---

name: techsmith-core-workflow-a description: >- Build a bounded Windows Snagit image-capture workflow with the supported COM server, exact enums, asynchronous completion, and verified file output. Use when automating approved documentation captures. Trigger with "Snagit COM capture", "automate Snagit screenshot", or "Snagit file output". argument-hint: "[script-path] [approved-output-directory]" allowed-tools: Read, Glob, Grep, WebFetch, Write, Edit version: 1.6.0 author: Jeremy Longshore jeremy@intentsolutions.io license: MIT tags:

• desktop-automation
• techsmith
• capture model: inherit effort: medium compatibility: Designed for Claude Code; TechSmith product execution requires an approved Windows or macOS desktop as documented

---

Snagit Controlled COM Capture

Overview

This skill implements the supported Snagit COM path without inventing a web API. It resolves the installed type library, creates Snagit.ImageCapture.1, sets an approved input/output, waits for asynchronous completion, and accepts a file only after success and path validation.

Prerequisites

• Windows with a licensed, approved Snagit installation and interactive desktop
• A capture subject and output directory approved for the data classification
• The official 2025 COM guide or documentation matching the installed version
• A timeout, cancellation path, and artifact-retention policy

Tool Discipline

Use Read, Glob, and Grep to inspect local scripts, manifests, logs, and tests. Use WebFetch only for current primary TechSmith documentation. Use Write or Edit only after confirming the target repository file and approval boundary.

Current Contract

• Use ProgID Snagit.ImageCapture.1 or the official sample's compatible SNAGIT.ImageCapture alias.
• Use exact inputs desktop 0, window 1, region 4; use outputs file 2, clipboard 4.
• Set OutputImageFile options before invoking Capture() when file output is selected.
• Treat Capture() as asynchronous; wait for IsCaptureDone, then check success and LastFileWritten.

Licensing and Authentication

TechSmith desktop activation is not API authentication. Resolve individual sign-in versus business-key or approved offline activation before execution. Redact all keys, account identifiers, activation artifacts, and sensitive endpoint details.

Instructions

1. Confirm the installed Snagit version, COM registration, interactive session, capture scope, and approved destination.
2. Load enum definitions from the installed type library or a pinned copy of TechSmith's official enum sample.
3. Create the image-capture object and set input, output, preview behavior, cursor inclusion, file type, and destination explicitly.
4. Invoke one capture and wait with a bounded deadline rather than an unbounded tight loop.
5. Check LastCaptureSucceeded, canonicalize LastFileWritten, and reject paths outside the approved directory.
6. Validate file existence, nonzero size, expected format, and retention metadata before downstream use.

Approval Boundaries

Interactive capture can expose sensitive screen content. Require a named subject and operator approval; never default to the full desktop, clipboard, or an unrestricted destination.

Output

Return product version, ProgID, input/output enums, elapsed time, success flag, canonical redacted path, file validation, and cleanup decision.

Error Handling

Condition	Response
COM creation fails	Verify Windows installation and registration; stop before changing the registry.
Capture deadline exceeded	Cancel downstream work, preserve only redacted state, and require operator inspection.
LastCaptureSucceeded false	Record capture state and error event data without accepting a file.
Output path escapes boundary	Quarantine the artifact and correct directory configuration.

Examples

The example below shows the minimum redacted evidence expected from a successful invocation of this operator workflow.

$capture = New-Object -ComObject 'Snagit.ImageCapture.1'
$capture.Input = 1   # siiWindow
$capture.Output = 2  # sioFile
# Configure OutputImageFile, call Capture(), then wait with a deadline.

Resources

• Skill-specific official documentation
• Snagit 2025 COM guide
• Official PowerShell samples