/Snippet-Tool-Plus-Plus

Better Version of Snippet Tool

Primary LanguagePowerShell

Snipping Tool++

A powerful, feature-rich PowerShell-based screenshot utility that enhances the Windows screenshot experience with professional-grade features, automatic organization, and customizable borders. Perfect for both casual users and professionals who need a reliable screenshot tool.

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Why Choose Snipping Tool++

For General Users

  • Simpler Than Paint: No need to paste into Paint and save manually
  • Automatic Organization: Never lose a screenshot again with automatic sorting
  • Quick Access: All your screenshots are just one click away
  • Enhanced Visuals: Add professional-looking borders automatically
  • Zero Configuration: Works right out of the box with smart defaults
  • Clipboard Ready: Screenshots are automatically copied to your clipboard
  • User-Friendly: Simple, intuitive interface that anyone can use

For Professionals

  • Workflow Integration:
    • Timestamp-based naming for easy tracking
    • Consistent file organization
    • Automated border generation for professional documentation
  • Time Saving Features:
    • No manual editing required for borders
    • Quick access to recent captures
    • Batch processing capabilities
  • Documentation Ready:
    • Perfect for technical documentation
    • Consistent screenshot styling
    • Professional-grade output
  • Customization Options:
    • Configurable border properties
    • Adjustable file organization
    • Extensible PowerShell framework

Features in Detail

Core Features

  • Precision Capture System:

    • Click-and-drag selection interface
    • Real-time selection preview
    • High-resolution capture support
    • Multi-monitor compatibility
  • Automatic Organization:

    • Creates dedicated Pictures\Snippets folder
    • Timestamp-based naming (YYMMDD_HHMMSS.png)
    • Automatic file management
    • Easy access to screenshot history
  • Border Generation:

    • Customizable border colors
    • Adjustable border width (1-10 pixels)
    • Toggle borders on/off
    • Preview border settings
  • User Interface:

    • Clean, modern design
    • Status notifications
    • Visual feedback
    • Intuitive controls

How It Works

Technical Overview

The tool is built using PowerShell and leverages the .NET Framework for its core functionality. It uses:

  • System.Windows.Forms for the GUI
  • System.Drawing for image manipulation
  • Custom C# classes for screen selection
  • Native Windows APIs for clipboard operations

Key Components

  1. Selection Engine:

    • Transparent overlay for selection
    • Real-time drawing of selection rectangle
    • Cross-hair cursor for precision
    • Right-click cancellation support
  2. Image Processing:

    • High-quality screenshot capture
    • Border generation algorithm
    • Automatic image formatting
    • Memory-efficient processing
  3. File Management:

    • Automatic directory creation
    • Unique filename generation
    • File system error handling
    • Path validation

Usage Guide

Basic Usage

  1. Launch the script
  2. Click "New Snippet"
  3. Select screen area
  4. Screenshot is automatically:
    • Saved to Snippets folder
    • Copied to clipboard
    • Available for immediate viewing

Advanced Usage

  1. Border Customization:

    • Enable/disable borders
    • Select border color
    • Adjust border width
    • Preview settings
  2. File Management:

    • Access recent screenshots
    • Browse snippets folder
    • View capture history
    • Organize captures

Installation and Setup

Requirements

  • Windows PowerShell 5.1 or higher
  • .NET Framework 4.5 or higher
  • System.Windows.Forms assembly
  • System.Drawing assembly

Installation Steps

  1. Download Snipping Tool++.ps1
  2. Right-click and select "Run with PowerShell"
  3. Optional: Create desktop shortcut
  4. Optional: Add to startup

Best Practices

For Documentation

  • Use consistent border settings
  • Establish naming conventions
  • Regular backup of Snippets folder
  • Organize by project/date

For Personal Use

  • Keep default settings for consistency
  • Regular cleanup of old screenshots
  • Use keyboard shortcuts when available
  • Familiarize with quick access features

Technical Details

Architecture

The tool uses a hybrid PowerShell/C# architecture:

  • PowerShell for system integration
  • C# for performance-critical components
  • Windows Forms for UI
  • GDI+ for image processing

Performance

  • Optimized for minimal memory usage
  • Fast capture and processing
  • Efficient file handling
  • Responsive user interface

Future Development

Planned Features

  • Hotkey support
  • Additional border styles
  • Annotation tools
  • Cloud integration
  • Multiple output formats
  • Batch processing
  • Configuration profiles

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to:

  • Report bugs
  • Suggest features
  • Submit pull requests
  • Improve documentation

License

This tool is provided as-is under the MIT license. Feel free to modify and distribute according to your needs.

Support

For issues, questions, or suggestions:

  • Create an issue on GitHub
  • Fork and submit improvements
  • Share your use cases

Notes

  • Screenshots are saved in PNG format for quality
  • The tool creates necessary folders automatically
  • Interface remains topmost during capture
  • Maintains clipboard contents for easy sharing