Windows OS desktops and laptops come with a default screenshot tool called Snipping Tool (Snip and Sketch on Windows 10). The tool is more than handy to capture the important things on your screen. Like other productivity tools, it has some keyboard shortcuts which you can access to grab screenshot quickly and easily. You can also create a shortcut to open Snipping Tool on Windows PC. Shortcuts are nothing but a unique key combination to execute the specified command. If you’re a frequent Snipping Tool user, you must know about the keyboard shortcut keys. It increases your productivity by invoking commands with a few keystrokes.
Without any delay, have a quick look at some of the popular Windows Snipping Tool shortcuts which serve you to eliminate the additional steps that may involve using the mouse or selecting extra menus.
Assign a Shortcut Key to Open Snipping Tool
By default, there is no shortcut key to launch the snipping tool on Windows 7, 8 10. But, you can assign a shortcut key for the tool with ease. To do this, follow the steps given below.
Step 1: Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard and type as Snipping Tool.
Step 2: Right-click the Snipping Tool app and select Open file location.
Step 3: Now, right-click on the Snipping Tool .exe file and select Properties.
Step 4: Assign a key (except Print Screen key) to open Snipping Tool and press OK.
Note: Here, we have selected CTRL + ALT + W.
Step 5: Click Continue to grant permission.
Step 6: Now, you can launch the Snipping Tool any time by simply pressing the key that you assigned.
Snipping Tool Keyboard Shortcuts
While accessing the Snipping Tool, you can use various common shortcuts to take the snapshots.
| ALT + M | To select a snipping mode |
| ALT + N or CTRL N | To take a new snip in the same mode |
| Shift + Arrow Keys | To move the cursor while using rectangular snip mode |
| ALT + D | To delay the screenshots |
| CTRL + C | To copy the screenshot |
| CTRL + P | To paste the screenshot |
| CTRL + S | To save the screenshot |
| ESC | To cancel the screenshot taking process |
Shortcuts for Snipping Tool Menu Bar
The following Snipping Tool Windows 10 shortcut are very helpful after taking the screenshots.
| ALT + F + N | To take a new snip |
| ALT + F + A | To save the screenshot |
| ALT + F + T | To send the screenshot via email |
| ALT + F + P | To print the screenshot |
| ALT + E + C | To copy the screenshot |
| ALT + E + E | To edit screenshot in Paint 3D app |
| ALT + T + P | To open pen |
| ALT + T + H | To open highlighter |
| ALT + T + E | To open eraser |
| ALT + T + O | To open options panel |
| ALT + H + H | To visit online forum |
| ALT + H + A | To read information about the Snipping Tool |
More Shortcuts with Snip and Sketch
You may already know Snip and Sketch is the advanced version of the Snipping Tool on Windows 10 laptops and desktops. Unlike the Snipping Tool, it has a default shortcut key combination (Windows logo + Shift + S) to open. Here are some of the shortcuts that you can use on Snip and Sketch.
| ALT + N | To take a new snip |
| ALT + T | To select/deselect touch writing |
| ALT + B | To open pen (use Tab and arrow keys to select and change the thickness of pen) |
| ALT + I | To open pencil (use Tab and arrow keys to select and change the thickness of the pencil) |
| ALT + H | To open highlighter (use Tab and arrow keys to select and change the thickness of highlighter) |
| ALT + R | To crop the screenshots (use Tab to switch corners) |
| ALT + Z | To adjust the zoom level |
| ALT + A | To share the screenshot |
| ALT + M | To display the menu options |
While using the Snipping Tool, it is always good to have a mouse for more accuracy and efficiency. However, these shortcuts will let you do the same with ease. These shortcuts are tested individually by our editorial team, and they will work on all types of Windows versions. In case, if we have missed anyone off the shortcut, you can mention it in the comments section.