In this article, I will be reviewing one of the two best screenshot tools I have used. It is going to be a close call as both tools have a lot to offer.
As a writer and an instructor, I am often obligated to share practical ways of carrying out processes on the computer and screenshot makes it all the easier. They have come in handy in preparing presentations, writing articles, technical guides, etc.
Here are a few things to note before we get to the meat of it.
With these tools, you are inclined to use the most user-friendly more often than not. This implies you are looking for a tool that gives a good amount of hotkey functionality, in addition to saving format choices, etc.
Additionally, you want a tool that is lightweight enough to not cause lag on your computer, especially if your computer is deficient in memory or processing power.
With this said, let us jump into it with this Snagit vs Snipping tool comparison.
Snagit vs Snipping Tool – Which Should I Use?
Easy to Use:-
All you have to do to get a screenshot using the Snipping tool is to click launch the Snipping Tool. To start the tool use hotkeys Windows + Shift + S.
You then go ahead to select the area of the screen you wish to capture. Once you have captured it, the image appears on the editing screen.
On the other hand, using Snagit takes a bit of learning and mastery. This is because it has more features, settings, and many ways you can choose to screenshot the image. If you learn how to use these features, taking screenshots will become easier.
To fully enjoy the privileges that come with using Snagit, you may need to use more recent PC models. If not, the application will be laggy. This problem is due to all the advanced features it packs.
The tool also requires a registration, Hence if you are concerned about privacy then this may be a discouraging factor, even though not a deal-breaker in my opinion.
That said, if the aim is to conserve system resources, you may rather stick to Snipping Tool.
In the easy-to-use comparison, we lean more toward the former, because of its simplistic and easy-to-use model.
However, for persons looking to do elaborate work, this will not be an important factor, especially since once you get past downloading and installing the bulky Snagit file, you are all set to go.
Platform Support:-
Snipping Tools has always been packaged with the Windows OS. It was first featured in Windows Vista and since then, it has always been a member of the Windows family.
If you’re using a Windows OS, then you will have access to use the Snipping Tool. Unfortunately, Mac users cannot enjoy this package as it is not supported, but there are other options available.
This is where Snagit comes into play, as it has been developed to function on Windows and Mac OS. This makes it an option perfect for working across your different OS versions, and perfect for making instructions and guides across these.
Hence, in this Snagit vs Snipping Tool platform support comparison, Snagit comes highly recommended since it is supported on both Mac and Windows OSs.
Screenshot Capabilities:-
The Snipping Tool’s features are quite simple even though they are a great improvement from its previous version in Windows Vista days.
The Snipping Tool has a preset delay of about 1-5 seconds and this allows the completion of processes before you can take a screenshot.
The tool lets you change the shape of a snip using either the Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or the Full-screen Snip.
Configurable options like a straightforward copy on Snipping Tool are limited although it is loaded with other settings and features you can enjoy.
On the other hand, Snagit is filled with advanced features like panorama capture, text capture, window capture, and other captures you will find useful.
There are effects that can be added to a screenshot process coupled with a number of ways images can be shared with other apps.
With Snagit, the features just do not stop amazing you. You can capture video moments from your computer screen or from a webcam. The tools simplify the process of making ‘how-to’ video using live voice narration.
In screenshot capabilities, Snagit takes the lead with its never-ending advanced features that are just the right touch you need for your screen captures.
Editing:-
Editing screenshots is a crucial part of taking screenshots. This is where we put in all the necessary detail like text, arrows, or special effect that better conveys what the captured image is all about.
You may sometimes use Photoshop when editing, this can be a drag especially when you have complex tools that should be making editing easy and fun.
Snagit and Snipping Tool make editing so much easier, although, the editing capabilities of the Snipping Tool are limited but user friendly.
The editing features would allow you to draw lines and highlight areas on the captured screen.
Here Snagit is a clear winner, it gives you the opportunity for annotating diagrams, cropping, blurring, etc.
Screenshot Quality:-
If you do tasks like writing instructional documents or writing an email about an error sign, you may not need to have the best image quality to do so, but if it requires that you take shots for a book, then there will be a minimum requirement in the image quality.
