New screenshot utility - need testers

**rcarlson123** · 11-09-2003, 08:27 AM

Hi all,

I tried the screenshot utilities mentioned in the FAQ, but each one either didn't work at all or had quirky bugs, so I decided just to write my own. Over the last couple hours I threw together this little Visual Basic program.

Screenshot:

http://www.metacraft.com/flightsim/f...screenshot.png

Download:

http://www.metacraft.com/flightsim/files/Snappy.exe

As you can see, you can specify the directory where files are stored (in BMP format) and the filename prefix. The rest of the filename is derived from the current date and time, so that each filename will be unique and no pictures will overwrite each other. The program only checks for new pictures in the clipboard once per second, so you cannot take pictures any faster than that.

You can also specify the picture directory and filename prefix on the command line (in that order) if you want to make shortcuts to Snappy for different programs that you might use it for, or for different ongoing flights, etc.

After each shot is saved, a thumbnail image is shown in the preview window and the filename assigned to the picture is shown in the bottom text box. That makes it easy to copy-and-paste the filename if you need it for making web pages, etc.

When you exit the program, the current settings are saved for the next run (unless they are overridden by command line arguments.)

The only thing I have left to do is have the program play a sound when the picture is saved, as audible feedback so that you know your precious moment in FS has been saved. :) I would like to include the ability to save as .jpg or crop/resize the pictures, but I don't know how to do image manipulation in VB. (I'm primarily a perl/php programmer on Linux.) Perhaps it's time to learn ... hmmm ...

I would really appreciate it if you guys could give the program a try and let me know how well it works for you, or if you have any suggestions for improvements. I will be posting the finished version as freeware.

Thanks in advance!

**Pol** · 11-09-2003, 08:44 AM

I'll be testing it tonight!

**drumex** · 11-09-2003, 09:12 AM

Well, it looks good, but I don't think such a program can get any easier to use than FSScreen (sorry! :-shy).

But still, it looks very nice. Good job! I wish I could write small programs like this. All we got to in the IT courses were to write to and read from a file. :-(

**rcarlson123** · 11-09-2003, 09:20 AM

I believe I tried FSScreen ... I think that's the one that just gave some cryptic runtime error as soon as I took a screenshot ... dunno. Might have something to do with the multiple monitors I use.

Anyway, if you want to see the source code for Snappy, let me know ... it's really easy to do clipboard stuff in VB.

**tjf4375** · 11-09-2003, 11:33 AM

I've never had any probs with FSScreen, it's simple as 1,2,3 - but the one thing it DOESN'T do is allow you to specify where you want the shots to go, so I will be downloading your little gadget right away!

Many thanks,

Timbo

**PC509** · 11-09-2003, 12:36 PM

Would this work for anything copied to the clipboard? I do a lot of things taking screenshots, and just copy to the clipboard, and then paste in Photoshop. I would like something a bit better. Also, I'm interested in the source code. I'm learning VB, and this is a nice little app to learn. I wouldn't use the code for anything other than to look at and learn how it works. Let me know at dharper@overclockersrip.net.

Thanks!

**DCT8WOLF** · 11-09-2003, 01:02 PM

well i must say this program is easier in the way that you can save the pics to wherever you want but im not sure about keep clicking start to actually take the shot

Ayd

**rcarlson123** · 11-09-2003, 03:55 PM

You don't have to click start every time, just once. You also would need to click start if you make any changes to the location or prefix, but once you click start, you just leave it running and you can take as many shots as you like. (It starts up in running mode, so normally you never have to hit start at all.)

**rcarlson123** · 11-09-2003, 03:55 PM

Okay no problem, source code has been sent!

**woottsbj25** · 11-09-2003, 04:07 PM

[font color="blue" size="2" face="face"]You can change the directory in FS screen... Not sure how to yet, but is says in the readme that you can.[/font]

Regards,

Tom Wootton,

CEO,
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...e9152d22d1.jpg
Virtual Airlines

Feel free to check us out at www.geocities.com/airbeva

2.8 GHZ AMD Athlon
ADSL Broadband
S3 Savage 4 Graphics card (embarrasment)
CH products flight sim yoke (excellent)