A screenshot is a unique feature that allows you to capture an image of your computer’s desktop.
Screenshots can be useful at work when you need to show colleagues changes on a webpage or during a video call when capturing a moment with family from another country. The ability to save these moments as image files is an essential function in today’s digital world.
In this article, we’ll explain how to take a screenshot on a laptop or computer.
How to Take a Screenshot on Windows
PrtScn and Windows + PrtScn
You can take a screenshot by simply pressing a key on your keyboard. The Print Screen (PrtScn or Prt Sc) key is usually located in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This button allows you to capture the entire screen.
- Press Windows + Print Screen simultaneously to capture the full screen. The screen will briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot was successfully taken.
- However, the captured image is not saved immediately. Instead, it is copied to your computer’s clipboard.
- To save it, open an image editing program, create a new file, and press CTRL + V to paste the screenshot. You can also right-click and select Paste.
- Save the file in JPG or PNG format and store it in your preferred folder.
Fn + PrtScn / Print Scrn
On some keyboards, you may need to press the Fn (Function) key along with Print Screen to capture the screen.
Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility for taking screenshots, allowing you to customize, annotate, and share your screenshots. You can use it to capture freeform screenshots.
After taking a screenshot, you have several options:
- Save the image by selecting File > Save As… and choosing a location.
- Send it via email using File > Send > Email Recipient or as an email attachment.
- Print the screenshot by selecting File > Print.
- Copy it to the clipboard by selecting Edit > Copy.
- Edit the screenshot using the pen or highlighter tool.
- Customize the pen color to highlight specific sections of the screenshot.
Other methods for taking screenshots on Windows include using:
- Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S)
- Third-party screenshot apps
- Game Bar (Windows + G)
How to Take a Screenshot on Mac
On Mac, different screenshot methods use the Shift, Command, and number keys.
Shift + Command + 3
Press Shift + Command + 3 to take a screenshot of the entire screen.
Shift + Command + 4 (Capture a Selected Area or Window)
- Press Shift + Command + 4.
- Click and drag the mouse cursor to select the screen area.
- Release the mouse button to capture the selected area, or press Esc to cancel.
Shift + Command + 5 (Using the Screenshot Menu)
Recent macOS versions include the Screenshot tool.
- Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot tool.
- A small menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to capture and save your screenshot.
Third-Party Screenshot Apps for macOS
If you prefer not to use built-in tools, you can install third-party screenshot apps for macOS.
This guide covers the essential ways to take a screenshot on your laptop or desktop computer.