If you are looking for how to use Greenshot instead of snipping tool, here is a complete guide to help you. Greenshot is a free and open-source screen capture software that can replace the default Snipping Tool on Windows 10 and 11. Greenshot allows you to take precise and pixel-perfect screenshots of any region, window, or full screen on your computer. You can also edit and annotate the captured images with various tools, such as text, numbers, shapes, effects, or obfuscate. Moreover, you can save, copy, or send screenshots to other programs or platforms, such as email, clipboard, printer, or cloud services. This article will show you how to download, install, and use Greenshot on your Windows PC.
To download and install Greenshot on your Windows PC, follow these steps:
Step1.
Go to the official Greenshot website and click on the Download
Step2.
Choose the version of Greenshot that matches your Windows system (32-bit or 64-bit) and click the Downloadbutton again.
Step3.
Save the Greenshot installer file to your preferred location on your PC.
Step4.
Run the Greenshot installer file and follow the instructions to complete the installation process.
Step5.
After the installation, you can launch Greenshot from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
How to Use Greenshot instead of snipping tools?
To use Greenshot, you need to configure its settings and preferences first. You can access the Greenshot settings menu by right-clicking the Greenshot icon in the system tray (near the clock) and selecting Preferences. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + P on your Keyboard to open the Preferences window.
In the Preferences window, you can customize various options for Greenshot, such as:
General:
You can change the language, startup behaviour, update frequency, and Greenshot sound settings.
Capture:
You can choose the capture modes, hotkeys, cursor, and magnifier settings of Greenshot.
Destination:
You can select the default destinations for your screenshots, such as file, clipboard, printer, email, or cloud services.
Output:
You can specify the file format, quality, filename, and folder settings of your screenshots.
Printer:
You can adjust the printer settings for your screenshots, such as orientation, margins, and scaling.
Editor:
You can modify the editor settings for your screenshots, such as appearance, zoom, and plugins.
Plugins:
You can turn on or off the plugins for Greenshot, such as Dropbox, Imgur, Microsoft Office, or Google Drive.
After you have configured the settings and preferences of Greenshot, you can start taking screenshots with it.
How does Greenshot give access to the corresponding hotkeys of Keyboard?
Greenshot offers four capture modes, which you can access by pressing the corresponding hotkeys on your Keyboard:
Capture region:
This mode lets you capture a rectangular or free-form region on your screen. You can press PrtSc or Fn + PrtSc to activate this mode. Then, you can use your mouse to select the region you want to capture. You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the size and position of the area. Press Enter or click the left mouse button to confirm the capture. To cancel the capture, press Esc or click the right mouse button.
Capture window:
This mode allows you to capture a specific window on your screen. You can press Alt + PrtSc or Fn + Alt + PrtSc to activate this mode. Then, you can use your mouse to hover over the window you want to capture. You can also use the arrow keys to switch between the windows. Press Enter or click the left mouse button to confirm the capture. To cancel the capture, press Esc or click the right mouse button.
Capture full screen:
This mode allows you to capture the entire screen on your PC. To activate this mode, you can press Ctrl + PrtSc or Fn + Ctrl + PrtSc. Then, the capture will be done automatically without your further input.
Capture the last region:
This mode allows you to capture the region you captured last time. To activate this mode, you can press Shift + PrtSc or Fn + Shift + PrtSc. Then, the capture will be done automatically without your further input.
How to choose the destination from the context menu?
After you have taken a screenshot with Greenshot, you can choose the destination from the context menu in the lower right corner of your screen. You can also use the hotkeys to select the destination quickly. For example, you can press Ctrl + C to copy the screenshot to the clipboard or Ctrl + S to save the screenshot to a file.
How to edit and annotate the screenshot?
If you want to edit and annotate the screenshot, choose the Open in image editor option from the context menu or press Ctrl + E. It will open the Greenshot image editor, where you can use various tools to modify the screenshot, such as:
1. Text:
Add text with different fonts, colours, and styles to the screenshot.
2. Number:
You can add numbers to screenshots with different shapes, colours, and sizes.
3. Shape:
You can add shapes to the screenshot, such as rectangles, ellipses, lines, arrows, or freehand drawings.
4. Effect:
You can add effects to the screenshot, such as drop shadow, torn edge, grayscale, or invert.
Obfuscate: You can hide parts of the screenshot with blurry or pixelated effects.
Crop: You can crop the screenshot to remove unwanted parts.
Resize: You can resize the screenshot to change its dimensions.
Rotate: You can rotate the screenshot to change its orientation.
