Applies to these editions of Windows Vista

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Snipping Tool: frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Snipping Tool.

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In what format can I save snips?

You can save a snip as an HTML, PNG, GIF, or JPEG file. After you capture a snip, you can save it by clicking the Save Snip button in the mark-up window.

Why does a URL appear below my snip when I save it?

A URL appears when you capture a snip from a browser window and save it as an HTML file. To turn off this option:

  1. Open Snipping Tool by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Snipping Tool.

  2. Click Options.

  3. In the Snipping Tool Options dialog box, clear the Include URL below snips (HTML only) check box.

Can I change the color of the ink that's used to capture snips?

Yes. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Snipping Tool by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Snipping Tool.

  2. Click Options.

  3. In the Snipping Tool Options dialog box, click the Ink color box, and then select a color from the menu.

Can I remove the ink that's used to capture snips?

Yes. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Snipping Tool by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Snipping Tool.

  2. Click Options.

  3. In the Snipping Tool Options dialog box, clear the Show selection ink after snips are captured check box.

Why are my snips sent as an e-mail attachment even though I didn't select E-mail Recipient (as attachment)?

Snips are sent as an e-mail attachment if you send a plain-text or rich-text e-mail. To paste a snip into an e-mail message, specify HTML as the message format in your e-mail program.

Why are snips automatically copied to the Clipboard?

Snips are automatically copied to the Clipboard so that you can quickly capture a snip and paste it into a program, without needing to click the Copy button in the mark-up window. To turn off this option:

  1. Open Snipping Tool by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Snipping Tool.

  2. Click Options.

  3. In the Snipping Tool Options dialog box, clear the Always copy snips to the Clipboard check box.

Can I capture a snip of a menu, such as a shortcut menu or the Start menu?

Yes. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Snipping Tool by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Snipping Tool.

  2. Press ESC, and then open the menu that you want to capture.

  3. Press CTRL+PRINT SCREEN.

  4. Select the type of snip you want, and then capture the menu.