Skip to main content

Use the Snipping Tool to Capture Screen-shots

The Snipping Tool is a really useful tool available from Microsoft. You should have access to it via NHS and Keele computers. It allows you to take a snap-shot of your computer screen.

I use this tool to create the images in the step-by-step instructions that I create for this blog. You might find it useful to capture on-screen error messages, online feedback, items for your portfolio or information for your assignments or presentations.

You can find complete instructions of how to use the snipping tool on the Microsoft website.

Here are a few hints & tips:

Find the Snipping Tool

Here is an example of a screen-shot from the Microsoft help page explaining how to find the Snipping Tool. I have used MS Powerpoint to add content to the image.
Example screen-shot - from the Microsoft Snipping Tool help page

When you click the Start button in windows, you may find the Snipping Tool on your start menu, otherwise you should find it in the Accessories folder or just use the search box to find it.
Screen-shot of the windows Start menu

Screen Capture with the Snipping Tool

When you want to use the snipping tool make sure that the part of the screen you want to capture is visible. Then click the Snipping Tool.
Screen-shot of the Snipping Tool window

The Snipping Tool opens as a box (you may need to move it off the bit of screen you want to capture). With your mouse draw a rectangle around the part of the screen that you want to capture.
Example of part of the screen that I am capturing with the Snipping Tool

When you release the mouse your screen capture will appear in the Snipping Tool box.
Screen-shot of the Snipping Tool window

Edit Screen Capture Content

You can use the Snipping Tool edit functions to add some content to the image.

Use the Pen tool to draw on the image.
Example of the Pen tool


Use the Hightlighter tool to highlight part of the image.
Example of the Highlighter tool


You can use the Eraser tool to remove pen drawings and highlights you have added.
Example of the use of the eraser tool


Re-Using your Screen Capture

Once you are happy with your image you can save it or copy it to paste it into another application. For example you could paste it into a word document, powerpoint presentation or email.
Screen-shot of the Snipping Tool menu optoins

If you want to create another image, click the New menu option.


If you use the snipping tool to capture screen-shots for your assignments, remember to check the copyright statements and include the reference.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Royal Marsden Manual - key resource for nursing guidelines and procedures

 Make sure you are delivering best practice to your patients by checking the Royal Marsden Manual online. Nursing staff and healthcare and nursing assistants working in the NHS can access the Royal Marsden Manual for key guidelines and procedures. This resource has a user-friendly design where you can search for topics or browse through the chapters. Content includes evidence-based procedures, as well as illustrations and references to offer you the best practical advice to support your patients. It is regularly updated, so always worth checking in to get the most recent evidence. Royal Marsden Manual online is available to all NHS staff, via NHS OpenAthens login. You'll find a link to this resource, along with many others, on our NHS Resources page . Check our Royal Marsden Manual help page for instructions on how to log in. Wiley, the publishers, offer regular online training sessions - we'll post the dates on our blog. Or ask our trainers if you want a quick overview. If y...

BMJ Case Reports - the journal for unusual clinical cases

 You can browse or search the journal BMJ Case Reports for unusual clinical cases. This journal includes rare conditions and unexpected complications. Cases are peer-reviewed and offer excellent case-based learning to support your professional development. You can also submit your own case reports for free! This gives you an opportunity to share your knowledge and become a published author. Access to this journal is available to UHNM staff, via their NHS OpenAthens username. You'll find a link to this journal, as well as other resources on our NHS Resources page . There is more help, including links to instructions for authors, on our BMJ Case Reports help page . If you need more help or information just ask at the Health Library .

Check Browzine for easy access to full-text articles

 NHS staff can check Browzine for access to full-text articles - making it easy to check your favourite journals and get the latest research articles. Browzine holds information about our healthcare-focused journal collection, including journal issues, table of contents and links to articles. You can link to open access articles, our subscribed content and request items not available in our collection. Browse through the collection without logging in. Have your NHS OpenAthens username handy when you want to access an article in full-text. You can link to your Browzine collection from our Journals page . For more help on how to access journals, go to our Journals help page or complete our online etutorial - Find Full-text Articles and Journals for the NHS . If you need any more help just contact the Health Library.