Creative Use of Custom Stamps in SnagIt to Easily Identify Screenshot Environments

Mark Your Screenshots with Environment-Specific Custom Stamps for Clarity and Efficiency

If you've ever taken screenshots of software across different environments ? maybe production, staging, or testing ? you probably know how easy it is to lose track of which environment the screenshot came from. This confusion can lead to costly mistakes, especially when sharing or documenting bug reports. A creative and highly effective way to solve this problem is by using custom stamps to clearly mark your screenshots.

In this post, I'm going to show you how to create and use custom stamp icons in SnagIt to visually identify the environment where the screenshot was taken. For a bonus touch, I'll share how I use color to quickly convey whether something is "good" or "bad."

What Are Custom Stamps?

Custom stamps are graphic overlays that you can add to your screenshots to communicate additional information at a glance. Think of them like a digital sticker that tells you exactly what you need to know ? like the environment type ? without having to dig deeper into documentation or notes. This small visual addition makes your images much more meaningful and useful, particularly for Quality Assurance (QA) or documentation purposes.

Some of the Environment stamps that I have: QA2, Prod and DEV.

My Setup for Custom Stamps

I create custom stamps using Affinity Designer, but you can use any graphic editor that allows you to create images with transparent backgrounds, including SnagIt. The stamps I use feature a monitor screen that includes the name of the environment. The beauty of this approach is that you can easily tailor the visuals to match your needs. Here's what I do:

1. Environment-Specific Monitors: Each stamp includes a small monitor icon, and on that monitor, the environment name is written clearly (e.g., "Production," "Staging," "Development").
2. Color-Coding for Quick Reference: I use colors to convey an immediate visual signal about the environment:
   • Green Screen: For safe environments, such as Staging or Testing, I use a green color to indicate that changes made here won't impact end-users.
   • Red Screen: For Production, I use a red color to signal caution. This tells the viewer that any changes in this environment are critical and require extra scrutiny.

How to Create Custom Stamps

Here's a simple guide to creating your own custom stamps:

1. Choose Your Tool: You can use Affinity Designer, SnagIt, or even something like Canva or GIMP. The key is to use a tool that lets you create transparent backgrounds.
2. Design the Monitor Icon: Create a small graphic of a monitor screen. This monitor will serve as the base of your stamp. You can be creative here - add a bit of shadow or depth to make it look polished.
3. Add Environment Labels: Label the monitor with the environment name: "Prod," "Stage," etc. Make sure the text is readable and short - like a street sign would be.
4. Apply Color Coding: Use a colored screen on the monitor to indicate status: green for good environments, red for bad code, yellow for testing, etc.
5. Save in Transparent Format: Save your image as a .PNG with a transparent background, which will allow it to blend seamlessly into your screenshot.

Applying Custom Stamps to Your Screenshots in SnagIt

Once you have your custom stamps ready, you can easily apply them using SnagIt. In SnagIt, you can create a stamp library where you store these custom stamps for quick access.

To add a stamp in SnagIt:

1. Open your screenshot in the SnagIt Editor.
2. Navigate to the Stamps Tool.
3. Select your custom stamp from your library and drag it onto the screenshot.
4. Position the stamp somewhere that won't obstruct key information. I usually place mine in the top-right corner for consistency.

Get Creative with Your Own Stamps

The beauty of custom stamps is that they are totally adaptable to your workflow. Want to create different icons for different users (e.g., Admin vs.?Standard user)? Go for it! You could also make stamps to indicate the date the screenshot was taken or the version number of the software.

Pro Tip: If you use Affinity Designer, you can create a template where you simply modify the text or color for each new environment stamp you need. This speeds up the process and keeps your stamps consistent. (Also useful when you want to create unique stamps for big projects.)

My collection of icons in Affinity Designer

Make Your Screenshots More Informative

Custom stamps make it easy to identify crucial details about the screenshot at a glance, eliminating guesswork and potential errors. I've found it particularly useful in QA processes, where the origin environment of an issue can make all the difference in terms of impact and priority.

Have fun creating your own stamps and seeing how much easier it makes organizing your screenshots! If you create some cool stamps, feel free to share them. I'd love to see what you come up with!

