Mastering Snip and Sketch in Windows 10 & 11: A Guide to Use and Troubleshoot

Have you ever wanted to quickly take a photo of something on your computer screen? Maybe it’s a funny meme, a confusing error message, a student gathering study materials, or a winning recipe you found online. That’s where Snip and Sketch comes in!

Here is a quick step guide to use Snip and Sketch feature in Windows 10 or Windows 11:

  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press the Windows key + Shift + S simultaneously. This is the quickest way to access Snip and Sketch.
  • Search Bar: Open the Start menu and type in “Snip and Sketch’s.” Click on the app that appears.
  • Choose Your Snip Type:  A small toolbar appears at the top of your screen. You can choose from four snip types: Rectangular Snip, Freehand Snip, Window Snip, Full-screen Snip.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of screen snipping with Snip & Sketch, exploring its easy-to-use interface and versatile features that make capturing, annotating, and sharing screenshots a breeze.

But that is not all; we’ll also walk you through the installation process and enhance your snipping experience by providing troubleshooting steps in case you encounter any issues along the way.

How can I download Snip & Sketch on Windows 10 or Windows 11 ?

Snip & Sketch’s is not a downloadable app for Windows 10 or 11 as it comes pre-installed with both operating systems.

No need to download it separately. If you can’t find it using the methods mentioned above, try restarting your computer or checking for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.

If you have an older version of Windows without Snip & Sketch, the classic snipping tool is a great alternative with similar features.

Simply search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu to find it. If your system still doesn’t show Snip & Sketch’s, you can check the Microsoft Store for the app.

Also Check: How to fix Windows error code 0x80004005 ?

How to use Snip and Sketch in Windows 10/ Windows 11 ? 

Looking to capture your screen with ease? Whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11, Snip & Sketch’s is your go-to tool for quick screenshots and annotations.

Please watch the video first for steps on using Snip & Sketch, and then follow the detailed steps provided below.

Use Snip and Sketch in Windows 10/ Windows 11

Launching Snip and Sketch

There are three main ways to open Snip and Sketch’s:

  • Snip and Sketch shortcut: This is the fastest method. Press Windows key + Shift + S simultaneously. This opens a small toolbar at the top of the screen.
  • Search bar: Open the Start menu to view the list of apps and type ‘Snip and Sketch’s.’ Click on the application that appears.
search in the search bar from start menu to open snip and sketch
  • Action Center: (Windows 10 only) Click the notification area (bottom-right corner of the taskbar) to open Action Center. Look for a button labeled “Screen Snip” and click it.
use snip and skectch from action center in windows 10

Choose your Snip type

Once you’ve launched Snip and Sketch (using any method above), you’ll see a faint overlay on your screen, indicating the screen capture mode. This is where you choose the type of screenshot you want to capture:

choose the type of snip
  • Rectangular crop (default): Perfect for capturing specific areas in a rectangular shape. Click and drag the mouse to select the desired area.
  • Freehand Crop: Click this option and then draw a freehand shape around what you want to capture.
  • Window Crop: Click this option, then click the specific window you want to capture.
  • Full Screen Crop: Captures the entire screen, including any open app windows.

Capturing the Snip

  • Once you’ve chosen the crop type and defined the area (if necessary), click or drag your mouse to capture the screenshot.

Editing and Saving Your Snip

After capturing the screenshot, Snip and Sketch offers editing options before saving:

  • Snip and Sketch Notification: A notification will briefly appear in the corner of the screen. Click on it to open the Snip and Sketch’s editor.
open the captured snips from the notification
  • Editing Tools: Here you can use various tools like a pen, highlighter, eraser, or cropping tool to make annotations or adjust the size of the screenshot.
choose the editing tools from the options to edit your snip
  • Save and Share: Click the “Save As” button to save the screenshot in your desired file format, such as an image file (PNG, JPG, etc.). You can also share it directly via email or social networks.
use save and share feature in snip and sketch

Additional Tips

  • Delaying a Snip: Click the down arrow next to the “New” button in the Snip and Sketch toolbar to set a delay time of 3 or 10 seconds before capturing the screenshot.
choose delay time of your snip to capture your screen
  • Auto-copy to Clipboard: In Snip and Sketch’s settings (it can be accessed from the three dots menu within the app, located in the top-right corner), you can enable automatic copying of screenshots to your clipboard for quick pasting.
enable automatic copy to clipboard option in snip and sketch app

By following these steps, you can effectively use Snip and Sketch on Windows 10 and 11 to capture, edit, and share screenshots with ease.  

Also Check: How to use snipping tool in Windows 11 ?

