In earlier versions of Windows, a user wanting to save a screenshot would press [Prnt Scrn] and then paste the result from the clipboard, to an image-editing program (Microsoft Paint, for example). Windows Vista includes the Snipping Tool, a more sophisticated program that allows different shapes of screen capture (as opposed to just a rectangle) and a choice of image formats. To get started with the Snipping Tool:
- Click Start and then type: snipping and press [Enter]. The Snipping Tool should open. Upon the initial opening of the tool, you will be asked if you would like to add it to the Quick Launch bar. The tool will assume that you want to create a new screenshot, as soon as you open it.
- Your screen will be greyed out and you can now click and drag your cursor to select an area to capture. As you drag, the selected area will be darker and (assuming that you have never changed the Snipping Tool options) surrounded by a red border.
- When you release the left mouse button, the captured area will appear in the Snipping Tool window. If you are not happy with the selection and need to try again, click New.
- When you are happy with your clipping, press the second button to save the screen shot as an image file.
-------------------
Choosing an Image Format When Using the Windows Vista Snipping Tool
This new utility includes the ability to save images in a variety of image formats. Which one should you choose? Here is a quick guide:
- If your screenshot only contains a few colours and you wish to retain crisp lines and keep the file size small, then save it in the GIF format.
- If your screenshot uses many colours and you want to retain crisp lines and full quality, save it as a PNG file.
- If your screen shot contains many colours and you want to make the file size small, save it as a JPEG file.
