How to Take a Screenshot

Owned by Jon Cunningham (Deactivated)
Last updated: Aug 07, 2024 by Aeoleon Bryant
1 min read

Introduction

Taking a screenshot is a quick way to capture the content displayed on your computer screen. Whether you're using Windows or Mac, you can easily capture your entire screen, a window, or a selected area.

Windows

Method 1: Capture Entire Screen (Windows 10 and Windows 8)

  • Shortcut: Press the Windows key and the Print Screen key (PrtScn) at the same time.

    • Result: The entire screen is captured.

    • Location: The screenshot is automatically saved to the Screenshots folder within the Pictures library.

Method 2: Print Screen (All Windows Versions)

  • Shortcut: Press the Print Screen key (PrtScn).

    • Result: The entire screen is captured and copied to the clipboard.

    • Next Steps: Paste the screenshot into an image editing program like Paint by pressing Ctrl + V, then save the file.

Method 3: Snipping Tool (Windows 10 and Windows 8)

  • Access the Tool:

    • Search for the Snipping Tool in the Start menu or Start screen.

  • Usage:

    • Click New to create a new snip.

    • Select the area of the screen you want to capture.

    • Save the screenshot using File > Save As.

Mac

Capture Entire Screen

  • Shortcut: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 3.

    • Result: The entire screen is captured.

    • Location: The screenshot is saved as a .png file on your desktop.

Capture Selected Portion

  • Shortcut: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4.

    • Process:

      1. The pointer changes to a crosshair.

      2. Move the crosshair to where you want to start the screenshot.

      3. Drag to select the area you want to capture.

      4. Release the mouse or trackpad button to take the screenshot.

    • Location: The screenshot is saved as a .png file on your desktop.

    • Cancel: Press the Esc (Escape) key before releasing the mouse button to cancel.

Capture a Window

  • Shortcut: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4, then press the Space bar.

    • Process:

      1. The pointer changes to a camera icon.

      2. Move the camera over the window you want to capture.

      3. Click to take the screenshot.

    • Location: The screenshot is saved as a .png file on your desktop.

    • Cancel: Press the Esc (Escape) key before clicking to cancel.

Additional Information

  • Snip & Sketch (Windows 10): An updated tool replacing Snipping Tool, available for free download via the Microsoft Store.

  • Third-Party Tools: Consider using third-party software like Lightshot or Greenshot for more advanced screenshot features.

  • Mac Preview: You can use Preview to edit screenshots directly by opening the file and using the markup tools.

 

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