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How to Open the Snipping Tool in Batch Script

The Snipping Tool (SnippingTool.exe) is a handy, built-in Windows utility that allows you to capture screenshots of your screen. From a batch script, you might want to launch it as part of a "helper" or "toolkit" script that opens several common applications at once, or simply to create a quick command-line shortcut to it.

This guide will teach you the simple, direct command to launch the Snipping Tool. More importantly, it will explain the best practice for doing so using the START command, which prevents your script from pausing and waiting for the tool to close.

The Core Command: SnippingTool.exe​

The executable for the Snipping Tool is SnippingTool.exe. It is a standard Windows utility located in the System32 folder, which is included in the system's PATH environment variable by default. This means you can run it directly by name from any command prompt.

Syntax: SnippingTool.exe

This command has no common command-line arguments for simple launching; its only purpose is to start the graphical application.

note

In recent versions of Windows 10 and 11, the classic Snipping Tool is being replaced by the "Snip & Sketch" app. Running SnippingTool.exe may automatically launch the newer app, but the command itself remains valid.

If you run SnippingTool.exe directly from a batch script, your script will halt and wait until you have completely closed the Snipping Tool window. This is "blocking" behavior. The standard and recommended method for launching any GUI application is to use the START command, which runs the program in a new, separate process, allowing your script to continue without waiting.

Syntax: START "" SnippingTool.exe

  • START: Launches the command in a new process.
  • "": A "dummy" title, which is a best practice for the START command to ensure reliability and correct handling of paths.

Basic Example: A Simple "Launch Snipping Tool" Script​

This script will launch the Snipping Tool and then immediately finish, without waiting for the tool to be used or closed.

@ECHO OFF
TITLE Snipping Tool Launcher
ECHO --- Opening the Snipping Tool ---
ECHO.
ECHO The Snipping Tool will now open.
ECHO The script will not wait for it to be closed.

START "" SnippingTool.exe

ECHO.
ECHO --- The 'start' command has finished. ---

When you run this, the Snipping Tool will appear, and the command prompt window will close right away.

How the Command Works​

The SnippingTool.exe executable is a standard graphical application. When your script calls it using START, the Windows Shell finds the executable in System32 and launches it in its own process, completely independent of the cmd.exe process that is running your script.

Common Pitfalls and How to Solve Them​

The SnippingTool.exe command is very simple and has few pitfalls.

  • Blocking vs. Non-Blocking: The main issue is forgetting to use START. If you just use SnippingTool.exe, your script will freeze until the tool is closed. Solution: Unless you specifically want your script to pause, always use START "" SnippingTool.exe to launch it.
  • Command Not Found: This is extremely unlikely, as the Snipping Tool is a standard Windows component. If it were to happen, it would suggest a problem with the Windows installation itself.

Practical Example: A "Screen Capture Helper" Script​

This script provides a user-friendly menu that gives instructions and then launches the Snipping Tool, making it a helpful utility for users who might not know what the tool is.

@ECHO OFF
SETLOCAL
TITLE Screen Capture Helper

:Menu
CLS
ECHO --- Screen Capture Utility ---
ECHO.
ECHO This script will open the Windows Snipping Tool, which allows you
ECHO to capture a screenshot of a portion of your screen.
ECHO.
ECHO 1. Launch Snipping Tool
ECHO 2. Quit
ECHO.

CHOICE /C 12 /M "Please enter your choice: "

IF %ERRORLEVEL% EQU 2 GOTO :End
IF %ERRORLEVEL% EQU 1 GOTO :Launch

:Launch
    ECHO.
    ECHO Launching the Snipping Tool now...
    START "" SnippingTool.exe
    GOTO :End

:End
ECHO.
ECHO Exiting.
ENDLOCAL

Conclusion​

Launching the Snipping Tool from a batch script is a simple and direct task.

Key takeaways:

  • The executable name is SnippingTool.exe.
  • The command takes no special arguments for a standard launch.
  • It is a best practice to launch it with the START "" SnippingTool.exe command to prevent your script from pausing and waiting for the application to close.

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