Taking screenshots is a fundamental computer skill that every user should possess. Even though you may have a favorite tool for capturing and editing screenshots, sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you need to use Microsoft Paint to make your edits.
The Basics of Taking a Screenshot on Windows
Before diving into the editing process, you need to know how to take a screenshot in the first place. The simplest method involves using Microsoft Paint.
First, press the Print Screen key (which might be labeled as PrtScn or similar) to capture everything on your screen and copy it to the clipboard. To capture only the active window, press Alt + PrtScn.
Next, open Microsoft Paint by searching for ‘paint’ in the Start menu. Once Paint is open, press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into the program. If no edits are needed, you can save the image by pressing Ctrl + S or by selecting File > Save as.
For a more versatile built-in tool, try the Snipping Tool, which you can find by typing ‘snipping’ into the Start menu. This tool allows you to select a specific area or window to capture, minimizing the need for extensive editing later. In future versions of Windows 10, you’ll find similar functionality in the Snip & Sketch app, accessible via Win + Shift + S.
How to Edit Screenshots in Microsoft Paint
Let’s explore some common editing techniques using Paint. While these instructions apply to Windows 10, they are also applicable to earlier versions.
How to Crop a Screenshot
If your screenshot includes unwanted areas, cropping is an efficient way to remove them. Use the Select tool from the Ribbon at the top. If the Ribbon is hidden, double-click the Home tab to reveal it.
The default is a rectangular selection; you can change this by clicking the arrow below. Drag your mouse over the area you wish to keep and then click the Crop button in the top bar to remove the rest.
Alternatively, you can crop from the edges by dragging the white boxes at the bottom, right, or bottom-right edges of the canvas. This allows you to trim away unnecessary parts easily.
Highlight Elements Using Boxes
To highlight certain parts of your screenshot, you can use boxes. In the Shapes section of the Ribbon, select the rectangle or rounded rectangle option. Set Outline to Solid color and Fill to No fill. Choose the thickness of the outline and a color (red is a good choice for attention).
Draw the box around the desired area. Hold Shift while drawing to make a perfect square. After placing it, resize using the white boxes on each side. If you make a mistake, press Ctrl + Z to undo.
Adding Arrows to Screenshots
Arrows are useful for pointing out specific elements in a screenshot. Found in the Shapes menu, arrows function similarly to boxes.
Select the arrow direction you need, and choose line size and colors. For better visibility, set Fill to Solid color and use the same Color 2 as Color 1. Draw the arrow and use Shift to keep it symmetrical.
How to Obfuscate Screenshots Using Paint
To conceal sensitive information like serial numbers or personal photos, you need to obfuscate parts of the screenshot. Although Paint lacks a one-click solution, you can manually pixelate the information.
Use the Select tool to highlight the area, then resize it smaller by dragging a corner handle. Resize it back to its original size to pixelate the content. The smaller you make it, the more blurred it becomes. Repeat if needed, or use the Shapes tool to cover the area with a matching background color.
How to Add Text to Screenshots
Adding text to screenshots for additional instructions is easy with the Text tool, represented by an A on the Ribbon. Click where you want to place the text and start typing. Adjust the font size and other settings through the Text tab in the Ribbon.
Once you’ve placed the text and clicked out of the text box, it’s set permanently. To make any changes, you’ll need to undo (Ctrl + Z) and try again.
How to Resize and Rotate Your Screenshots
To adjust the dimensions of your screenshot, use the Resize and Rotate buttons located in the Image section. Ensure the maintain aspect ratio box is checked to avoid distortion. Resize as a percentage or by absolute pixels based on your needs.
Saving Your Screenshot
When saving your edited screenshot, you generally have two options: PNG or JPEG. PNG offers higher quality but occupies more space, while JPEG is more space-efficient but may suffer from quality loss. Choose based on your specific requirements.