How to Screenshot Part of the Screen on Windows
In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing a screenshot of part of your screen has become an essential skill, whether for sharing information or documenting issues.
From a simple Windows keyboard shortcut for screenshots to versatile software solutions that offer advanced editing and annotation features, knowing your options can streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore how to screenshot part of the screen on Windows. We will highlight both the built-in shortcuts and third-party programs that can enhance your experience.
Software for Windows screenshot part of the screen
Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is a versatile and user-friendly screenshot tool designed for capturing screenshots and recording video from your desktop. It's particularly useful for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or taking detailed partial screenshots.
Here's how to use it to screenshot any area on Windows:
- First, download and install the free screenshot software from the official website.
- In the application, hover the mouse over the "Screenshot" option from the side menu. Pick "Custom area".
- Drag your mouse to select the desired region for a partial screenshot.
- Use the annotation tools to add text, shapes, or highlights if needed.
- Save the resulting image to the device, copy it to the clipboard, or share the screenshot via a URL directly from the application.
Pros:
- Flexibility. You can set specific areas of your screen to capture, whether it’s a custom-shaped region, a specific window, or the full screen. This allows for precise and tailored screenshots.
- Annotation tools. This screenshot maker for Windows offers various annotation options such as text, arrows, shapes, and highlights. This feature is ideal for creating instructional materials, providing feedback, or emphasizing key parts.
- Ease of use. The application has a straightforward, intuitive interface. This makes it accessible for users of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced.
- Variety of formats. The screenshot tool supports multiple file formats for saving partial screenshots, including PNG and JPG. This ensures compatibility with various platforms and applications.
- Quick sharing. You can easily share screenshots directly from the software, which is convenient for collaborative work or quickly disseminating information.
Greenshot
Greenshot is a free and open-source screenshot tool for Windows. It allows you to capture screenshots of your entire display, a selected region, or a specific window.
How to use it to screenshot part of the screen:
- Begin by downloading and installing the program from a trusted source.
- Once you launch the app, you’ll find a system tray icon for quick access to its features.
- Right-click on the Greenshot icon in the system tray and select the desired screenshot mode.
- Use the built-in editor to annotate the image if needed.
- Choose how you want to save or share your partial screenshot on Windows.
Pros:
- This screenshot software offers multiple sharing options, including saving files, copying to the clipboard, or uploading to online services like Imgur.
- The OCR feature allows you to extract and copy text from images.
- You can configure keyboard shortcuts for different capture modes, making it quicker to take screenshots according to your preferences.
- The software is free to use and open source, which means it is accessible without any cost and benefits from community contributions.
Cons:
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts might conflict with system or application hotkeys, which can cause confusion or require additional configuration.
Windows screenshot shortcut part of the screen
Win + Shift + S
This keyboard shortcut is used to open Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch. These built-in programs allow you to take a selective screenshot on Windows 10 and 11.
Snip & Sketch was introduced with Windows 10 as a more feature-rich replacement for the Snipping Tool. It’s the primary screenshot tool in Windows 11.
When you press Win + Shift + S, your display dims and a small toolbar appears at the top of your screen with several options:
- Rectangular Snip. Click and drag to select a rectangular area of the screen.
- Freeform Snip. Draw a freeform shape around the area you want to capture.
- Window Snip. Select a specific window to capture.
- Full-Screen Snip. Capture the entire screen.
Once you’ve taken a partial screenshot on Windows, the image is copied to the clipboard. You’ll see a notification that allows you to open the screenshot in the Snip & Sketch app (Windows 10) or the built-in Photos app (Windows 11), where you can annotate and save it.
Alt + Print Screen
When you press Alt + Print Screen, it takes a screenshot of only the window that is currently focused or active on your desktop.
The screenshot is copied directly to the clipboard. It does not automatically save the image as a file; instead, you need to paste it into an image editing program or document.
FAQ
- Can I customize the keyboard shortcut for taking partial screenshots on PC?
- Windows does not allow you to change the built-in screenshot shortcuts. However, you can use third-party tools for this purpose.
- What if the Snipping Tool isn’t working properly?
- If the Snipping Tool is not working correctly, try restarting the app and the computer. If that doesn’t help, you can use the Snip & Sketch tool or other screenshot applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of taking a partial screenshot on Windows PCs can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency whether you're capturing a snippet of a report, sharing a visual update, or creating instructional content.
The built-in shortcuts provide a quick and convenient way to grab exactly what you need with minimal fuss. Third-party programs offer advanced features for those who require more control and customization.
Experiment with the different options to find a way to take a cropped screenshot on Windows that best suits your needs.
Expert Tech Writer
