How can I take a screenshot of only the client area of a window?

Is there a way or an application to create a screenshot of the actual windows content (client area) in Windows XP and above?

I mean Alt+PrintScreen captures a picture containing the window borders, title and buttons (minimize, maximize, close). I'd like to see only the content of the window.

Is this possible without image editing/cropping?

If I need a 3rd party tool, then free or open source would be preferable. At least a shareware, so I can check that it works for me, before I buy it.

EdgarPE

Posted 2013-01-10T09:14:53.380

Reputation: 387

Not without installing a 3rd party screen capture tool. – ChrisF – 2013-01-10T09:17:14.617

3rd party tool is ok, as long as it's free or open source – EdgarPE – 2013-01-10T09:27:03.720

This has just become a shopping recommendation which is off topic. – ChrisF – 2013-01-10T09:30:10.957

Well, if it's off topic than close it. But for me it's not a shopping problem, it's a tech problem, I can't solve. Also I'm trying to find a solution on Google, and apparently there is none, on the web because this topic is on top of the list. – EdgarPE – 2013-01-10T09:34:48.797

@EdgarPE - My post shows how to find it free version! – Dave – 2013-01-10T09:54:24.373

@EdgarPE Search for Greenshot on Google and its free. – avirk – 2013-01-10T13:32:01.500

Answers

For Windows Vista (except Basic), Windows7 and Windows 8 you have the built in Snipping tool to do this. That is a really good tool for screenshots.

Johnny Norberg

Posted 2013-01-10T09:14:53.380

Reputation: 11

1The OP says XP though. – Dave – 2013-01-10T09:28:49.853

2Thanks, but I need it on XP too. – EdgarPE – 2013-01-10T09:28:53.687

2You have to define the area you want to capture, rather than just using a single click to capture the entire window. – ChrisF – 2013-01-10T09:29:00.210

Download Greenshot and install it.
Open the Preferences from the icon in the notification area.
Enable Use interactive window capture mode.

Now, when you want to capture the contents of a window, press Alt+PrtScr and you'll get the option to select which window you want to capture.

enter image description here

Der Hochstapler

Posted 2013-01-10T09:14:53.380

Reputation: 77 228

1Its a freeware :) – avirk – 2013-01-10T13:45:16.230

You will need a third party tool. ZapGrab does this for you.

However, if this doesn't meet your requirements, I suggest a Google search for a phrase similar to "screen capture tools" or "screen capture tools XP" as this will give you plenty of options. You could even add the word "free" into the phrase.

Dave

Posted 2013-01-10T09:14:53.380

Reputation: 24 199

Well thanks, but I need a free or open source tool. – EdgarPE – 2013-01-10T09:28:05.123

Well, you never stated this in your OP - I think you need to edit your question and make it clear -1

– Dave – 2013-01-10T09:29:09.130