Windows has always had the native screen capture functionality via the Print Screen button, but this is extremely limited to just capturing the full screen or the active window. Of course, then you had to paste this capture into another program to actually save the image making this a rather cumbersome process. Windows Vista now has a much improved utility for handling this called Snipping Tool (available via Start > Programs > Accessories).
The link above gives you brief walk through of how to use it, but it should be self-explanatory. It allows you to custom select the capture area, markup the resulting image and save it without having to go through another program.
For the most part, this utility should meet the needs of 95% of your screen capture needs.
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dave,
I have a Everex laptop here with Vista Home Basic and the Snipping Tool option can’t be found.
Any ideas?
Thanks for these tips. I read them and use some all the time.
Carl
Per the link provided in the tip, this is only available with Vista Home Premium and higher.
Also… I wrote the tip, not Dave.
Just as a note, this tool also comes standard with Windows 7.
Comes default with Win7.
Ah, I was too late.
So where is it in Vista Home Premium?
I have Vista Business and I am unabke to find the Snipping Tool, any suggestions? I love the suggestions….
The Snipping Tool is in my Vista Home Premium exactly where Jason stated in the article above.
harry & Jackie:
Please see the end of paragraph 1 in the tip… it tells you exactly where to find it.
I use Vista Business so I know it is there. As for Vista Home Premium, it should be there too.
NOT THERE!
I don’t know then. That’s where Microsoft says it should be…