Both Snagit and Snipping Tool have an image default of 92 dpi. If you compare two screenshots taken by the two tools, you will notice that the difference is little.
But if you need a higher image quality of about 300 dpi or more, then the Snagit tool is your best bet.
Snagit tool has a setting adjustment where you can change the image quality setting to get the best screenshot quality while the Snipping tool does not have such an adjusting feature.
Hence, in the Snagit vs Snipping tool comparison, your best shot at getting the best image quality is using the Snagit tool.
Text Quality:-
The text feature has the amazing ability to take a text from an image and convert it into plain text that you can paste on a different document of your choice.
This feature saves a whole lot of time retyping a book.
Sadly, Snipping Tool does not offer its users this feature, you will have to manually retype any text you wish to paste on a different document.
Video Support:-
You probably think that tools like Snagit and Snipping tool only capture images. The truth is that while Snipping Tool screenshot images, Snagit can let you video actions on your screen.
The feature will even include audio from your webcam which is the perfect setting for making tutorial videos.
The video recorder on Sangit includes features for Cursor capture, Microphone recording, and system audio recording.
After recording you will have the option to edit the recorded video in the in-app recorder as well.
Pricing:-
If you use a Windows PC, then Snipping Tool is already installed on it. You do not have to pay to use it. It is totally supported on every Windows computer.
On the other hand, you would have to pay a user fee. Snagit offers 4 different pricing plans as follows:
- Individual for 1 user – $62.99
- Business / user – $62.99
- Education /user – $37.99
- Government and non-profit $53.99
Other Great Screenshot Options
In this article, we have reviewed two screenshot tools, but there are a host of others you may be interested in exploring.
We believe that for a free option, Snipping Tool does pack a lot of features, but for more productivity, Snagit may be the way to got.
However, the list does not end here. Other great options to look at include:
- Greenshot
- ShareX
- PicPick
- Lightshot
- ScreenRec
How Can I Get the Best Out of Screenshot Tools?
1. By demonstrating how to perform a role
It’s not enough to tell, but it’s also important to demonstrate. With these tools, you can use a screenshot to show exactly what you mean. There’s less danger of being misinterpreted if you use a screenshot that indicates exactly the things you have said.
As a result, there will be less confusion, less time spent in explaining, and more time available to do other things during the day.
As an example, you could explain the log-in process to a client or new user, by leaving notes, figures, and an explanation on screenshots of the process.
2. Collaboration
Is your coworker looking for your opinion on a website they’ve created? Or are they requiring your assistance in reviewing a brochure that they have printed? Imply screenshot it and wow them with outstanding, concise feedback instead of writing a long email with modifications.
3. Show exact details
You’ve probably been requested to send a screenshot if you’ve ever had to contact the web or IT Support Team to report a bug.
This is a requirement because no two computer issues are always the same. The way a bug manifests for one user may differ for another user depending on the computers involved, the OS it’s running, and the browser version used.
Presenting exact representations of the issue makes it easier for it to be resolved.
FAQs: Snagit Vs Snipping Tool
How can I access the free version of Snagit?
To use the Snagit tool long-term, you will have to pay an access fee of $49.95 but it has a 30-day free trial with full access to its features. This can get you started while you decide whether to continue or not.
What tool is better than Snipping Tool?
If what you are looking for is way beyond taking screenshots, then there are other tools available for you. Snagit is one such tool that gives you professional good quality in creating how-to content.
Does Snagit do the same job as Snipping Tool?
Both tolls are perfect for screenshots but Snagit lets you do more with captured images. It lets you mark the captured image with arrows, numbers, and callouts while combining them in an organized piece.
Final Thought
Taking screenshots plays an important role at work especially if you need an application that you would use to make tutorials on your computer screen.
The comparison between Snagit vs Snipping Tool is one that may leave you confused about what works best for your work.
If this is the case, you can test run both software by using them. Snagit offers a 30-day free trial that you can optimize.
Let me know which one works best for you after trying them out.
Also, if you are interested in new options, any of these 11 Snipping tool alternatives may be worth the try.
