Snipping Tool HotKey Cheatsheet

Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows screenshot tool that allows users to capture the full screen, a specific window, or a custom-selected area. It also supports basic editing and annotation. In Windows 11, Snipping Tool has introduced a new screen recording feature. Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve efficiency.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Snipping Tool

Shortcuts to Open and Exit Snipping Tool

ShortcutDescription
Windows + Shift + SOpen Snipping Tool and select a screenshot area
Windows + Print ScreenCapture the entire screen and save automatically to the "Pictures" folder
Print ScreenCapture the entire screen and copy to the clipboard
Alt + Print ScreenCapture the active window and copy to the clipboard
EscCancel the current snipping operation

Shortcuts to Switch Snipping Modes

ShortcutDescription
Alt + MSwitch snipping mode (Rectangular, Freeform, Window, Fullscreen)
Ctrl + Shift + XStart Rectangular Snip mode
Ctrl + Shift + FStart Fullscreen Snip mode
Ctrl + Shift + WStart Window Snip mode
Ctrl + Shift + RStart Freeform Snip mode
Alt + RStart or stop screen recording

Shortcuts for Editing After Snipping

ShortcutDescription
Ctrl + CCopy the screenshot to the clipboard
Ctrl + VPaste the screenshot into another application
Ctrl + PPrint the screenshot
Ctrl + SSave the screenshot
Ctrl + ZUndo the last action
Ctrl + YRedo the last undone action
Ctrl + XCut the selected screenshot area
Ctrl + ASelect the entire screenshot area

Shortcuts for Delayed Snipping

ShortcutDescription
Alt + DSet delay before snipping (3s, 5s, 10s)

Shortcuts for Annotation and Editing

ShortcutDescription
Ctrl + EEnable drawing tools (pen, highlighter, etc.)
Ctrl + TToggle annotation tools (pen/highlighter/eraser)
Ctrl + BChange pen thickness
Ctrl + UChange highlighter color
Ctrl + IInvert colors
Ctrl + RRotate the screenshot
Ctrl + LSelect the line annotation tool
Ctrl + HSelect the arrow annotation tool

Other Useful Shortcuts

ShortcutDescription
F1Open Snipping Tool help page
F11Enter full-screen mode
Ctrl + FTake a screenshot in full-screen mode
Ctrl + EscExit Snipping Tool
Ctrl + DCopy the screenshot to the desktop

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About Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool is a pre-installed Windows screenshot tool that supports various snipping modes and basic editing functions. The Windows 11 version also includes a screen recording feature, making it even more useful.

Snipping Tool Official Website Information

  • Official Website: Snipping Tool Official Page
  • Download Link: Snipping Tool is pre-installed in Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you need to reinstall it, you can download it from Microsoft Store.
  • Official Shortcut Keys Page: Windows Shortcut Keys Support (Search for "Snipping Tool shortcuts" on the official website for the latest shortcut key information.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Snipping Tool Shortcuts

  1. How do I quickly open Snipping Tool?
    Use Windows + Shift + S.

  2. Is there a shortcut for full-screen snipping?
    Yes, use Ctrl + F to take a full-screen snip.

  3. How do I automatically save screenshots?
    Use Windows + Print Screen, and the screenshot will be saved in the "Pictures" folder under the Screenshots directory.

  4. How do I capture only the active window?
    Use Alt + Print Screen to capture the active window.

  5. Can Snipping Tool record the screen?
    Yes, the Windows 11 version supports screen recording. Use Alt + R to start or stop recording.

  6. How do I quickly copy a screenshot to the clipboard?
    Use Ctrl + C to copy the screenshot or Print Screen to directly copy the full-screen snip.

  7. Can I switch snipping modes using shortcuts?
    Yes, use Alt + M to toggle snipping modes, or use Ctrl + Shift + the corresponding shortcut key to enter a specific mode directly.

  8. How do I add annotations to screenshots?
    Use Ctrl + E to activate annotation tools and Ctrl + T to switch between tools.

  9. How do I take a delayed screenshot?
    Use Alt + D to set a delay of 3, 5, or 10 seconds.

  10. What if Snipping Tool is not working?
    Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Snipping Tool and try "Repair" or "Reset" the application.

  11. Does Snipping Tool support scrolling screenshots?
    No, currently Snipping Tool does not support scrolling screenshots. You may use third-party tools like ShareX or PicPick for that functionality.

Conclusion

Snipping Tool is a powerful built-in Windows tool that supports various snipping modes, basic editing functions, and screen recording (Windows 11). Using keyboard shortcuts can enhance efficiency and make capturing screenshots much faster.

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