Streamline Your Screen Captures: How I Use a Gaming Mouse with SnagIt on macOS

Discover how a simple gaming mouse setup saves time and enhances efficiency for seamless screen captures on macOS, even with Windows-only configuration tools.

Arrow points to my Snagit Capture button.

As someone who takes countless screenshots for work, having a fast and reliable way to capture my screen is essential. Over time, I've honed my setup to make screen capturing a breeze, thanks to SnagIt and a Zelotes Ergonomic 7200 DPI LED Optical Wired Gaming Mouse. Here's how I use this combination to streamline my workflow.

Setting Up the Mouse for Mac SnagIt Users

The Zelotes mouse comes with configurable buttons, but there's a catch?it requires Windows to set them up. Here's how I made it work:

1. Configure on Windows: Using the Zelotes software, I mapped one of the mouse buttons to execute the Command + Shift + C shortcut, which triggers SnagIt's capture tool.
   
2. Plug and Play on Mac: Once the configuration is saved, it persists even when I plug the mouse into my MacBook. No additional setup is needed on macOS!

Why This Setup Works So Well

I've set SnagIt's All-In-One mode as the default capture action, which means with a single button press, I can start a capture and choose between Image or Video. Most of the time, I'm working with static images, and I frequently resize the capture area after the initial selection.

What I love about this setup is the convenience. The few seconds I save might seem minor, but the ease of having screen capture at my fingertips makes it all worthwhile. Plus, SnagIt's built-in editing tools allow me to polish 90% of my captures directly within the app.

Tips for Replicating This Setup

If you're considering trying something similar, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Windows Requirement: The Zelotes mouse configuration software is Windows-only. If you don't have access to a Windows machine, this solution might not work for you.
• Explore Alternatives: There are other mice with configurable buttons that might be easier to set up directly on macOS.
• Optimize Your Workflow: Whether you're capturing static images or videos, SnagIt's customization options can save you time and make your work more efficient.

My Mouse with the SnagIt Capture button at my finger tips.

Final Thoughts

This simple but effective setup combines the precision of a gaming mouse with the power of SnagIt to handle screen captures quickly and efficiently. If you frequently capture screens and want to add a bit of convenience to your process, consider a similar approach. It's small tweaks like these that make everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable.

Using the Fill Tool to Convert Colors to Transparent in Snagit 2024

A quick guide to making your images look professional with transparent backgrounds.

Top 5 Wednesday Blog Post

A Year in Review

As 2023 winds down, it's a perfect time to reflect on the wealth of content that has graced my blog. This year, I explored a diverse range of topics, from the latest in tech gadgets to unique local spots. Out of all the posts, there are five that stand out, each offering a unique perspective and valuable insights. Here's a look back at these top five blog posts:

1. GoPro 9 Wide Screen vs iPhone 14 Pro Max (Posted on February 22, 2023)

This post sparked a lot of interest, primarily because it tackled the question of which device captures the best wide-screen images: the GoPro 9 or the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I delved into detailed comparisons of image quality, user experience, and versatility, providing a comprehensive guide for photography enthusiasts.

2. GoPro Feet Adapter (Posted on May 3, 2023)

In this intriguing post, I reviewed the GoPro Feet Adapter, a nifty accessory that enhances the GoPro's capabilities. This post was particularly popular among adventure sports enthusiasts and GoPro users looking for ways to augment their filming experiences.

3. Legacy Technology Drawer (Posted on July 12, 2023)

A nostalgic journey into the past, this post explored the concept of a 'Legacy Technology Drawer', where old gadgets and tech treasures are stored. It struck a chord with readers who share a fascination with the evolution of technology and the sentimental value of older gadgets.

4. Ashland Marathon Park (Posted on September 13, 2023)

Breaking away from tech, this post took readers on a virtual tour of Ashland Marathon Park, highlighting its history, beauty, and the community's connection to it. It was a favorite among local readers and those interested in discovering new places.

5. Custom Templates in Snagit (Posted on October 11, 2023)

Rounding out the top five, this post focused on how to create and use custom templates in Snagit, a popular screen capture tool. It provided practical tips and creative ideas, making it a go-to resource for both novice and experienced Snagit users.

