How to Screen Capture on Windows

How to Screen Capture on Windows

Built-in screen capture tools for Windows, like Snipping Tool, can sometimes fill your basic screenshot needs. 

But what if you need to capture your computer screen with more detail, or add extra annotations and effects that go beyond the bare minimum?

There’s a better way!

Snagit’s features make it the best screen capture software for Windows 10. From advanced effects and editing tools to detailed capture techniques, Snagit can help you create amazing screen captures with the power to easily communicate details and share knowledge.

Read on for an easy-to-follow walkthrough of how to screen capture on Windows, plus how to store and organize your screenshots.

Simple Windows Screen Capture with Snagit

Download a free trial of Snagit today to easily create and share screen captures.

Download Your Free Trial

How to capture your screen on Windows

When it’s time to go beyond basic screenshots, TechSmith Snagit combines powerful features with an easy-to-use interface. You can download a free trial here to start taking great screenshots!

Step 1: Select what type of image you want to capture

First, open Snagit and click the red Capture button. You can also do this from the Snagit icon in your toolbar.

How to use All-In-One capture

Then, select either All-In-One or Image to capture your screen. After choosing your capture area, All-In-One will give you the option to select image, video, or panoramic capture. This is a great option if you aren’t sure exactly what type of capture you need.

The Image setting will display your options for a still screenshot, including panoramic, window, full screen, and more. For a walkthrough of Snagit’s capture options, watch the video below.

To access Snagit more quickly, you can program keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys to speed up the capture process.

For this tutorial, let’s use the All-in-One capture setting.

Step 2: Use the crosshairs

Snagit’s crosshairs feature makes it easy to select the area you want to capture and leave out the rest. Hover over windows or regions to auto-select the area, or click and drag across a portion of your screen to make a custom selection.

How to use the Snagit crosshairs

Step 3: Preview your selected region

Release the crosshairs to preview your selection. If needed, use the handles at the edges to make adjustments.

Then, when you’re ready, click the camera icon in the Snagit toolbar to capture your screen.

How to select and capture an area using the Snagit crosshairs

How to record your screen on Windows 10

Need to record a video of your screen instead of a still image in Windows? Snagit makes recording your screen incredibly simple. It can even record audio and video at the same time.

You can select either All-In-One or Video from the capture options. From there, follow the same steps as you would for capturing your screen.

When you need to take your screen recording to the next level, TechSmith Camtasia offers more tools for annotation, picture-in-picture with your webcam, and a lot more. Compare TechSmith screen capture and recording options here.

Read an in-depth tutorial on how to record your screen on a Windows machine.

Adding annotations and effects to screen captures on Windows

After you capture your screen, your images and videos will open automatically in the Snagit editor. Then, you have the option to add various annotations and effects, such as text callouts, symbols, blur, and more.

Different editing options in Snagit

Snagit also makes it easy to crop and change the size of your screenshot.

You can find more in-depth tutorials on editing and adding effects to Snagit screen captures here.

How to share screenshots and screen recordings on Windows

With Snagit, it’s easy to share screen captures to any platform, or even copy and paste into a chat or email application.

To save or share a screenshot to your computer, a network drive, or a hosting platform, simply click the Share button in the top right corner of the Snagit editor. Then, select from one of the pre-loaded options, or add your own.

Sharing options available in Snagit

To copy and paste your screen capture, right click over your finished image and select copy. From there, you can paste your screenshot wherever you want!

You can even drag and drop your screenshot into several other applications, including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more.

How to store and organize your screen captures

There’s no need to clutter your desktop with screen captures or create a bunch of folders. Instead, any captures taken with Snagit are automatically saved to the Snagit library!

The Snagit library

Screen captures can be organized by capture type, date, applications, windows, and more. You can even create custom tags to organize your screen captures.

It’s that easy! You’ll be a screen capture pro in no time.

Get ready to amaze your coworkers and friends with your clear, easy-to-follow screenshots and annotations. You now have the ability to clearly communicate information anytime, anywhere!

For a great video walkthrough of the instructions in this post, check out this video:

Ready to get started with screen capture? Download a free trial of Snagit!

Simple Windows Screen Capture with Snagit

Download a free trial of Snagit today to easily create and share screen captures.

Download Your Free Trial

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are screen captures saved on Windows 10?

With Snagit, all screen captures will go directly to the Snagit library for easy access and organization.

Can you record audio and video at the same time on Windows?

Yes, you can! Both Snagit and Camtasia allow you to record your screen and your audio at the same time.

Can I crop captured videos and screenshots on Windows?

Yes! Capture or record your screen with Snagit. This will automatically open the editor, and then you can click and drag the borders of your image or video to crop it.

Kara Swanson

Marketing Content Specialist at TechSmith. I know way more about tea than any human being ever should.

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