Snipping tool in Windows 7 + 10: Save images with lowercase PNG file extension?

Question

The snipping tool in Windows is sufficient for quick screenshots. The only (and annoying) problem is that it saves all files with a uppercase PNG extension, e. g. screenshot.PNG

As there are no options in the software to change this behavior, can somebody provide a hack to save files with a lower-case .png extension?

Thank you.

PS1: This question was asked in Aug 2009 on microsoft.com. The answer: "Delete the PNG and type in png." -- The reply: "TOTAL FAIL"

PS2: Problem still exists in Windows 10. I used the Feedback Hub to report about it and hope the Microsoft developers will fix this finally.

Answer 1

The bytes appear to be hard-coded into the executable:

Update

I was able to edit a copy of SnippingTool.exe to have SnippingTool work as you desire:

Hexadecimal values BEFORE my modification:

Hexadecimal values AFTER my Modification:

My SnippingTool save dialog now:

Note: I would take extreme care when editing binary files using a hex editor in they way that I have. Please make sure you do not modify any system files directly, and be aware that if you choose to modify your own files you do so at your own risk!

Answer 2

Ah, I found one way! Damn easy and did not think of it until now: When entering the filename just add .png in the end. This requires no hack, and is kind of fast (< 1 second).

Update 2018

Since the hex edit suggested did not work out for me, I changed the screenshot software and use now Lightscreen which is tiny and handy, and provides quick shortcuts (Print saves fullscreen immediately to file, CTRL print opens the dialog to capture a screenarea). The tool gives you previews, screenshot history, can even upload to imgur.com directly and returns the URL, and runs portable.

So turning away from Microsoft's snipping tool after being filename bugged so often over the years.

Update 04/2019

There is a new "Snip & Sketch" feature in Windows 10, with simple but handy features. To open it just hit Win + Shift + S. And it saves with .png.

Answer 3

You can always do this: from the directory where the PNG files are run REN *.PNG *.png from a command prompt.

Answer 4

The easiest way is to select all your files with the .PNG extensions, right-click, open "power-rename" (from the MS power tools suite), and replace all .PNG by .png

Answer 5

As a short term solution there are ways around it. I have experienced this problem with loading images from a windows OS to an apple device. I have used two methods:

1. Open the file with paint and save as png. It will save as lower case (true for windows 8).
2. Change the my documents view to show file extensions. You can then rename the document with a lower case file name.