Reflections and Looking Forward

Each of these posts reflects a unique aspect of my interests and expertise, ranging from technology reviews to local explorations. As I look forward to another year of blogging, I'm excited to delve even deeper into these topics and explore new ones that capture the curiosity and imagination of my readers. Stay tuned for more adventures in tech, productivity, and beyond in 2024!

Using macOS Stationary Pad feature with Snagit

Make Your Own Templates!

I'm excited to share a nifty trick that combines Snagit's robust screen capturing capabilities with a lesser-known macOS feature: the Stationary Pad. This powerful duo can dramatically streamline your workflow by creating a reusable template library.

Step 1: Crafting Your Main Template in Snagit

The first step is to create your main template in Snagit. This template will serve as the basis for all your future work, so it's important to design it carefully. Consider the elements you frequently use, such as specific annotations, shapes, or text formats.

How to Create a Template in Snagit:

1. Open Snagit Editor and select the option to create a new image.
2. Design your template by adding placeholders, text, shapes, or any other elements you regularly use.
3. Once satisfied, save the file as a Snagit Capture file (.snag file).

Step 2: Transforming Your Template into a Stationary Pad File

Once your template is saved, the next step is to leverage macOS's Stationary Pad feature. This feature allows you to create a "master copy" of your file. Whenever you double-click this master copy, macOS automatically creates and opens a new instance, leaving the original file untouched.

Setting Up Stationary Pad:

1. Locate your saved Snagit file in the Finder.
2. Right-click on the file and select "Get Info." (or use the shortcut Command-i)
3. In the Info window, find and check the option labeled "Stationary Pad."

Step 3: Utilizing Your New Template

Now, every time you need to use your template, simply navigate to where you saved it and double-click the file. A new copy of your template will open in Snagit, ready for use. This method ensures that your original template remains unchanged, no matter how many times you use it.

Benefits for QA Professionals

• Consistency: Ensures all your captures maintain a consistent format.
• Efficiency: Reduces the time spent on setting up each new capture.
• Organization: Keeps your workspace tidy by reducing clutter.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency

• Customize for Different Needs: Create multiple templates for different types of QA tasks.
• Regular Updates: Periodically update your templates to reflect changes in your workflow.
• Template Folder: Create a Template folder in your home directory of all your Snagit Templates. If you make it easy to find, then you'll likely use it often.

Conclusion

By combining Snagit with macOS's Stationary Pad feature, you can significantly streamline your repetitive tasks. This approach not only saves time but also ensures a high level of consistency and organization in your work. Give it a try and see how it transforms your workflow!

Snagit - More than a Capture Tool

Use Snagit to Communicate Better

As a QA professional with extensive experience using Snagit, I've come to appreciate its versatility beyond just being a screen capture tool. In this week's post, I'd like to highlight how Snagit can be an invaluable asset for communicating messages quickly and effectively in various platforms like Slack, Jira, or email.

Efficient Communication in Slack, Jira, and Email

• Slack: Snagit allows you to capture parts of your screen and directly paste them into Slack conversations. This is particularly useful for quickly showcasing bugs, design issues, or explaining complex ideas that are hard to put into words.
• Jira: For bug tracking and project management in Jira, Snagit's screenshots can be attached to tickets to provide visual context. This is crucial for developers and designers to understand the exact nature of the issue.
• Email: Sometimes, an email needs more than just text. With Snagit, you can add annotated screenshots or quick screen recordings to your emails, making your communication more comprehensive and less prone to misinterpretation.

Leveraging the Snagit Editor for Enhanced Communication

• Annotations and Markups: Snagit's editor is robust, offering various tools for annotations like arrows, text, shapes, and more. These can be used to highlight or point out specific parts of your screen capture, making your message clearer.
• Step-by-Step Guides: You can create step-by-step instructional content by combining multiple screenshots. This is especially helpful in creating tutorials or guides.
• Customization: The editor allows you to personalize your captures with effects like borders, shadows, and filters. This can be useful for adhering to brand guidelines or just adding a personal touch to your communications.

Speed and Convenience

• Quick Access Toolbar: Snagit's toolbar allows for rapid screen captures and quick access to editing tools, streamlining the process of creating and sending out visual messages.
• Templates and Stamps: Pre-designed templates and stamps can save time, especially when you need to create consistent documentation or reports.

