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Capture Timer Setup

The SnagIt Capture Timer enables SnagIt to perform unattended captures at intervals that you define. Some examples of its use include following stock market tickers, monitoring factory floor equipment, and monitoring remote computer operations. The timer-activated capture feature can be used in conjunction with SnagIt's Web output (FTP) to automatically update a Web site with screen captures, or even to automatically send e-mail with the screen capture as an attachment.

But that is not all. SnagIt offers another handy option for timed captures. Delayed/Scheduled Capture allows you to take screenshots at either a timed delay or at a specific date and time. While you concentrate on the hard-to-handle application that you are trying to capture, SnagIt will take the screenshot without you having to hit the hotkey or move the mouse. The Preview Window, if turned on, offers you all usual editing options.

Both options can be used in conjunction so that SnagIt can be configured to begin interval capture at some user defined future date/time. But keep in mind that SnagIt is not accessible in the meantime and can not be used for any additional screen shots when a delayed/scheduled capture is set.

To access the Timer Setup Options, choose the Timer Setup button in SnagIt's Normal view, or in the Classic and Compact views go to View > Timer Setup from the menu bar.

Note: SnagIt's interface changes when timed capture is activated: you will get a Stop Timer Capture button both in the SnagIt toolbar and the Preview Window. This button will suspend the timed capture sequence you have started.

Delayed/Scheduled Capture Options

The Delayed/Scheduled Capture options allow you to take screenshots at either a timed delay or at a specific date and time. The following step-by-step directions will lead you through the processes of setting up delayed or scheduled captures, respectively.

Delay/Schedule Tab Options

The Delay/Schedule options allow you to set up a delayed capture (after a number of seconds) or a scheduled capture (at a certain time or date). These timer settings can be preserved for capture profiles. Choose Tools > Timer Setup and the Timer Setup dialog box opens. Choose the Delay/Schedule tab to access the Delay/Schedule options.

Note: The Input and Output options for Scheduled Captures must be set so that the captures operate unattended. If SnagIt detects a combination of capture options that can not be used, the display will read "Schedule unavailable," and the timer will not start.

The following table summarizes the description and use of each option on the Delay/Schedule tab.

To Set up a Delayed Capture

1. To access the Timer Setup Options, choose the Timer Setup button in SnagIt's Normal view, or in the Classic and Compact views go to View > Timer Setup from the menu bar.

2. The Timer Setup dialog box will open. Click on the Delay/Schedule tab, and choose Enable Delayed/Scheduled Capture.

3. Select the Delayed Capture radio button. The Delay and Display a countdown items are now available.

4. Type a Delay of between 1 and 60 seconds, or use the arrows to select the number of seconds of delay.

5. Put a check mark in the Display a countdown box to see a box with timer countdown. The countdown will be displayed in the lower right corner of your screen prior to capture.

6. Click OK to apply the setup and close the dialog.

7. To start the capture sequence, choose the Capture button or push the hotkeys to start the capture sequence.

Note: To stop a delayed capture you have started, click the Stop button on the SnagIt toolbar or push the hotkeys.

To Set up a Scheduled Capture

1. To access the Timer Setup Options, choose Tools > Timer Setup from the menu bar. The Timer Setup dialog box will open. Click on the Delay/Schedule tab and choose Enable Delayed/Scheduled Capture.

2. Select the Scheduled Capture radio button. The Date and Time items are now available.

3. Type a future Date and Time using the format shown next to the selection boxes. Or, use the arrows to select the date and time.

4. Click OK to apply the setup and close the dialog.

5. Choose the Capture button or push the hotkeys to start the capture sequence.
   Note: To stop a scheduled capture you have started, click the Stop button on the SnagIt toolbar or push the hotkeys.

Capture Timer Options

The SnagIt Capture Timer enables SnagIt to perform unattended captures at intervals that you define.

The Capture Timer options allow you to set the program to capture screens at predefined times. This is useful, for example, for batch processes that operate on a regular basis and for which screen shots are necessary. Choose Tools > Timer Setup and the Timer Setup dialog box opens. To access the Capture Timer options, choose the Capture Timer tab.

Note: In timed capture mode, the hide and repeat hotkeys operate. Input and Output options for Capture Timer captures must be set so that the captures can occur unattended. If SnagIt detects a combination of capture options that can not be used, the status display will indicate "Timer unavailable" and the timer will not start.

The following table summarizes the description and use of each option on the Capture Timer tab.

Setting up the Capture Timer

The following step-by-step directions will lead you through the processes of setting up the capture timer.

Select Tools > Timer Setup. The Timer Setup tabbed dialog box opens. Select the Capture Timer tab.

1. Choose Enable Timer-Activated Capture.

2. To remove redundant captures (for example, when the screen does not change for a period of time), choose Discard identical captures.

3. Specify the frequency of captures in Hours, Minutes, or Seconds (select only one).

4. After performing the first capture, SnagIt automatically captures at the timed intervals you specify using the options currently set.

5. To stop the timed capture sequence you have started, choose Stop on the SnagIt toolbar or use the hotkeys.

Shutting Down the Capture Timer

To shut down an active timed capture, either

• Press the Capture button, or
• Push the hotkey sequence. A dialog asks "Do you wish to stop timed captures?" Answer Yes to stop timing, or close SnagIt without saving setup.

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