the clipboard, or share it via email.

Part 2. Detailed Review: Key Features of Windows Snipping Tool

Compatibility

The Microsoft Snipping Tool is a native utility included in all modern versions of Windows. On Windows 11, it merges the classic Snipping and Snip & Sketch tools into a unified interface. I appreciate this continuity and integration, noting that there's no need to install additional software, and that is why I also like another screenshot tool, Snagit.

Want to know more differences between Snagit and Snipping Tool? Check it here.

Ease of Use

The utility provides clean, immediate access to capturing and editing functions. As Microsoft states, you can capture anything on your screen with this tool. The new version retains this straightforward design while consolidating useful features, which I value.

Capture Modes

The tool offers multiple capture modes: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, and Full-screen snips. In addition to still captures, it supports Video Snip, allowing you to record a designated screen area as a clip. Here's how each one works:

Video/Audio Quality & Formats

The utility’s video capture is functional and integrated, with basic video snip support present. You can launch video snips via Win + Shift + R or by selecting the Record option. Videos are saved in MP4 format at 1080p resolution, while audio quality may be inconsistent on the Windows version.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Power users will appreciate Snipping Tool shortcuts. These shortcuts make the tool productive and reduce reliance on menus.

Delay Screenshot

The tool supports capture delays, allowing for a 3-, 5-, or 10-second countdown before the screenshot is taken. It is useful when you need to open a menu or set up your screen. This functionality helps capture UI elements, such as dropdowns, that might otherwise disappear.

Annotate a Snip

Once a snip is captured, you’re immediately taken to the editing interface. Here, you can use a Pen or Highlighter for marking, insert shapes or emojis, or use an Eraser to remove annotations. You can also crop the image via the Image Crop tool and activate Text actions.

Part 3. How to Use Windows Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in utility in Windows that enables quick and simple screenshot capture. It is commonly referred to as the Windows screenshot shortcut tool. Unlike the old Print Screen button, it offers flexible capture modes and basic editing. You can easily access it by pressing hotkeys for instant snipping or by searching it in the Start menu.

1. Search for the tool in the Start menu, open it, and click New to begin. Alternatively, press the Windows key + Shift + S to open the snipping overlay directly. When capturing an image, you can choose from four modes:

Rectangular Snip: Drag a box to capture a precise rectangular section.

Window Snip: Click to capture a single application window.

Full-Screen Snip: Capture everything on your screen at once.

Freeform Snip: Draw an irregular shape to capture custom areas.

2. Once you’ve taken a snip, it appears in your notification with options to open in the editor. Click the Screenshot Notification to mark up the image. In the editor, you can:

• Take a new snip with added timer options.

• Draw on the image using pens and highlighters with multiple colors.

• Erase annotations with the eraser tool.

• Crop to refine the captured area.

• Save or copy to use the snip in documents, chats, or emails.

3. After you finish making edits in the editor, save your changes by pressing the Ctrl + S. This will open the Save As dialog box, allowing you to choose where to save it. You can select a location such as Desktop, Documents, or any custom folder.

That’s how to use the Snipping Tool! In Windows 10, the steps for using it are relatively simple, but in Windows 11, the process is slightly different. However, Windows 11 offers far more extensive features and enhanced capabilities.

Conclusion

This is where our Snipping Tool review ends! Snipping Tool is a reliable and straightforward solution for capturing screenshots on Windows. Its built-in availability, simple interface, and multiple capture modes make it a handy choice for everyone. However, if you require more flexibility, higher efficiency, and professional-grade tools, an alternative is worth considering. This is where AnyMP4 Screen Recorder stands out. It offers versatile recording modes, customizable capture settings, and supports multiple output formats.