Using the Windows 11 Snipping Tool Delay Timer to Capture Complex Screenshots

Using the Windows 11 Snipping Tool Delay Timer to Capture Complex Screenshots

If you've ever tried to capture a screenshot of something like a drop-down menu or a tooltip in Windows 11, you know that it can be frustrating to time your screenshot just right. The Snipping Tool has a handy Delay Timer feature that makes it easy to grab the screenshot you need.  

What is the Snipping Tool’s Delay Timer?

The Delay Timer is an option in the Windows 11 Snipping Tool that allows you to set a short delay before your screenshot is actually captured. This gives you time to set up your screen, open menus, or hover over elements that take time to appear. You can choose a delay of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds. 

How to use the Delay Timer in the Snipping Tool 

1. Open the Snipping Tool.
   From the Windows Start Menu, search for Snipping Tool.
2. Click the Delay Snip button on the toolbar. 
3. Select a 3 second, 5 second or 10 second delay time. This delay is the amount of time Snipping Tool will wait before automatically taking the screenshot after you've selected your snipping mode.
   
   
   
4. Choose your Snipping mode.
   Click the Snipping mode menu (next to the Delay Snip button) and select the type of snip you want to take (Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, Full-Screen Snip, or Freeform Snip).
5. Open the application or window you want to capture. With the timer activated, you now have the freedom to position your screen and open any menus or tooltips that need to be captured. 
6. Take your screenshot.
   Press the Windows logo key + Shift + S to start your screenshot
7. Edit and Save.
   Use the Snipping Tools, such as drawing, highlighting, or cropping. Remember to save your snip (PNG, JPEG, etc.).

Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu