Formatting Issues

How to Fix Snipping Tool Cropping Images When Pasting in Word

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing an issue where screenshots taken with the Windows Snipping Tool appear cut off or have a white box at the bottom when pasted into documents.

How to Fix Snipping Tool Cropping Images When Pasting in Word or OneNote

Product: Windows Snipping Tool, Microsoft Word, OneNote
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Pasting a captured screenshot directly from the Windows clipboard into Microsoft Word or OneNote.
Observed behavior: The pasted image appears incomplete, with the lower portion turning blank or white, despite looking perfectly normal in the Snipping Tool preview or MS Paint.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up to date, as Microsoft frequently releases patches for built-in app glitches.

Solution 1Recommended

Repair and Reset the Snipping Tool App

This is the primary method to fix underlying cache or configuration errors causing the Snipping Tool to corrupt images on the clipboard.

Windows allows you to repair built-in applications without losing any personal data. If repairing does not fix the clipboard glitch, performing a reset will restore the app to its default state.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings application, then navigate to 'Apps' and select 'Installed apps' (or 'Apps & features').

Find the Snipping Tool

Scroll down the list of applications or use the search bar at the top to locate the 'Snipping Tool'.

Access Advanced Options

Click the three horizontal dots next to the Snipping Tool (or click on the app name) and select 'Advanced options' from the drop-down menu.

Repair and Reset

Scroll down to the Reset section and click the 'Repair' button. Once finished, try capturing and pasting an image. If the issue remains, return to this menu and click 'Reset'.

Quick Tip: Resetting the app only clears its temporary data and preferences; it will not delete any previously saved screenshots.

Solution 2

Verify and Save the Image Using Paint

A reliable workaround that bypasses the clipboard pasting errors between the Snipping Tool and Microsoft Office applications.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit and Insert Images Flawlessly with WPS Office

Tired of formatting glitches and clipboard errors when pasting images into Microsoft Word? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that handles standard clipboard image formats efficiently, ensuring your screenshots appear exactly as intended.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and follow the quick installation prompt.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and create a new document, or seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files.
3. Paste Screenshots Flawlessly: Use your preferred screenshot tool and simply press Ctrl + V to paste the image perfectly without cut-offs.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsFree to use with a lightweight and fast installationSeamless image insertion without unwanted cropping or formatting glitchesFamiliar user interface makes it easy to switch without a learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Snipping Tool cut off the bottom part of my image in Word?

This usually happens due to a scaling mismatch or a clipboard cache error between the Windows Snipping Tool and Microsoft Office's rendering engine. Repairing the app or saving the image first typically resolves it.

What is the shortcut to quickly take a screenshot on Windows?

You can press the Windows key + Shift + S to immediately open the Snipping Tool's overlay, allowing you to select a specific area to copy directly to your clipboard.

Does resetting the Snipping Tool delete my old screenshots?

No, resetting the app from the Windows Advanced options menu only clears the app's cache and settings. Screenshots you have already saved to your Pictures folder will remain untouched.

Is there a way to automatically save Snipping Tool captures?

Yes, in the Snipping Tool settings (accessed by clicking the three dots in the top right of the app), you can toggle on the option to 'Automatically save screenshots' so they are backed up to your Screenshots folder.

Document & File Issues