I. Introduction
Being able to take a screenshot on your laptop is a crucial skill for anyone who regularly works with computers. Whether you need to capture an error message, save an important image, or record a conversation, knowing how to take a screenshot can save you a lot of time and effort.
This guide is intended to provide a comprehensive tutorial on how to take a screenshot on a laptop. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems, we’ve got you covered!
II. Step-by-Step Tutorial
Let’s get started with step-by-step instructions on how to take a screenshot on various operating systems.
Windows
Windows users have several screenshot options. Here are three methods:
1. Print Screen (PrntScn)
Press the PrntScn button on your keyboard to capture the entire screen. Then, open an image editing software such as Microsoft Word or Paint and paste the screenshot. You can now save it as a file.
2. Windows + PrntScn (Win + PrntScn)
If you want to take a screenshot and simultaneously save it as a file, use the Win + PrntScn key. The screenshot will be saved in the default Pictures folder.
3. Snipping Tool
The Snipping tool is a built-in software on Windows that lets you capture a specific area of your screen. To use it, type ‘snipping tool’ in the Start menu search bar and click the Snipping Tool app. Select the specific area you want to capture, and then save the screenshot.
macOS
Apple’s macOS operating system provides three ways to take screenshots:
1. Command + Shift + 3
Press Command + Shift + 3 to take a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will be saved on the desktop.
2. Command + Shift + 4
Use Command + Shift + 4 to capture a specific area of the screen. This method opens a crosshair cursor and allows you to select an area. The screenshot will be saved to the desktop.
3. Command + Shift + 5
The latest macOS operating system, Mojave and higher, has an additional feature of Command + Shift + 5. This shortcut opens a new screen capture session and offers a variety of options to capture the entire screen, a window, or specific area of the screen.
Linux
Linux users also have several options to take screenshots:
1. Gnome Screenshot
Gnome Screenshot is the default screen capturing tool for the GNOME desktop environment. Press the PrntScn key to take a screenshot of the entire screen. Alternatively, press Shift + PrntScn to screenshot a specific area of the screen.
2. Kazam
Kazam is a third-party software that allows you to capture your screen with options for video and audio recording. The software captures high-quality videos and supports multiple file formats. It also allows you to tweak video quality and Frame rate.
III. Shortcut Keys
Keyboard shortcuts are an essential aspect of taking screenshots swiftly. Here are the most common shortcut keys for various operating systems:
Windows
Windows + PrtScn: Capture the entire screen and save the screenshot to the Pictures folder.
Alt + PrntScn: Capture a specific window on the screen.
Windows + Shift + S: Capture a specific area of the screen (only for Windows 10 and older OS using Snipping Tool).
macOS
Command + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen and save the screenshot on the desktop.
Command + Shift + 4: Capture a specific area of the screen and save the screenshot to the desktop.
Command + Shift + 5: Open the Screenshot utility with added options to take a screenshot.
Linux
Print Screen or PrtScn: Capture the entire screen.
Shift + PrtScn: Capture a specific area of the screen.
IV. Built-In Software
Most operating systems come with built-in software to capture screens. Here’s how to access and use them:
Windows Snip & Sketch
Windows Snip & Sketch allows for capturing specific areas of the screen and adding annotations to the screenshot. To access the tool, search ‘Snip & Sketch’ in your Windows search bar, then select the app from the list of results. To capture the screen, select New in the Snip & Sketch window, and select your preferred snip type. You can then use the tools to edit the screenshot.
macOS Grab
Grab is a screen capture software that lets you capture screenshots of menus, windows, and buttons. To use it, head to the Utilities folder in Applications, then select Grab. From the Grab menu, select the type of screenshot you want to take.
GNOME Screenshot
GNOME Screenshot is a built-in screen capture application for GNOME users. Simply press the Print Screen key to take a screenshot of the entire screen. Alternatively, press Shift + PrntScn to screenshot a specific area of the screen.
V. Third-Party Software
In addition to built-in software, there are third-party applications you can use to capture screenshots. Here is a list of some popular software:
Snagit
Snagit is a fantastic third-party tool for creating screenshots, videos and GIFs. The software includes features such as customizable keyboard shortcuts and advanced editing options such as adding drop-shadows, text, and graphics.
Lightshot
Lightshot is a free, lightweight third-party screen capture tool that allows quick capturing, editing, and sharing of screenshots. It is easy to use and comes with features such as blur, highlighting, and drawing shapes on images.
Greenshot
Greenshot is a powerful third-party screenshot software that is free, provides easy editing options such as resizing, pixelating and watermarking, creating thumbnail galleries, and adding text to a screenshot. It also allows exporting to different file formats.
VI. Exploring Settings
When troubleshooting issues with taking screenshots, sometimes all you need to do is tweak a few settings. Here are instructions for accessing screenshot settings on various operating systems:
Windows 10
To access the screenshot settings in Windows, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Print Screen shortcut.
macOS
To edit the settings for screenshots on macOS, go to System Preferences > Keyboard. Select the Shortcuts tab and then click Screen Shots to see the options.
Linux
The location of the screenshot tools varies by distribution. To access the screenshot settings, most desktop environments provide short-cut keys. For example, for Gnome desktop, Open Activities overview and type ‘Keyboard’. Select the Keyboard option to access the shortcuts and navigate to the Screenshots setting.
VII. Troubleshooting Tips
Now, here are some tips for troubleshooting common screenshot issues:
Check Keyboard Functionality
Make sure that your keyboard’s Print Screen key is functioning correctly. Try pressing other keys on the keyboard to ensure that specific keys aren’t malfunctioning.
Disable Plugins or Extensions
Some plugins or extensions may cause problems when trying to take screenshots. Disabling them can fix the issue.
Update Software
If the problem persists, make sure the software you’re using to capture screenshots is up-to-date.
VIII. Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on a laptop is a handy skill to have. Whether you’re a student, in a corporate office or a digital nomad, this tutorial has provided an extensive guide on how to capture screenshots on a laptop.