In conclusion, Snagit is much more than a simple screen capture tool. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with tools like Slack, Jira, and email, combined with its powerful editing features, makes it an essential tool for any QA professional looking to enhance their communication. Whether it's explaining a complex issue, creating a guide, or just making your point clearer, Snagit provides the means to do so efficiently and effectively.

QA App Buttons for Snagit

Some Custom Stamps for QA

Hello fellow Quality Assurance professionals! Today, I'm excited to share a tool that has significantly streamlined my QA workflow over the past five years: Snagit's Stamp tool. As a seasoned QA professional, I've found that the right tools can make a world of difference in our daily tasks. This week, I'm introducing five custom stamps designed specifically for our QA needs, styled as sleek Apple App buttons.

1. Snagit Stamp Tool: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the custom stamps, let's briefly touch on what the Snagit Stamp tool is. For those unfamiliar, Snagit is a powerful screen capture utility that goes beyond simple screenshots. One of its features, the Stamp tool, allows users to add predefined or custom icons to their screenshots, making annotations quicker and more intuitive.

2. Why Custom Stamps for QA?

In our field, communication clarity is key. Whether we're approving features, flagging issues, or noting minor concerns, our feedback needs to be instant and unmistakable. That's where these custom stamps come in. Designed to be intuitive and eye-catching, they convey our message at a glance.

Click on image to download file.

3. The Five Custom Stamps

• Approved Stamp: This stamp signifies that a feature or section has passed QA testing. It's clean, clear, and gives a green light for progress.
• Approved Green Stamp: Similar to the Approved stamp but in a vibrant green, symbolizing a strong go-ahead.
• Fail Stamp: Use this when something isn't up to par. It's a straightforward, no-miss way to indicate that a feature needs revisiting.
• Fail Red Stamp: The red variant of the Fail stamp, for when you need to emphasize an urgent or significant issue.
• Minor Issues Stamp: Not everything is black or white. This stamp is for those in-between scenarios where minor tweaks are needed.

4. How to Add These Stamps to Your Library

Adding these custom stamps to your Snagit library is easy. Here's how you do it:

Select Your Image: First, drag one of the images to the Snagit icon. (Or select File>Open within Snagit and select one of the images) Save As Stamp: Navigate to the top menu and choose File > Save As Stamp. This action adds your selected image to the 'Custom' section of the Stamp tool.

5. Download the Custom Stamps

I've made these stamps available for you to download and add to your personal stamp library. Download the Stamp Images.

Conclusion

Incorporating these custom Snagit stamps into your QA process can save time, reduce miscommunication, and add a touch of professionalism to your work. I encourage you to download them, try them out, and see the difference they make in your QA workflow.

Stay tuned for more QA tips and tools in future posts!

Snagit Signature Stamp

Create your Own Signature Stamp

What makes the Stamp tool remarkable is its simplicity and effectiveness. You can choose from a range of pre-made stamps or create your own. Here's where it gets exciting: incorporating your signature into screenshots. (Putting your signature on your testing!)

I recently experimented with adding my signature, crafted in the elegant Jamesville Script font, as a custom stamp in Snagit. The process was straightforward. I first created a signature in Jamesville Script, saved it as an image file, and then imported it into Snagit as a custom stamp. Now, with a few clicks, I can add a personal touch to my screenshots, whether for professional documentation or personal projects.

This feature is particularly useful for QA professionals like myself. We often need to sign off on captured images or mark them as reviewed. Adding a signature stamp not only streamlines this process but also adds a layer of personalization and authenticity.

In conclusion, Snagit's Stamp tool opens up a realm of possibilities for creative and practical applications. The ability to add a personal signature stamp, like the one in Jamesville Script, elevates your screen captures from mere images to personalized documents, reflecting both professionalism and a hint of personal style.

Mastering Snagit's Fill Tool

A Game Changer for QA Professionals

Today, I want to dive deep into one of its lesser-known but incredibly useful features - the Fill tool.

What is the Fill Tool in Snagit?

The Fill tool in Snagit is a simple yet powerful feature that allows you to replace a specific color in an image with another color of your choice. This can be incredibly useful for highlighting issues or anomalies in screenshots of software UIs, especially when dealing with design-related problems.

Why Use the Fill Tool for QA?

