What should I download?
We advise you which software and apps to use
How do I annotate screenshots?
Q I use ‘Snip & Sketch’ in Windows to capture screenshots of my PC when I want to show friends and family instructions, but I find it tricky to annotate them with pointers, numbers and text. I’ve tried a few programs like Sharex (www.snipca.com/49834), but they’re too complicated for my needs. I like the way these elements appear on your screenshots – so what do you use?
Colin Faulkner
A We annotate our screenshots using Adobe Indesign, which is even more advanced than the likes of Sharex. We do like Sharex, but we agree it packs a lot in, making it hard to use. A simpler alternative is Flameshot (www.snipca.com/49835). It’s free, and you can download it to your desktop, or add it to your USB stick as a portable tool.
Whichever method you choose, Flameshot will appear in the system tray after you launch it. Prepare your screen for capturing, then click the program’s icon. Click and drag the cursor around the area you want to capture. Once that’s done, you’ll see a range of tools appear below. On the left there are tools for annotating your screenshot 1 – most are self-explanatory, but two stand out: the ‘auto-incrementing’ tool that places numbered roundels on the screen 2 and a blur tool for redacting sensitive parts of an image 3 , such as passwords.
To change the colour of an annotation, right-click it to reveal a colour wheel 4 , then click the colour you want. Flameshot supports multiple undo (press Ctrl+z) and redo (Ctrl+shift+z) options to quickly fix any mistakes.
How can I learn about vector graphics?
Q I’m currently learning how to design and edit vector graphics. Is there a decent free program that’ll develop my skills?
I don’t want anything too advanced.
David Benson
A Try the brilliant Inkscape (www.snipca.com/49836)– all the tools for creating shapes and freehand drawings can be found in the left-hand toolbar (see screenshot). It can be a little intimidating for people starting out, so we recommend reading the comprehensive Beginners’ Guide: www.snipca.com/49794. You can read this online or download it as a PDF. It’s also available as an EPUB for your ebook reader.
What’s the best photo editor for removing unwanted elements?
Q In your expert opinion, which photo-editing program has the best ‘Content-aware fill’ tool for removing unwanted items? This is a dealbreaker for me when I’m deciding which photo editor to use.
Leonard Hollands
A Photoshop does this best. It’s available in Photoshop Elements 2024 (£59.99 from the Computeractive Software Store: www.snipca.com/49795). Open ‘Guided’ mode, then select Object Removal and pick a tool to mark the unwanted object ( 1 in our screenshot). Start with Auto, then use the others to fine-tune your selection. Once done, click Remove Object 2 , using Spot Healing Brush 3 and Clone Stamp to tidy things up. Make sure you click Tool Options and select ‘Content Aware’ 4 to improve how the tools work.