Do you need to take a snapshot of what you see on your computer screen? This is much simpler than you think. Read on to find out how to take a screenshot on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. All you need to get to know are simple key combinations.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Take a screenshot in Windows
Step 1. Find the "Print" key on your keyboard
The function of this key is to save an image of everything displayed on the screen in the system "clipboard". This is similar to the "Copy" button for viewing an image.
- This key is normally located in the upper right corner of the keyboard, above the "Backspace" key.
- Press the "Print" button once to take a snapshot of what you see on the screen.
- If you want to capture an image relative to the active window only, hold down the "Alt" key while pressing the "Print" key. For example, if you are browsing the internet and want to take a screenshot of the browser window only, press the key combination "Alt + Stamp".
Step 2. Start Microsoft Paint
It is a simple image editor built into all versions of the Windows operating system. It will allow you to paste the screenshot into a new document and make any changes you want.
- To open Paint, go to the "Start" menu, select "All Programs", choose the "Accessories" option and then select the "Paint" icon.
- You can paste the captured screenshot into any program that can handle images, such as Photoshop, Microsoft Word or InDesign. Paint, however, is undoubtedly the simplest and fastest choice to save a screenshot.
Step 3. To view the contents of the screenshot, use the "Paste" function
The "Paste" button is located in the upper left corner of the Microsoft Paint user interface. Alternatively you can use the hotkey combination "Ctrl + V".
Step 4. Save the screenshot
Now, thanks to Paint, you can save your screenshot as an image. To do this, select the small floppy disk icon or use the hot key combination "Ctrl + S". You will be given the opportunity to type in the name to assign to the image and to choose its format.
Step 5. A valid alternative is to use the "Snipping Tool" program present in Windows Vista, 7 or 8 systems
This tool allows you to take custom screenshots. To start the program, go to the "Start" menu and search for the keywords "Snipping Tool". This application allows you to create fully customized screenshots and save them directly as images:
- Press the "New" button.
- Select the area of the screen you want to convert to an image.
- Press the "Save Snapshot" button (it's the purple floppy disk icon).
Method 2 of 3: Mac OS X
Step 1. Press the "Command" key (the one with the Apple apple), "Shift" and "3" at the same time
Automatically, an image will be saved to your desktop with the name "Screen shot", followed by the date and time it was created.
Step 2. If you want to capture an image relative to a specific area of the screen instead, use the key combination "Command + Shift + 4"
Your mouse cursor will turn into a cross-hair selector with which you can highlight the area you want to get the image of.
Step 3. Open the created image and edit it
To open the created file, double-click it to select it. You will then be able to edit, crop, resize or rename your screenshot, using the program of your choice.
By selecting the file name with a single click of the mouse, without moving the pointer, you will have the possibility to rename it directly from the desktop
Method 3 of 3: Other Methods for Taking a Screenshot
Step 1. Use "GIMP" to take a screenshot whenever you want
GIMP is a free and open-source image editor, equipped with a native function for taking a screenshot. There are two methods to use this GIMP feature:
- Access the "File" menu, select the "Create" item and choose the "Screen Image …" option.
- Press the key combination "Shift + F12".
Step 2. Take a screenshot on Linux systems using "GNOME Desktop"
Although the Windows method of using the "Print" key also works normally in Linux, this operating system offers other possibilities that allow more options:
- Access the "Applications" menu.
- Choose "Accessories" and locate the "Screen Capture" item.
- This tool offers several options for taking a screenshot, from selecting a screen area to setting a delay.
Step 3. Take a screenshot on iPhone by pressing the "Home" and "Power" buttons simultaneously
You will see the screen turn blank for an instant, confirming that the screenshot was successful. The related image will be saved in the "Pictures" application, which you can access at any time.
Step 4. On Android devices, take a screenshot by pressing the "Power" button and the volume controller at the same time
Many Android devices offer the "Screenshot" option in the menu that appears by pressing the "Power" button.
- Unlike those using previous versions, devices equipped with Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 can take advantage of this feature.
- Those users whose smartphones lack this capability can download a special app from the Google Play Store. If this is your case, search using the keyword "Screenshot" and download the free app of your choice.
Advice
- Now do some practice so that you are ready when you need to take a screenshot of a subject of your interest.
- The image obtained by pressing the "Stamp" key includes everything that appears on the screen at that moment. Given its size, it will probably need to be resized or cropped.
