TL;DR
Use OneNote screen clipping to quickly capture any part of your screen and send it directly to OneNote. Press Windows + Shift + S to activate the snipping tool and select the area you want to clip. The image is automatically sent to the clipboard and can be pasted into OneNote. Ideal for saving screenshots, visual references, or online content without hassle.
If you frequently need to grab visual content, knowing how to use OneNote screen clipping is a game changer. Whether it’s a graph, a section of a web page, or a snippet from a document, screen clippings make capturing and storing information fast and effective. This feature streamlines your workflow, allowing you to gather and organize visuals directly in OneNote.
What Is OneNote Screen Clipping?
Screen clipping in OneNote lets you select and capture a specific portion of your screen and automatically insert it into your notes. Unlike general screenshot tools, this feature integrates directly with OneNote, making it seamless to save and organize captured content without leaving the app.
How to Use OneNote Screen Clipping
Here is how you can take advantage of this built-in feature:
Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Windows + Shift + S
- Your screen dims and your cursor changes to a crosshair
- Click and drag to select the area you want to capture
- The image is saved to your clipboard
- Open OneNote and press Ctrl + V to paste the clipping
Note: If you’re using an older version of OneNote or Windows, the shortcut might be Windows + S or Alt + N + R in OneNote’s ribbon menu.
Method 2: Use the Insert Menu in OneNote
- Open OneNote and go to the page where you want the clipping
- Click on Insert in the top ribbon
- Select Screen Clipping
- OneNote minimizes, and your screen dims
- Select the area you want to capture
- The clipping will be placed directly into your note
Why Use Screen Clipping in OneNote?
Screen clipping is ideal for:
- Capturing visual content during online research
- Inserting parts of presentations or documents
- Saving data or charts for future reference
- Creating tutorials or how-to guides
- Annotating and highlighting screenshots
All these clippings can be organized into notebooks, sections, or even shared with others.
Where Are Screen Clippings Saved in OneNote?
By default, screen clippings are pasted on the currently active page or wherever your cursor is. You can:
- Move and resize them
- Add text, drawings, or highlights
- Use tags to categorize clippings
- Search through OCR-detected text inside images
Advantages of Using OneNote for Screen Clipping
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Integrated with OneNote | No need for third-party tools |
| Supports OCR | Searchable text in images |
| Quick shortcut access | Capture within seconds |
| Cloud sync | Available on all your devices |
| Organized storage | Keep visual notes with context |
Pro Tips for OneNote Screen Clipping
- Combine with tags to categorize your visual notes
- Use page titles to give context to your clipped images
- Insert date/time near clippings for tracking purposes
- Create a dedicated section just for screen clippings
Use Cases for Screen Clipping in OneNote
- Students: Capture portions of slides or textbook pages
- Professionals: Grab dashboards, charts, or email confirmations
- Writers/Researchers: Save references and citations visually
- Designers: Snap design inspiration or visual assets
FAQ – OneNote Screen Clipping
How do I screen clip in OneNote?
Press Windows + Shift + S, select the area, and paste it into OneNote with Ctrl + V.
Can I search for text inside my screen clipping?
Yes. OneNote supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allowing you to search for text within images.
Why isn’t my shortcut working?
Ensure that your Windows and OneNote versions are up to date. Some shortcuts vary by version.
Can I edit the clipping after inserting?
You can resize or move it, but direct editing requires using external tools like Paint or a third-party editor.
Where do screen clippings go by default?
They are placed in the currently active OneNote page or pasted wherever your cursor is.
Can I clip across multiple monitors?
Yes, the tool supports multi-monitor setups. You can clip from any active screen.
Final Thoughts
Mastering OneNote screen clipping means you never have to lose important visual information again. Whether you’re studying, researching, or planning, this built-in feature makes your workflow smarter, faster, and more organized. With a simple shortcut and intuitive interface, it’s one of OneNote’s most practical tools.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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