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Save Screenshot

The Save Screenshot dialog captures static images of Volvicon views at the current on-screen resolution. Use this feature to create figures for publications, documentation, presentations, or sharing analysis results.

Dialog Overview​

The Save Screenshot dialog provides:

  • Target Selection: Choose what to capture
  • Output Destination: Save to file, copy to clipboard, or send to printer
  • File Format Options: BMP, JPEG, or PNG

Capture Targets​

Select which portion of the application to capture:

TargetDescription
ApplicationThe entire Volvicon application window
Scene LayoutThe current multi-view layout panel
3D ViewThe active 3D render view only
2D Plane 1 (YZ) viewThe Plane 1 (YZ) slice view at the current position
2D Plane 2 (XZ) viewThe Plane 2 (XZ) slice view at the current position
2D Plane 3 (XY) viewThe Plane 3 (XY) slice view at the current position

Output Destinations​

Choose how to use the captured image:

File​

Save the screenshot to a file on disk. Supported formats:

FormatExtensionCompressionBest For
PNG.pngLosslessPublications, documentation, highest quality
JPEG.jpgLossyPresentations, web, smaller file size
BMP.bmpNoneMaximum compatibility, uncompressed
tip

For publication-quality figures, use PNG format to preserve crisp edges and avoid compression artifacts.

Clipboard​

Copy the screenshot directly to the Windows clipboard. From there, paste into:

  • Word documents
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Image editing software
  • Email composing windows
  • Any application that accepts pasted images

Print​

Send the screenshot directly to a printer. The system print dialog appears, allowing you to:

  • Select the target printer
  • Configure paper size and orientation
  • Adjust print quality settings
  • Preview before printing

Resolution​

Screenshots are captured at the current on-screen resolution of the selected target. To capture higher resolution images:

  1. Maximize the application window
  2. Resize the view panel to be larger
  3. Use a higher resolution display
  4. Consider using the Record Video feature with a single frame at higher quality presets

Workflow: Saving a Screenshot to File​

  1. Set up the view with the desired camera angle, visibility, and window/level
  2. Open File → Save Screenshot
  3. Select the capture target (e.g., 3D View)
  4. Select File as the output destination
  5. Click Browse to choose the save location
  6. Enter a filename and select the format (PNG recommended)
  7. Click Save

Workflow: Copying to Clipboard​

  1. Arrange the view to show the desired content
  2. Open File → Save Screenshot
  3. Select the capture target
  4. Select Clipboard as the output destination
  5. Click Capture (or equivalent action)
  6. Switch to the destination application
  7. Press Ctrl+V to paste the image
tip

The clipboard method is fastest for quickly inserting images into documents or presentations.

Workflow: Printing a Screenshot​

  1. Configure the view with the content to print
  2. Open File → Save Screenshot
  3. Select the capture target
  4. Select Print as the output destination
  5. Click Print
  6. In the system print dialog:
    • Select your printer
    • Choose paper size and orientation
    • Adjust quality settings if needed
  7. Click Print to send to the printer

Best Practices​

Preparing the View​

  1. Position the camera: Frame the subject appropriately
  2. Adjust visibility: Show only relevant objects
  3. Configure window/level: Optimize contrast for the target medium
  4. Hide UI overlays: Turn off measurement labels, annotations, or widgets if not needed
  5. Use a clean background: Consider a neutral or white background for publications

Choosing the Right Format​

Use CaseRecommended Format
Scientific publicationPNG
Presentation slidesPNG or JPEG
Web publishingPNG (quality) or JPEG (size)
Email attachmentJPEG (smaller)
Further editingPNG or BMP
Maximum compatibilityBMP

Publication Guidelines​

For journal submissions:

  1. Check the journal's figure requirements (DPI, format, color mode)
  2. Capture at the largest practical resolution
  3. Use PNG to avoid compression artifacts
  4. Consider post-processing in image editing software for final adjustments

Troubleshooting​

Screenshot Is Low Resolution​

  • Maximize the application window before capture
  • Expand the view panel being captured
  • Use a higher resolution monitor
  • For very high resolution needs, consider using 3D export features with render settings

Clipboard Paste Shows Nothing​

  • Verify the capture completed successfully
  • Check that the destination application supports image paste
  • Try pasting into a different application (e.g., Paint) to verify

File Cannot Be Saved​

  • Verify write permissions for the destination folder
  • Check available disk space
  • Ensure the filename is valid (no special characters)
  • Try saving to a different location
  • Check printer resolution settings
  • Capture at larger on-screen size before printing
  • Consider saving to file first, then printing from image viewing software

Colors Look Different in Export​

  • Check color profile settings in your viewer
  • PNG preserves colors more accurately than JPEG
  • Some applications apply color management that affects display
  • Record Video - Capturing animated recordings
  • Export - Exporting slices and sequences
  • Print - Printing from Volvicon