Introduction
Taking a screenshot of what’s on your computer screen is a simple and useful task that most people might not think of doing frequently. However, the ability to capture what’s on your screen could be an essential tool in your work, school, or personal life. Taking a screenshot allows you to quickly save and share images, designs, text, an error message, or any visual content on your screen. If you’re wondering how to take a screenshot on a computer, keep reading this article to learn everything you need to know.
Step-by-Step Guide with Visuals
There are different methods for taking screenshots on Windows and Mac OS, but the most convenient way of doing so is by using the built-in tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to taking a screenshot using either Windows or Mac OS.
How to Screenshot on Windows
Step 1: Locate the Print Screen (PrtScn) button on your keyboard. This button is usually located in the upper-right hand corner of your keyboard and may be abbreviated as PrtScn, PrntScrn, or similar.
Step 2: Press the Print Screen button once. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your clipboard.
Step 3: Open any image-editing program like Paint or Photoshop. You can do this by searching for it in the Start menu or using the Run command (Windows key + R).
Step 4: Once the image-editing program is open, paste the screenshot by pressing Ctrl + V or right-clicking and selecting Paste. You can also select File > New from Clipboard.
Step 5: Save the image by selecting File > Save or pressing Ctrl + S. Choose a file name and location, and select the file type (JPEG, PNG, or BMP). Your screenshot is now saved and can be used and shared as needed.
How to Screenshot on Mac OS
Step 1: Locate the Shift + Command + 3 keys on your keyboard.
Step 2: Press the three keys simultaneously. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen, and the image will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Step 3: If you need to take a screenshot of a specific window or area, press Shift + Command + 4. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging the cursor. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
Step 4: The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Tips and tricks
– To take a screenshot of a specific window, click on the window you want to capture, and press Alt + Print Screen in Windows or Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar on Mac OS.
– For a high-quality screenshot, use the PNG file format.
– Use the Snipping Tool on Windows to capture specific areas or shapes of your screen. Launch the Snipping Tool by typing “snipping” in the search bar, and choose the area to capture. You can even draw or highlight parts of the screenshot using the built-in editing tools.
Video Tutorial
Sometimes, it’s easier to learn by watching someone else do it. If you prefer video tutorials over written instructions, then here’s a helpful video to follow along with in capturing a screen shot.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Capturing a Screen Shot using Windows or Mac OS
Shortcut Keys
Using shortcut keys to take screenshots can save you time and effort. Here are the most common shortcut keys for taking a screenshot on Windows and Mac OS.
Windows
– PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of your entire screen and saves it to your clipboard.
– Alt + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the active window or application and saves it to your clipboard.
– Windows key + Shift + S: Opens the Snipping Tool in Windows 10 and allows you to capture a specific area or shape of your screen.
Mac OS
– Command + Shift + 3: Takes a screenshot of your entire screen, and the image will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
– Command + Shift + 4: Allows you to select a specific area or shape of your screen to capture. The image will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Third-Party Software
If you want more advanced features or tools for taking screenshots, third-party software provides many options. Here are the top screenshot tools for Windows and Mac OS.
Windows
– Snagit: A powerful screenshot and video recording software with editing tools and various capture modes.
– Greenshot: A simple and lightweight screenshot tool with annotation and productivity features.
– Lightshot: A free screenshot tool with a built-in editor and cloud storage integration.
Mac OS
– Skitch: A popular screenshot and annotation tool with image editing and sharing features.
– Monosnap: A free and intuitive screenshot tool with recording and editing capabilities.
– SnapNDrag: A simple and user-friendly screenshot tool with multiple capture options and image formats.
Use of Windows Snipping Tool
The Windows Snipping Tool is a built-in program that lets you capture screenshots and annotate or crop them before saving or sharing. Here’s how to use the Snipping Tool:
Step 1: Launch the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2: Click New to start a new snip. Choose the type of snip you want: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen.
Step 3: Once you’ve selected the snip type, click and drag the cursor to the area you want to capture.
Step 4: After capturing the snip, it will open in the Snipping Tool window. Use the editing tools to annotate, crop, or highlight parts of the image.
Step 5: Save the snip by clicking File > Save As or pressing Ctrl + S. Choose a location, name, and file type of the image.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are simple add-ons or plugins that enable you to capture screenshots directly from your browser. Here are the best screenshot extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.
Firefox
– Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder: A free and powerful screenshot tool with recording and editing features.
– Lightshot: A popular, lightweight, and easy-to-use screenshot extension with editing and sharing options.
– Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder: A versatile screenshot extension with full-page capturing, annotations, and downloads.
Chrome
– Fireshot: A feature-packed screenshot tool with full-page capturing, editing, and saving options.
– Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder: A reliable and user-friendly screenshot extension with recording and sharing features.
– Lightshot: A simple and intuitive screenshot extension with cloud storage and social media sharing capabilities.
Edge
– Lightshot: A cross-platform screenshot tool that works seamlessly on Edge and other browsers.
– Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder: A comprehensive screenshot tool with versatile capturing and editing capabilities.
– Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder: A top-rated screenshot extension with Chrome-like features and benefits.
Cloud-Based Sharing
Sharing your screenshots and images via email or messaging can be tedious, especially when they require large attachments. Cloud-based sharing services allow you to upload and share your screenshots and files with a simple link. Here are the best cloud-based sharing services for Windows and Mac OS.
Windows
– OneDrive: A free cloud storage service integrated with Windows and Office applications.
– Dropbox: A cloud storage service with file syncing, sharing, and collaboration features.
– Google Drive: A popular cloud storage service with web-based applications and productivity tools.
Mac OS
– iCloud: A free cloud storage service integrated with Apple devices and applications.
– Google Drive: A cross-platform cloud storage service with web-based applications and productivity tools.
– Dropbox: A reliable and user-friendly cloud storage service with file syncing, sharing, and collaboration features.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on your computer might feel like a simple task, but it can be a valuable tool in your day-to-day life. This article has covered various techniques to help you capture and share screenshots on Windows and Mac OS, including step-by-step guides, shortcut keys, third-party software, Snipping Tool, browser extensions, and cloud-based sharing services. We hope this guide helped you learn how to take a screenshot with ease, and that it simplifies your digital workflow moving forward.