In QA, our job is not only to identify bugs but also to communicate them effectively to developers and designers. A picture is worth a thousand words, and using the Fill tool to highlight issues can make your bug reports significantly more effective and easier to understand.

Case Study: Highlighting a Navigation Bar Issue

Scenario: Imagine you're testing a web application and you find that a navigation bar, which shouldn't appear on a certain page, is visible.

Before Using the Fill Tool: You take a screenshot of the page. The unwanted navigation bar is there, but it doesn't stand out in the screenshot, making it less obvious to someone who wasn't directly involved in the testing process.

After Using the Fill Tool: You use Snagit's Fill tool to change the color of the problematic navigation bar. Now, it's vividly highlighted, instantly drawing attention to the issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Fill Tool

1. Capture the Screenshot: First, use Snagit to take a screenshot of the issue.
2. Open the Image Editor: Open the screenshot in Snagit's image editor.
3. Select the Fill Tool: Choose the Fill tool from the tool menu.
4. Choose Your Color: Select the color you want to use to highlight the issue.
5. Apply the Fill: Click on the color in the image you want to replace. Snagit will fill all contiguous pixels of that color with your chosen highlight color.
6. Adjust Tolerance: If the color doesn't fill as expected, adjust the tolerance setting. A higher tolerance will fill colors that are similar but not identical to the one you clicked on.

Tips for Effective Use

• Color Choice: Use a color that contrasts strongly with the screenshot's color palette for maximum impact.
• Annotations: Combine the Fill tool with other Snagit features like arrows or text boxes for more detailed explanations.
• Before and After Images: If possible, show both the original and modified images in your report for context.

Conclusion

The Fill tool in Snagit is a simple but highly effective way to communicate visual bugs and design flaws in software testing. It's a testament to how small tools, when used creatively, can have a significant impact on our work as QA professionals.

Call to Action

Have you used Snagit's Fill tool in your QA work? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Backing Up Your Snagit Folders

A Guide for Protecting Your Work

As a QA professional with five years of experience using Snagit, I've learned the importance of backing up my work. Snagit, a powerful screen capture tool, is integral to documenting and sharing information in a visual format. However, like any digital asset, these files can be lost due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or software issues. To prevent such losses, it?s crucial to regularly back up your Snagit folders. Here's a guide on how to do it effectively.

Understanding Snagit Files

Before diving into the backup process, it?s important to understand how Snagit stores its files. Snagit typically saves captures in the ?AutoSave Captures? folder by default. However, if you save your captures on remote drives or change the default location, you might need to track them down.

File Types and Locations

• AutoSave Captures Folder: This is the default location where Snagit saves your screen captures. You can find this folder in your Snagit directory.
• .snagprog Files: Snagit uses the .snagprog extension for files that are saved outside the ?AutoSave Captures? folder. These are usually saved on remote drives or specified locations.

Step-by-Step Backup Process

Locate Your Files

AutoSave Captures: Search for this folder in your Snagit directory. The path usually follows a standard format, such as C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsSnagitAutoSave Captures.

.snagprog Files: To find files with the .snagprog extension, use your operating system's search function and look for *.snagprog. This will show all Snagit files saved outside the AutoSave folder.

Choose a Backup Method

Select an appropriate backup method. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, or dedicated backup software.

Copy Your Files

Manual Copy: If using an external drive, simply copy the AutoSave Captures folder and any .snagprog files you find onto the drive.

Cloud Storage: Upload your files or folders directly to your chosen cloud service.

Backup Software: Set up the software to recognize your Snagit folders and .snagprog files as part of its regular backup routine.

Regularly Update Your Backup

Make a schedule to regularly update your backup. This ensures that your latest work is always protected.

Best Practices

• Consistency: Regular backups are key. Set reminders or schedule automatic backups if possible.
• Multiple Backups: Don?t rely on a single backup method. Use a combination of physical drives and cloud storage for added security.
• Test Your Backups: Periodically check your backups to ensure that files are intact and recoverable.
• Stay Updated: Keep your Snagit software updated to the latest version for the best performance and security.

Backing up your Snagit folders might seem like a mundane task, but it?s essential for safeguarding your work. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure that your valuable screen captures and annotations are protected against loss. Happy capturing and stay backed up!