SOLVED Looking for better snapshot control

[zero0darkness]

This is my third time typing this, so if its unclear just ask.

I am looking for something that will give me similar functionality to the command-shift-4 on a mac.

It allows you to essentially crop(click and drag) your snapshot when you take it and saves it to the desktop.

I like it because I don't have to worry about opening an image editor and pasting my print screen, cropping it, then saving it. It all happens at the time the snapshot is taken.

I'm looking for something that will run in the background, or even a widget, that i can just hit the keys then click n' drag over my screen and release to have it take the picture.

Does anyone know any programs that have that kind of functionality?

 

[Mychael]

There is a program called Howies's quick screen capture.
Not sure if it runs under windows 7. I know it wont let you crop the snapshot but it does run in the background one you load it or start it each time you start the computer, you press one key 'insert' in my case but I think you can set which hotkey you want. It makes a shutter sound like a camera and saves the screen picture in my documents folder.

 

[davehc]

Have a look at snagit. It does what you want and more. Makes a movie, for tutorial purposes, captures rolling windows such as web pages. It has an option to setup hotkeys.

 

[Veedaz]

Hi zero0darkness

Or you could try Screen Hunter Free (compatible with Windows 7 (both 32-bit and 64-bit) has Timer, single Hot Key, Start with Windows, Include cursor, Formats, I use this freeware a lot with no complaints

Link > http://wisdom-soft.com/products/screenhunter_free.htm

 

[Nibiru2012]

Snagit FTW! This is all I use for screen captures, etc. It rocks!

 

[Fire cat]

Veedaz's sugestion is probably best, bit there is also the Windows 7 "Snipping tool". Just assign it a hotkey and you can start snipping.

Cheers,
Fire Cat

 

[Kalario]

I agree with our newest VIP member... the sniping tool in win7 works just fine.

 

[Fire cat]

Thanks Kalario!

If you don't know how to assign a key to the snipping tool, it's really easy:

1. Start
2. All Programs
3. Accessories
4. Right Click on Snipping Tool
5. Select Properties
Now simply enter in the shortcut key text box something like CTRL+F12.


Cheers,
Fire Cat

 

[zero0darkness]

Thanks everyone for info.
@davehc -snagit looks sweet, but I don't have any money to spare right now and it costs money to get the good features, (or has a time limit)
@Veedz- Screen hunter also looks good, but to get the adjustable size (cropping) you have to get the full version. Again facing the lack of funds problem.

@Fire Cat- snipping tool is cool, a few more extra steps than I was looking for, but it works for what I wanted.

Again, thanks everyone.

 

[Fire cat]

Thanks everyone for info.
@davehc -snagit looks sweet, but I don't have any money to spare right now and it costs money to get the good features, (or has a time limit)
@Veedz- Screen hunter also looks good, but to get the adjustable size (cropping) you have to get the full version. Again facing the lack of funds problem.

@Fire Cat- snipping tool is cool, a few more extra steps than I was looking for, but it works for what I wanted.

Again, thanks everyone.

Glad I could help, Zero0darkness
What features do you consider as "a few more extra steps"? The editing option?

 

[zero0darkness]

I wasn't saying it as a bad thing or anything, but yeah, the editing is extra (and useful). I was looking for something that just saved it automatically like on a mac, but sometimes you find more than you are looking for.

 

[Veedaz]

zero0darkness wrote

but sometimes you find more than you are looking for

Thats often true with a lot of software ... and can be a nice surprise

 

[davehc]

LOL. Well spotted, Fire cat! It obviously did not occur to any of us that the OP had not found the snipping tool.

 

[Fire cat]

LOL. Well spotted, Fire cat! It obviously did not occur to any of us that the OP had not found the snipping tool.

I explore Windows Features to avoid installing softwares that do what I can already do with windows. Exception for CCleaner. That's why I don't know of many softwares, and I think about windows features first, before the 3rd party apps.

 

[yodap]

MWsnap 3 just works. Free too!

http://download.cnet.com/MWSnap/3000-2072_4-10524229.html

Just the other day I tried Ashampoo Snap 3. (free limited time trial) It has way too many features for me. I could see how some would like it though. I think it's $20 or $30 US.