Editing a screenshot in Windows 10 is straightforward using the built-in tools, primarily the Snip & Sketch app which is easily accessed with a simple keyboard shortcut. This tool allows you to capture a specific area of your screen and then immediately provides options for basic editing before saving.
Here's how you can edit a screenshot in Windows 10 using the steps based on common methods:
Using the Snip & Sketch Tool via Windows+Shift+S
The fastest way to capture a screenshot and get it ready for editing is by using the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut. This activates the Snip & Sketch capture overlay.
Steps to Capture and Edit Your Screenshot
Follow these steps, incorporating the process mentioned in the reference:
- Press Windows+Shift+S. This dims your screen and brings up a small toolbar at the top.
- Select capture Mode. From the toolbar, choose the type of snip you want. Options typically include Rectangular Mode, Freeform Mode, Window Mode, and Fullscreen Mode.
- Initiate the capture ("Click New" - this action is integrated into selecting your area/window).
- For Rectangular or Freeform Mode: Click and drag your cursor over the area you want to capture.
- For Window Mode: Click on the specific window you want to capture.
- For Fullscreen Mode: The snip is taken automatically.
- Click Edit to adjust the image. After capturing, a notification will pop up in the lower-right corner of your screen containing a thumbnail of your screenshot. Clicking this notification opens the image in the Snip & Sketch application, which serves as the editor where you can adjust the image.
- In the Snip & Sketch app, make your desired edits (see available tools below).
- Once editing is complete, click File, then Save As from the menu within the Snip & Sketch app to save your edited screenshot to your desired location.
Editing Features in Snip & Sketch
The Snip & Sketch app provides several useful tools for basic annotation and adjustment:
- Pen, Pencil, and Highlighter: Draw or write on your screenshot. You can often customize the color and thickness.
- Eraser: Remove drawings or highlights you've added.
- Ruler and Protractor: Draw straight lines or measure angles, useful for technical screenshots.
- Crop Tool: Trim unwanted parts of your screenshot.
These tools make it easy to quickly mark up, obfuscate sensitive information, or highlight key areas before sharing or saving your image.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Activate | Press Windows+Shift+S | Open screenshot capture overlay |
| 2. Select Mode | Choose capture type (Rectangular, Freeform, etc.) | Define the area you want to capture |
| 3. Capture | Drag/Click to select the area ("Click New") | Take the screenshot |
| 4. Edit | Click the notification (opens Snip & Sketch) | Access the editing tools for the captured image |
| 5. Save | Click File > Save As in Snip & Sketch | Save the edited image to your computer |
By utilizing the Snip & Sketch tool and its integrated editing capabilities, you can efficiently capture and modify screenshots directly within Windows 10 without needing third-party software.
