Snipping Tool was introduced in Windows 7 and is available in the latest versions including Windows 8, 10, and 11, capturing screenshots of the entire screen, windows, or specific screen areas, saving them as image files.
For instance, you can capture a specific paragraph from an article to share with a colleague without sending the entire webpage. The picture below demonstrates the Windows Snipping Tool in action.
The screenshot above was captured using the Windows Free Snipping Tool, showcasing its capability to capture specific screen content effortlessly. Let’s discuss the best snipping tools for free and paid below.
Here are the top snipping tools below. We will add more mirroring to the list regularly.
1. ShareX
Reviewed by Gowtham
ShareX stands out as a top choice among free snipping tools for Windows 10. This open-source tool, compatible with Windows 7 to 11, offers versatile screen capture options, allowing users to grab screenshots from videos or capture specific windows.
PicPick is a premier screenshot app for PCs, offering a comprehensive screen-capture utility. Its robust performance and wealth of options make it hard to believe it’s free. Whether you’re a graphic designer or a computer programmer, PicPick is an invaluable tool, combining strength and user-friendly features.
Consider adding Movavi Screen Recorder to your toolkit if you need a versatile screen-snipping tool for Windows and Mac. This all-in-one app captures screenshots and records online calls, webinars, and original video content. Whether you need partial or full-screen snapshots, Movavi Screen Recorder has you covered.
Screenpresso is a user-friendly Windows snipping tool that’s free, lightweight, and easy to install. It includes features for image and video capture and built-in editing options like arrows and annotations for enhancing your captures. It effortlessly captures various windows and image regions across each screen, perfect for users with multiple monitors.
ScreenRec is a top-notch Windows snipping tool known for its speed and simplicity. Capture screenshots effortlessly with just a click or keyboard shortcut. Enjoy the convenience of instant cloud uploads with 2 GB of storage space. ScreenRec is cross-platform, making it compatible with Linux and Mac systems.
Snagit is a powerful screenshot app for both Windows and Mac. Renowned for its robust snipping capabilities, Snagit has remained a top choice among millions of users. Whether capturing screenshots or editing images, Snagit delivers exceptional performance and reliability.
FastStone Screen Capture stands out as the top Windows screenshot app. It not only excels in screenshots but also offers video recording capabilities. Try it with a 30-day free trial or utilize the portable versions on a USB drive for added convenience. Capture your current window or any screen area with ease.
Greenshot is a reliable open-source screenshot tool that includes a user-friendly image editor and export features. It’s free, making it a great choice for your screenshot needs.
Ksnip is an excellent snipping tool offering a versatile editor where you can scale, crop, annotate, and highlight your screenshots. Its user-friendly features include adding steps and adjusting canvas, enhancing your editing experience. Plus, Ksnip is free and open-source, making it a top user choice.
This free, open-source tool runs seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and macOS. While it’s straightforward and user-friendly, it might not match the depth of our top picks.
A snipping tool is a software application that allows users to capture screenshots or snips of a computer screen. It enables users to capture specific areas, entire windows, or the entire screen.
How does a snipping tool differ from a standard print screen function?
Unlike the standard print screen function, a snipping tool offers advanced features, allowing users to capture specific portions of the screen, annotate, and edit the captured images before saving or sharing them.
What types of snips can be taken using a snipping tool?
Snipping tools typically allow users to take four types of snips: Free-form snip (irregular shape), Rectangular snip (rectangle or square), Window snip (entire window), and Full-screen snip (entire screen).
Can snipping tools capture screenshots of specific applications or menus?
Yes, advanced snipping tools can capture screenshots of specific applications, dropdown menus, and contextual menus, providing precise control over the captured content.
Can snipping tools capture screenshots of scrolling web pages or documents?
Some snipping tools come with scrolling capture features, allowing users to capture long web pages or documents that require scrolling. This feature ensures capturing the entire content in a single image.
Are snipping tools compatible with different operating systems?
Snipping tools are often built into operating systems like Windows. There are also third-party snipping tools compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
