Screenshots for AAR/Multiplayer

[AndreasI]

Not sure if this topic really belongs in here but I was hoping to get some input on what you use to create the screenshots you post here on the forums (mostly the AAR section)?

For my part I was thinking of using OneNote since it is fast and enables quick editing (also not very good at editing in more advanced software).

My goal is to find some ideas to be able to do what is being done in the AAR section of the forums. By that I mean the pictures that show game progress as well as posting pictures when the opponent has something to decide upon.

So please, give me your input, would love to hear how you make this process smooth and not so time-consuming.

[AllenK]

I simply take a screenshot, paste it into MS Paint, crop and save as a jpeg. However, I haven't tried having several shots in one graphic.

[paulderynck]

I use Greenshot. http://getgreenshot.org/ It's freeware, and configurable, FREX I use ALT-C to get a picture of the active window.

For viewing, cropping or editing (like adding a circle or an arrow and a bit of text) I use Irfanview. http://www.irfanview.com/ It's also free at least the base version is, and that's all I've needed. Irfanview also has a very powerful batch process (either invoked by its GUI or by command line) which I've used to do special effects on hundreds of Vassal counters, all in one fell swoop.

For combining pics I use MS Paint. If I had Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, I'd use those but I don't have or need them at this time.

[rkr1958]

I use gimp2, freeware. Very powerful with a modest learning curve. I use it stitch several screencaps together, crop as necessary, add text, etc.

[ashkpa]

I use PicPick. The personal version is free (though you have to say no to upgrading periodically and manually install any new updates). It relatively easy to use and to combine various screen shots into one image.

[AndreasI]

Very nice suggestions. At a first glance it seems like PicPick is a nice choice for me so gonna try that out for sure. If it's as easy to use as it seems I actually dont mind paying for a tool like that t.b.h.

I would probably use Gimp if I was aiming at creating a nice looking AAR but with my limited experience I think it would be rather time consuming for me to use for those occasions where I want the pictures as a basis for my opponents decision.