The Snipping Tool allows for basic image editing of the snapshot, with different colored pens, an eraser, and a highlighter.

Before Windows Vista, the Snipping Tool, originally known as the Clipping Tool, was included in the Experience Pack for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.

It was originally released as a PowerToy for the Microsoft Tablet PC launch on November 7, 2002.

It was first named Screen Sketch, and was initially a component of the Windows Ink Workspace.

[9][10][11] Since the update on March 14, 2023, Snipping Tool has a screen recording function.