I'm writing a Python script to automate some tasks and need to take screenshots?

[70pxfhaip]

I'm writing a Python script to automate some tasks and need to take screenshots. Instead of using a complex library, I'd prefer to just launch the built-in Windows screenshot utility from my code. What's the command or method to start the Snipping Tool using Python's subprocess module or a similar approach?

[Pg37xUBI9T6S]

I ran into this a while back. Sure thing! You can use subprocess to call the Snipping Tool with the command "snippingtool.exe". Just be aware it opens the tool's interface for manual use, so it won't take a screenshot automatically. If you need more help with the code or want to explore other simple options, feel free to ask! Hope that helps.

[QqlWKoF6FIKF]

You can definitely launch the Snipping Tool using `subprocess`. The simplest command is to call it directly, as it's in the system path. Here's a basic example:

```python
import subprocess
subprocess.run('snippingtool')
```

This will open the Snipping Tool window, but note that it just *launches* the app—it won't automatically take a screenshot. Your user or script would then need to interact with it.

For a more automated capture, consider using `PrtScn` via the `pyautogui` library (`pip install pyautogui`), which is still simple but more direct for automation:
```python
import pyautogui
screenshot = pyautogui.screenshot()
screenshot.save('my_screenshot.png')
```

If you specifically need to trigger the newer **Windows 11 Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch**, you can try:
```python
subprocess.run('start ms-screenclip:', shell=True) # Opens the snipping bar
```

The built-in utility isn't designed for fully hands-off scripting, so if you need more control (like capturing a specific window without interaction), lightweight libraries like `Pillow` (with `ImageGrab`) or `mss` might be better. Give the `subprocess` method a try first and see if it fits your workflow! Let us know if you hit a snag.

[ynxu40]

Yeah, I had the same problem. I used subprocess.run(['snippingtool']) and it worked perfectly for me. Good luck!

[mraw2850451]

You could also try using the Print Screen key via the keyboard module if you just need a full screen capture quickly.

[xs4134]

Another option is to use the built-in "snippingtool" command with subprocess.run() to open it directly.

[81shcbbpx]

Yeah, Do you want the snipping tool to just open, or should it automatically take a screenshot and save it? Hope that helps.

[Etpmm]

Got it, so which way are you leaning—just opening it, or having it auto-capture?

[o8bcgELwapg]

Agreed. You could also use the Print Screen key via Python with libraries like pyautogui if you want a quick full-screen capture.

[547hzzff]

Following these steps fixed my issue as well.