A screenshot, also known as a screen capture or screen grab, is a digital image that depicts the contents of a computer screen. It’s a handy tool when you need to demonstrate something that would be difficult to explain in words. This guide will show you various ways to take screenshots on different operating systems.
Understanding Screenshots: What Are They?
A screenshot is a digital image that captures the content displayed on a computer or laptop screen at a specific moment. Screenshots are used for myriad purposes, including creating instructional materials, troubleshooting technical issues, and sharing information.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows Computer or Laptop
Windows provides several techniques to capture screenshots, each tailored to different needs.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
- Entire Screen: Press the
Print Screen (PrtScn)key. This will capture the whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. You can then paste it (Ctrl + V) into any app that supports image pasting, such as Paint or Microsoft Word, and save it.
- Active Window: Hold down the
Altkey and pressPrtScn. This will capture only the active window and copy it to the clipboard. - Direct Save: Press the
Windows key + PrtScn. This will capture the whole screen and save it directly as an image file in theScreenshotsfolder within thePictureslibrary.
Using the Snipping Tool (Windows key+Shift+S)
Windows 7, 8, and 10 come with a built-in app called ‘Snipping Tool’ to capture screenshots.
- Open the Snipping Tool from the
Start Menu. or Use Shortcut key Windows+Shift+S - Choose the shape of the screenshot you want to capture – full screen, rectangular, or free-form.
- Save the captured screenshot or paste it in any app which supporting image.
How to Take a Screenshot on a macOS Computer or Laptop
macOS provides several handy screenshot commands.
- Entire Screen: Press
Command + Shift + 3to capture the entire screen. The screenshot is automatically saved to your desktop. - Specific Area: Press
Command + Shift + 4. This will turn your cursor into crosshairs, which you can drag and drop to select the area of the screen you want to capture. The screenshot is then saved to your desktop. - Touch Bar: If your MacBook has a Touch Bar, press
Command + Shift + 6to capture a screenshot of the Touch Bar.
How to Take and Save a Screenshot on Linux
Linux also provides keyboard shortcuts for screenshots, but the specific commands may vary depending on the distribution you’re using.
- Entire Screen: Press
PrtScnorPrint Screento capture the whole screen. The screenshot is typically saved in thePicturesfolder or the desktop, depending on your system settings. - Specific Area: Press
Shift + PrtScnorCtrl + PrtScnto capture a specific area of the screen.
Screen capture using Third-Party Tools
Third-party apps like Snagit provide more advanced screenshot capabilities. With Snagit, you can capture precise images, edit them, share them directly, and even record videos of your screen.
Tips for Taking Better Screenshots
Regardless of the operating system you’re using, here are some tips to take better screenshots:
- Clean up your screen before capturing to ensure the image is clear and relevant.
- Use annotation tools to highlight or point out important parts of the screenshot.
- Consider third-party tools for more advanced features like delayed captures, extensive annotation options, or direct sharing capabilities.
FAQs
What is the quickest and easiest way to capture a screenshot on Windows?
The easiest way to capture a screenshot of the whole screen on Windows is by pressing the Windows + Print Screen keys together.
How to take a screenshot if my keyboard doesn’t have the PrtScn button?
If your keyboard doesn’t have the PrtScn (Print Screen) key, you can press the Fn + Windows key + Space Bar to take a screenshot.
Does Mac have a snipping tool similar to Windows?
Yes, on Mac you can capture screenshots of specific parts of the screen by pressing Command + Shift + 5. Once enabled, you can drag the crosshair and select the area you wish to screenshot.
