This article explains how to take a screenshot. Screenshots allow you to take a snapshot of everything displayed on a computer or mobile device screen. Most electronic devices have a native feature that allows you to take a screenshot. This generates an image of the content displayed on the screen as if you were using a camera and taking a picture of the screen. Most computers also have a feature that allows you to take a screenshot of a portion or the entire screen or a specific window.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Windows
Step 1. Press the ⊞ Win + Stamp key combination to create a screenshot directly as a file
The "Stamp" key can be characterized with other abbreviations based on the make and model of the computer and the country in which it was assembled (for example "Prt scr" or similar). Using the key combination shown you will not need to paste the image generated from the screenshot into other programs or documents. The file will be created in a folder called "Screenshots" located in the "Images" directory. If this folder does not exist yet, it will be created automatically.
Step 2. Press the key combination Alt + ⊞ Win + Stamp to take a screenshot of the currently active window
The "Stamp" key can be characterized with other abbreviations based on the make and model of the computer and the country in which it was assembled (for example "Prt scr" or similar). The active window is the one that is displayed on top of all other windows open and displayed on the screen. It is also characterized by being the only application highlighted on the taskbar visible at the bottom of the desktop. Any apps and programs that are running in the background will not be included in the resulting screenshot image. The file will be created inside a folder called "Acquisitions" located inside the "Video" directory.
Step 3. Take a screenshot of the entire screen in Windows 7 or Windows Vista
To perform this step, press the key Stamp. The "Stamp" key can be characterized with other abbreviations based on the make and model of the computer and the country in which it was assembled (for example "Prt scr" or similar). It is usually located at the top right of the keyboard. If you are using a laptop, you may need to hold down the key Function or Fn.
The image generated from the screenshot will be copied to the system clipboard. This means that this image will then have to be pasted into a program such as Paint or Photoshop or into a document. To paste content, press the key combination Ctrl + V.
Method 2 of 5: Mac
Step 1. Press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 3 for take a screenshot of the entire screen.
An image will be created of everything that is currently displayed on the Mac screen. A sound effect that recalls the shutter of a camera will be generated to confirm the creation of the screenshot.
- By default, screenshots are stored directly on the desktop.
- If you need to temporarily store the screenshot in the system clipboard, rather than as a file, press the key combination Command + Control + Shift + 3. In this case the screenshot will be saved to the Mac system clipboard, rather than to the desktop as a file. At this point you can paste it into programs like Photoshop, GIMP or Preview.
Step 2. Press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 4 to take a screenshot related to a specific section of the screen
The mouse pointer will turn into a crosshair that you can use to draw a selection area that encloses the section of the screen to include in the screenshot.
Step 3. Press the key combination ⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + 4 + Spacebar to take a screenshot of a specific window
The mouse pointer will take the form of an icon depicting a stylized camera. At this point click on the window you want to take the screenshot of. The Mac will emit an acoustic effect similar to the shutter of a camera and the screenshot image will automatically be stored on the desktop as a file.
Method 3 of 5: Chromebook
Step 1. Press the key combination Ctrl + Show Windows to take a screenshot of the entire screen
An image of everything displayed on the Chromebook screen will be created. The "Show windows" button is characterized by an icon representing a screen and two vertical lines located on the right. It is located in the center of the top row of keys on the keyboard.
Step 2. Press the key combination ⇧ Shift + Ctrl + Show Windows to take a screenshot of a specific section of the screen
The image displayed on the screen will become slightly darker than normal. At this point, drag the mouse cursor to create a selection area that encloses the section of the screen you want to take a screenshot of. Now press the button Enter or click on the option Copy to clipboard if you need to copy the screenshot within a program or document. You can choose between different features using the toolbar.
The "Show windows" button is characterized by an icon representing a screen and two vertical lines located on the right
Step 3. If you are using a tablet, press the "Power" and "Volume Down" keys simultaneously to take a screenshot
If you have a Chromebook tablet, you can take a screenshot of the entire screen by simply pressing the "Power" and "Volume Down" keys simultaneously.
Step 4. Click on the notification message
A notification will appear on the screen after taking the screenshot. Click on the notification to view the screenshot. Alternatively you will find it within the Files app.
Method 4 of 5: iPhone and iPad
Step 1. Display the subject of the screenshot on the screen
This can be an image, a photo, a message, a web page, a document, or any other file or multimedia content.
Step 2. Press the key combination to take a screenshot of your iOS device model
Each iPhone and iPad model has a specific key combination to be able to take a screenshot. The screen brightness will fluctuate for a while to indicate that the screenshot was captured successfully. Use one of the following key combinations:
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iPhones with Face ID:
simultaneously press the side button and the button Volume Up.
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iPhone with Home button:
press the button at the same time Home and the side button or Standby / Wake up depending on the model. The side button is located along the right side of the device while the "Standby / Wake up" button is located at the top right.
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iPad without Home button:
simultaneously press the top button and the button Volume Up.
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iPad with Home button:
press the button at the same time Home and the top button.
Step 3. Launch the Photos app
It features an icon depicting a stylized multicolored flower.
Step 4. Select the Albums tab
It is visible in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 5. Scroll down the page to be able to select the Snapshots album
The screenshot just captured corresponds to the last image in the album.
Method 5 of 5: Android devices
Step 1. Display the subject of the screenshot on the screen
This can be an image, a photo, a message, a web page, a document or any other file or multimedia content.
Step 2. Press the "Power" and "Volume Down" buttons simultaneously
The brightness of the screen will vary for a few moments to indicate that the screenshot was captured correctly.
If you are using a Samsung Galaxy with a Home button, press the Home button together with the button Power. Alternatively, you can take a screenshot by swiping your palm across the screen from left to right.
Step 3. Launch the Gallery app
It is usually characterized by an icon depicting a stylized photo. It is visible on the home screen of the device.
Step 4. Go to the Screenshots folder
This is the folder where all the screenshots you take are automatically stored.
