Installation & Setup

Getting started with SnipGrab is quick and simple. No account registration or configuration required.

1

Install the Extension

Visit the Chrome Web Store and click "Add to Chrome" to install SnipGrab.

Add to Chrome
2

Confirm Installation

Look for the SnipGrab icon in your Chrome extensions toolbar. The extension is now ready to use!

Note: SnipGrab only activates on YouTube video pages, so you won't see it anywhere else.

Finding Compatible Videos

SnipGrab works with YouTube videos that have been enhanced by their creators with timestamped code snippets.

What to Look For

  • Videos with .snipgrab.md links in their description
  • Creator mentions of "SnipGrab" in their description

Example Description Text

{▸} This tutorial is SnipGrab-Ready!
Install free extension: https://snipgrab.com
Snippets file: https://github.com/snipgrab/extension-chrome/blob/main/docs/examples/tutorial-zero.snipgrab.md

Using Code Snippets

Once you're watching a compatible video, SnipGrab automatically displays relevant code snippets at the perfect moments.

Automatic Display

Code snippets appear automatically based on the video's timestamp. No need to pause or search - just keep watching!

Multiple Copy Options

SnipGrab offers several ways to copy code snippets, all of which can be customized in the extension settings.

  • Extension Interface - Click the SnipGrab extension icon to view and copy snippets from the main interface.
  • YouTube Overlay - A simple overlay appears on the YouTube page with a copy button and navigation buttons to browse through snippets.
  • Keyboard Shortcut - Use a customizable keyboard shortcut to quickly copy the current snippet without clicking.
  • Copy Notification - A notification popup appears with the code snippet and a copy button for easy access.
Customization: All copy methods can be enabled or disabled in the SnipGrab extension settings to match your preferred workflow.

Multiple Languages

SnipGrab supports code in any programming language - JavaScript, Python, React, CSS, plain text, and more.

Typical Workflow

  1. Start watching a compatible YouTube tutorial
  2. Code snippets appear automatically as the video progresses
  3. Click to copy relevant code to your clipboard
  4. Paste into your editor and continue coding along
  5. Focus on learning instead of typing!

Troubleshooting

Having issues? Here are solutions to common problems.

Code snippets aren't appearing

  • Make sure the video has a .snipgrab.md file linked in the description
  • Check that the SnipGrab extension is enabled in Chrome
  • Refresh the YouTube page and try again
  • Ensure you're watching the video, not just paused on the page

Extension icon not visible

  • SnipGrab only shows on YouTube video pages
  • Check Chrome's extension settings to ensure SnipGrab is enabled
  • Try restarting Chrome

Snippets appear at wrong times

  • This may be due to the creator's timing setup
  • You can manually navigate through snippets if needed
  • Contact the video creator if timing seems significantly off

Need More Help?

If you're still experiencing issues, please:

  • Report an issue on GitHub
  • Include your browser version and describe the problem
  • Mention the specific video you were watching (if possible)

Tips & Best Practices

Get the most out of your SnipGrab experience with these helpful tips.

Learning Focus

Use SnipGrab to focus on understanding concepts rather than typing. Copy the code and spend time reading and modifying it.

Speed Control

Feel free to watch videos at your preferred speed. SnipGrab will keep up with the timing automatically.

Practice Mode

After copying code, try typing it out yourself for better retention. Use the snippets as a reference.

Note Taking

Combine SnipGrab with your own notes. Copy the code and add your own comments to understand the logic.