How to Take a Screenshot on a PC
For many computer users, taking a screenshot can be a daunting task. Whether you’re trying to save an image of an error message, document something important, or simply want to capture a funny meme, knowing how to take a screenshot is a useful skill to have. In this article, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of taking a screenshot on a PC, using built-in tools and software, and annotating your screenshots for maximum clarity.
Step-by-Step Guide
The quickest and easiest way of taking a screenshot on a Windows PC is by using the Snipping Tool. This application can be found in your Start menu, or by searching for ‘snipping tool.’
Once you’ve opened the Snipping Tool, you’ll see a small drop-down menu that offers four options: Free-Form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, and Full-Screen Snip. Choose the option that best suits your needs, and then follow the tool’s prompts to select the area of the screen you want to capture and save to your computer.
If you don’t want to use the Snipping Tool, there are two common keyboard shortcuts that PC users can take advantage of to take a screenshot. Pressing the ‘Print Screen’ button copies an image of the entire desktop to the clipboard, which you can then paste into an image-editing program (such as Paint) to save and edit. Alternatively, pressing the ‘Windows Key + Print Screen’ button captures the screen and saves the image automatically to your Pictures folder.
When taking a screenshot, remember that the quality of your image depends on the quality of your monitor resolution and color settings. You can adjust both settings by right-clicking the desktop and choosing ‘Display Settings’ or ‘Screen Resolution.’
Keyboard Shortcuts
In addition to the Print Screen and Windows + Print Screen shortcuts, there are a few other keyboard shortcuts users can take advantage of to take screenshots. For instance, ‘Alt + Print Screen’ captures only the active window, while ‘Windows + Shift + S’ opens the Snipping Tool with a Free-Form Snip already selected.
You can even customize your keyboard shortcuts to make it easier to take screenshots on the fly. Simply head to ‘Settings,’ click on ‘Ease of Access,’ and then ‘Keyboard.’ Scroll down until you see ‘Print Screen shortcut,’ and then click the button to change it to your preferred key combination.
Special Software
In addition to the Snipping Tool, there are several third-party applications that can be used to take screenshots on a PC. One of the most popular options is Lightshot, which is available as a free download from the Microsoft Store. This tool allows you to take screenshots of any portion of the screen, and then let you edit, save, or share the image directly from the app.
If you’re willing to pay for your screenshot software, SnagIt is a highly rated option that offers advanced editing and annotating tools. With SnagIt, you can capture screenshots using a variety of methods (such as clicking a button, using a hotkey, or setting a timer), and then easily make complex edits, add annotations, and share your screenshots across social media or email.
Annotation
Once you’ve taken your screenshot, you might find that you need to annotate it to provide additional context or clarity. Windows offers a basic set of annotation tools that you can use to quickly circle an area or add text, while third-party apps like SnagIt and Lightshot offer more advanced editing features like blurring, highlighting, and cropping.
To use the Windows annotation tools, open the screenshot in a program that provides basic image-editing features (e.g., Paint or Photos), and then select the ‘Draw’ option. Choose a color and brush size that you’re comfortable with, and then add any annotations you need directly onto the screenshot. You can then save your annotated screenshot as a new image file.
Special Tips
To get some additional tips and tricks on screenshot-taking, we spoke to a few experts in the field. Here’s what they had to say:
- Try experimenting with different types of lighting to get the best possible screenshot. Bright, even lighting will often produce the best results.
- Don’t be afraid to take multiple screenshots of the same image or section. This will give you more options to choose from when it comes to selecting the best shot.
- If you need to take a screenshot of a scrolling webpage or document, try using a tool like Full Page Screen Capture, which will automatically stitch together multiple screenshots to create a single image.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on a PC is a skill that can save you time and frustration in a variety of situations. With the built-in tools and third-party software available, there’s no reason why you can’t take high-quality screenshots that accurately capture whatever’s on your screen.
