Looking for a great free tool to capture pictures from web pages, word documents, and other things you want to share?

I know that most computers have the option of using a Print Screen key but, I have never gotten that to capture just a small piece of my screen. Maybe I am doing it wrong but rather than messing with it I just found another way.

I use the free version of ScreenHunter. You can find downloads for this all over online. I will let you pick where you choose to download the program from. Yes, they do also have a paid version (about $20 US) which gives you a few more tools but, I have never used it.

A quick tutorial so you have a little information about how to use Screenhunter once you have downloaded and installed it.

Open Screen Hunter on your desktop (or where ever you have it saved).

Once open you will see that on this page you can Capture your page to ClipBoard and or File. I have both checked.

In the next box you can chose the File Type – GIF, Bitmap, Jpeg. You can also choose GreyScale or Color.

The next box down will allow you to Click on File Name and name your capture. When you do click this, a new box will open, Static File Naming Options.

The PREFIX will be the Name you choose for your picture.
You can then choose to number the pictures in case you will be taking more than one, this will help you keep track of the order.

Date and Time can also be included in the next box.

As you move down you will then see a preview of what your file name will be.

Overwrite Options will be the last area. I have it checked to Never Overwrite. If you happen to not use the numbers options at the top – you will have a chance of overwriting any pictures that you do on that same day. So be sure to Never Overwrite Or You MUST allow your captures to be numbered.

Once you have set up your file name you can click OK.

You will now be returned to the main ScreenHunter page.

The last thing you need to do here is pick a Folder where you would like your Captured picture to be stored.

From the Menu on the Left you will click on the FROM tab.

Here you have easy choices.
You can choose a Hotkey if you would like to use one.

You have the option to include your Mouse Pointer in the capture or uncheck so it will not show.

Capture What –
If you would like to capture just a portion of the page you will want to choose the Rectangular Area. This way when you are ready you will get a movable box to designate what you are taking the picture of.

Active Window will be the – window that is open.

Full Screen is just that – it will be a picture of your entire monitor screen.

Now how to use it!!!
With ScreenHunter Open, click the big Stand By button on the top. This will place the hand icon on your lower right in the task bar (on Windows).

Open your webpage, word document, or what ever you would like to capture a picture of.

Right click on the ScreenHunter Hand icon.

Click on Capture Now. If you are using Full Screen it will immediately capture your entire screen. If you have chosen Rectangular Area; You will have a set of red box lines appear. To arrange your area- move your curser to the top left of the area you want included in the picture. Click and drag to the bottom right of all details you want included. Once you release the curser button the picture will be taken. So, hold down the button until you are sure you have the box placed.

I then suggest that you place ScreenHunter on Stand By again while you check to make sure your picture is exactly what you want.

Your picture is now saved in the folder you chose earlier. If it is not correct just throw it in the recycle bin and try again.

Now you have captured a picture to use on your site, blog, or just save it for yourself.

Since I can not place raw code on my blog I used this method to capture pictures from a word document to use as examples on my post about HTML Picture Code for Websites and Blogs

And pictures from a website on my post about How to make a signature line on Forums

This is the easiest program I have used to do a capture. Like anything you may have to play with it a few times but, then it is easy as pie (or eating pie).

I hope this has helped you find a good program to use or at least opened your eyes to some possibilities.

Sheryl Loch