As you have edited and annotated the screenshot, you can save, copy, or send it to the destination of your choice from the File menu or the toolbar of the Greenshot image editor.
How to Compare Greenshot with Snipping Tool?
Greenshot and Snipping Tool are both screen capture software that can help you take screenshots on your Windows PC.
However, they have some differences in features, functionality, and performance. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of Greenshot and Snipping Tools.
Greenshot is free and open source, so you can use it without any cost or license restrictions.
It has more capture modes and options than Snipping Tool, such as free-form region, last region, and magnifier.
Greenshot has more editing and annotation tools than Snipping Tool, such as numbers, shapes, effects, and obfuscation.
It has more destination options than Snipping Tool, such as email, printer, or cloud services.
Greenshot has more settings and preferences than Snipping Tool, such as file format, quality, filename, and folder.
It has more plugins than Snipping Tool, such as Dropbox, Imgur, Microsoft Office, or Google Drive.
Disadvantages of Greenshot instead of snipping tool
Greenshot requires installation, while Snipping Tool is built-in on Windows 10 and 11.
It has a steeper learning curve than Snipping Tool, as it has more features and options to master.
Screenshots may have compatibility issues with some Windows updates or programs, while the Snipping Tool is more stable and reliable.
Tips and Tricks for Using Greenshot instesd of snipping tools
Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your experience with Greenshot:
Customize Hotkeys:
You can change the default hotkeys for Greenshot by going to the Preferences window and selecting the Capture tab. Now, customize the hotkeys according to your preference for capturing regions, windows, or full screens.
Use the Magnifier to use greenshot:
Greenshot includes a magnifier tool that allows you to zoom in on specific areas of your screen before capturing. Press Ctrl + Shift + M to activate the magnifier. It is beneficial for capturing small details.
Edit Directly in the Capture Pop-up:
After taking a screenshot, Greenshot displays a pop-up window with editing options. You can add annotations, arrows, and text directly in this window before saving or copying the screenshot. However it’s a quick way to make minor adjustments without opening the full image editor.
Save to Specific Folders:
Set up default folders to save your screenshots. Go to the Output tab in the Preferences window and specify the default folder where Greenshot should save your captures. It helps keep your screenshots organized.
Use the Quick Preferences Menu:
Right-click on the Greenshot icon in the system tray to access the quick preferences menu, then choose the capture mode (region, window, full screen) and destination (file, clipboard, printer) without opening the full Preferences window.
Enable Auto-Save:
If you frequently take screenshots then consider enabling the auto-save feature. In the Preferences window, go to the Output tab and check the option to save automatically captures to a file. There you can specify the format and naming convention for the saved files.
What are the Keyboard Shortcuts to Use Greenshots instead of snipping tool?
Greenshot offers various keyboard shortcuts for editing and annotating screenshots.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenshot instead of snipping tool
1. How do I change Greenshot’s language?
A: To change the Greenshot language, go to the Preferences window and select the General tab. Then, you can choose the language you want from the drop-down menu. You may need to restart Greenshot for the changes to take effect.
2. How do you capture a specific region on the screen with Greenshot?
A: To capture a specific region on the screen with Greenshot, press PrtSc or Fn + PrtSc on your Keyboard to activate the capture region mode. Then, you can use your mouse to select the region you want to capture. You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the size and position of the area. Press Enter or click the left mouse button to confirm the capture. To cancel the capture, press Esc or click the right mouse button.
3. How do you save or send a screenshot with Greenshot instesd of snipping tool?
A: To save or send a screenshot with Greenshot, you can choose the destination from the context menu or the toolbar of the Greenshot image editor. You can also use the hotkeys to select the destination quickly then press Ctrl + S to save the screenshot to a file, or Ctrl + C to copy the screenshot to the clipboard.
4. How do you compare Greenshot with Snipping Tool?
A: Greenshot and Snipping Tool are both screen capture software that can help you take screenshots on your Windows PC. However, they have some differences in features, functionality, and performance. Greenshot has more capture modes and options, editing and annotation tools, destination options, settings and preferences, and plugins than Snipping Tool. Greenshot is also free and open source, while Snipping Tool is built-in on Windows 10 and 11. On the other hand, the Snipping Tool is easier to use, more stable, and more reliable than Greenshot. Snipping Tool does not require installation, while Greenshot does.
Conclusion
Finally Greenshot is a powerful and versatile screen capture tool with more features and customization options than the built-in Snipping Tool. Wheather you’re a professional designer, a developer, or a casual user, Greenshot can streamline your screenshot workflow and improve your productivity. Try it, explore its settings, and enjoy quickly capturing and editing your screen content!
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