Screenshot modes
Use rectangle, freeform, polygon, and multi-window screenshots in PixPin. Learn to add or remove capture regions and switch between modes.
PixPin uses rectangle screenshots by default. Switch to another screenshot mode when you need an irregular shape or several windows in the same image.
- Rectangle screenshotSelect a rectangle, or detect windows and elements.
- Freeform screenshotHold the mouse button and draw any shape.
- Polygon screenshotClick each vertex to select a polygon.
- Multi-window screenshotCombine several windows in one screenshot.
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Rectangle screenshot | Most situations. Drag a rectangular selection, or automatically detect windows and interface elements. |
| Freeform screenshot | Hold down the mouse button and draw any shape to capture irregular content, such as a person or a pattern. |
| Polygon screenshot | Click each vertex to capture a polygon. Useful for following interface edges to capture L-shaped or stepped regions. |
| Multi-window screenshot | Select multiple windows and combine them in one screenshot, removing the background between them. |
In every mode except rectangle screenshot, areas outside the selection are transparent in the resulting image. Saving in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG, preserves the transparent background.
Rectangle screenshot
The default mode. Drag to select a rectangular region, or move the pointer over a window or interface element for automatic detection. See Basic screenshots.
Freeform screenshot
Switch to Freeform screenshot.
Hold down the mouse button and trace the outline of the content you want to capture.
Release the mouse button. The start and end points connect automatically to close the selection.
Polygon screenshot
Switch to Polygon screenshot.
Click each vertex. PixPin connects them in order with straight lines.
Double-click the last vertex, or right-click, to finish drawing. The selection closes automatically.
A selection needs at least three vertices. Right-clicking with fewer vertices cancels the drawing.
Rounded corners: By default, each corner of a polygon selection is slightly rounded for softer screenshot edges. Adjust Polygon corner radius on the Screenshot page in settings, from 0 to 10. Set it to 0 for sharp corners.
Multi-window screenshot
Use a multi-window screenshot to put several windows in one image, such as when comparing the interfaces of two applications:
Switch to Multi-window screenshot.
Move the pointer over a window and click to select the first window.
Click Add capture area in the info bar, then click another window to add it. Repeat to add more windows.
To remove a window you no longer need, click Remove capture area, then click that window.
The finished screenshot contains only the selected windows. The desktop and other content between them become transparent.
Add or remove capture regions
In freeform, polygon, and multi-window screenshots, you can continue changing the shape after selecting a region:
- Add a region: Click Add capture area in the info bar, then draw the part to add. It merges with the original selection.
- Remove a region: Click Remove capture area, then draw the part to remove. It is cut out of the selection.
Use the drawing method of the current mode: hold down the mouse button and trace an outline in freeform mode, click vertices in polygon mode, or click a window or drag a rectangular selection in multi-window mode. To cancel partway through, press EscEsc or right-click. The original selection is restored.
Switch screenshot modes
While taking a screenshot, press Ctrl+Tab⌃ Control+Tab to display the four mode buttons:
- Keep holding down Ctrl⌃ Control and press TabTab to move to the next mode. Release Ctrl⌃ Control to apply it.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Tab⌃ Control+⇧ Shift+Tab to move to the previous mode.
- You can also click a mode button directly.
After you switch to a mode other than rectangle screenshot and finish capturing, PixPin asks whether to keep using the current screenshot mode next time. Choose to keep it, and the screenshot shortcut will open that mode in future. Otherwise, the next screenshot starts in rectangle mode.
Related articles
Screenshot basics
Learn how to start a PixPin screenshot, select and adjust areas, use the magnifier and visual effects, choose actions, and manage screenshot history.
Custom and delayed screenshots
Set a fixed screenshot size or position in PixPin, reuse your last capture region, add a delay, and create or manage presets for frequent captures.