Screenshots are a handy way to capture what’s on your computer screen, whether it’s a funny meme, an important document, or a software issue you need to share with tech support. Fortunately, both Windows and Mac operating systems offer simple methods for taking screenshots. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process on both platforms.
Taking Screenshots on Windows:
1. Using the “PrtScn” (Print Screen) Key:
- Locate the “PrtScn” key on your keyboard. It’s often labeled as “PrtScn,” “PrtSc,” or similar.
- To capture the entire screen, press the “PrtScn” key. This will copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
- To capture just the active window, press “Alt + PrtScn” simultaneously.
2. Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 7) or Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11):
- On Windows 7, type “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu and open the application. Click “New” to select the area you want to capture, then save it.
- On Windows 10 and 11, open the “Snip & Sketch” app. Click “New” to take a screenshot, annotate it if needed, and save it.
3. Using the Snip Tool (Windows 10):
- Press “Windows + Shift + S” to open the Snip & Sketch tool. This will allow you to select an area to capture and copy it to the clipboard.
4. Using the Game Bar (Windows 10 and 11 for gaming):
- Press “Windows + G” to open the Game Bar. Click the camera icon to take a screenshot during gameplay.
5. Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows 10 and 11):
- To capture the entire screen and save it as a file, press “Windows + Shift + S.”
- To take a screenshot of the active window and save it as a file, press “Alt + PrtScn.”
- To capture a specific region and save it as a file, press “Windows + Shift + S” and then select the area.
Taking Screenshots on Mac:
1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- To capture the entire screen, press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 3.” The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
- To capture a specific region, press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 4” and then drag to select the area. The screenshot is saved to your desktop.
- To capture a specific window, press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 4,” then press the “Spacebar,” and click on the window. The screenshot is saved to your desktop.
2. Using the Screenshot App (macOS Mojave and later):
- Press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 5” to open the Screenshot app. You can choose various options to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or specific windows. After capturing, you can preview and edit the screenshot before saving it.
3. Using Preview (macOS Sierra and earlier):
- Open the Preview app, then go to “File” > “Take Screenshot.” You can choose to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
4. Using Grab (macOS Sierra and earlier):
- Open the Grab app by going to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Grab.” You can choose to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selection.
Now you know how to take screenshots on both Windows and Mac easily. Whether you need to share information, report a problem, or simply capture memorable moments, these methods will help you do it with ease.