How to rotate ruler in snip and sketch ?

Rotating the ruler or protractor tool in Snip and Sketch’s is a handy feature for making precise measurements on angled screenshots.

Watch the video for yu convenience and then follow below mentioned steps to rotate ruler in Snip and Sketch:

Rotate ruler in snip and sketch

  • Open Snip and Sketch:  Firstly, take a screenshot using Snip and Sketch or open an existing image.
  • Enable the Ruler:  Secondly, click the ruler icon on the toolbar. It’s usually located on the top left or right depending on your Snip and Sketch’s version.
  • Locate the Rotation Control:  After that, a small circle will appear at the corner of the ruler. This is the rotation control.
  • Rotate the Ruler:  Finally, click and hold the circle, then drag it in a circular motion to rotate the ruler to your desired angle.

Tips

  • For touchpad users, hover your cursor over the ruler and use two-finger scrolling (up/down) to rotate.
  • Furthermore, if you’re having trouble with the scroll wheel method, enable “Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them” in your mouse settings.

Also Check: What is download error-0x80248007 ?

What should you do if Snip & Sketch is not working ?

If your trusty Snip and Sketch isn’t working as expected in Windows 10 or 11, don’t fret! Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshoot and get it snapping again:

Basic Checks

  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
  • Check for Updates: Outdated Windows or Snip and Sketch’s can lead to issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Verify App Permissions and Notifications

  • Notifications: Make sure Snip and Sketch can display notifications. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Under “Get notifications from apps and other senders,” ensure the toggle is on. Scroll down and find “Snip and Sketch’s,” and confirm its notification toggle is also on.

Check Snip and Sketch Functionality

  • Test Keyboard Shortcut: Try the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + Shift + S). If the toolbar appears, the basic functionality is likely working.
  • Open the App: Try launching Snip and Sketch directly from the Start menu search. If it opens successfully, the issue might be related to the keyboard shortcut.

Reset or Reinstall Snip and Sketch

  • Reset the App: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll down to find “Snip and Sketch’s” click on it, then select “Advanced options.” Click “Reset” and confirm. This resets the app’s settings to default.
  • Reinstall (Windows 10 Only):  If resetting doesn’t work (Windows 10 only), you can try reinstalling.  Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “Snip and Sketch,” click on it, and select “Uninstall.” Search for “Snip and Sketch’s” in the Start menu again, and this time it should offer an “Install” option.

End Focus Sessions

  • If you’re in the middle of a focus session (meant to prevent distractions), it might block Snip & Sketch. End the focus session.
  • Also, disable any similar third-party programs (e.g., time management or parental control apps).

Advanced Troubleshooting

  • Run System File Checker: Corrupted system files can cause issues with apps. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click and select “Run as administrator”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will scan for and attempt to fix corrupted system files.
  • Check for Conflicting Third-Party Apps: In rare cases, third-party screenshot tools might conflict with Snip and Sketch. Try temporarily disabling any such programs to see if it resolves the issue.
  • Create a New User Profile: Corrupted user profiles can sometimes cause app problems. Consider creating a new user profile as a last resort.

Note: The classic Snipping Tool is still available in Windows 10 and 11. You can search for it in the Start menu if Snip and Sketch’s remains problematic.

Reference:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-rotate-the-ruler-in-snip-and-sketch/b51d3a45-dceb-4785-a4f8-6e82ac496392

Conclusion

Snip and Sketch is a powerful tool built into Windows 10 and 11 that makes capturing and annotating screenshots simple.

With its easy-to-use interface and versatile features, it allows you to capture specific areas, windows, or the entire screen effortlessly.

The blog covers detailed steps to start, capture, edit and save your screenshots, along with troubleshooting tips to resolve any issues you may encounter.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering Snip and Sketch’s can streamline your workflow and improve your ability to communicate visually.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)

How do I Snip and Sketch?

To use Snip and Sketch’s on Windows, press Windows Key + Shift + S to open the snipping bar, then select a snip mode and area on your screen. After capturing, the image opens in Snip and Sketch’s for editing and sharing.

Has snip & sketch been discontinued ?

No, Snip & Sketch has not been discontinued; it was merged with the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 to create a unified screenshot experience

Is snip & sketch free ?

Yes, Snip & Sketch’s is free; it comes built-in with most versions of Windows 10 and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store at no charge.


Content Writer

Smith Ron, the writer at Assistme360. He has extensive experience in crafting straightforward, step-by-step guides for technical issues. His broad knowledge ensures accurate solutions. Kindly spare a moment to drop a comment down and express your opinions. Your feedback can be valuable in assisting others who may come across similar problems.


Leave a Comment