Introduction
A screenshot is an important tool for recording what is showcased on the screen of your computer for further reference. It is also one of the simplest ways to save information, especially when you need to save information quickly. You can also use screenshots to tackle cyberbullying, by screenshotting the whole messages and conversations as evidence against bullies.
Knowing how to take a screenshot on a PC is a must-learn skill for everybody. In this post, we will guide you step-by-step on the various ways you can take screenshots on your PC, just pay attention; it’s not difficult.
What is a screenshot?
A Screenshot is a digital image that shows the current view on your screen at a specific moment. You can take a screenshot with your phone, tablet etc. this feature is not limited to computers. Instead of using a camera, your device has a special way to capture the image displayed on your screen.
How to Take Screenshots on Your PC?
There are various methods to take screenshots on your PC that work for you. We will share four different methods along with guidelines. They are:
- Using the Print Screen (Prnt Scrn) key:
This key is located at the top right of the keyboard boldly written as “Print Scrn, Prnt Scrn etc and is the simplest command to capture a screenshot.
Steps:
- Press the Prnt Scrn button to capture the entire screen. This action copies the image to the clipboard.
- Next, open Microsoft Word, Paint, or another image editor to view the screenshot. Unlike mobile phones, the screenshot will not appear on your screen automatically.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
- Save the file in your preferred location.
2. Alt + Print Screen for capturing an active window:
This method is simple and suitable if you want to snap or capture the active window. The following are step-by-step guidelines to achieving this.
Steps
- Make sure you are in the current window that you want to capture, ensure its active by clicking on it.
- Press the Alt + Prnt Scrn together, which captures only the active window and copies it to the clipboard.
- Open the Microsoft Word or Paint and paste by inputting Ctrl + V (a shortcut for paste).
- Save the screenshot in your preferred area.
Using the Windows + Shift +S Shortcut
Windows+Shift+S Shortcut is another method for taking screenshots on your PC. It is sometimes considered a more flexible method because it is specifically designed for precision captures, as it allows you to define the exact area of the screen you want. However, experiences may vary; choose what works best for you. Here are steps that serve as a guide on how you can achieve it.
Steps
- Start by pressing the Windows + Shift + S all at once. This action produces a dim light on your screen and brings up a snipping tool at the top.
- The snipping tool is just like a scissors image, select it. Then, use it to select the areas you want to snap. While choosing the snipping tool, your cursor changes its shape to a cross form, you can use it to select the areas like a rectangular shape.
- After doing that, the screenshot is being copied automatically to the clipboard just like the others.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the snap into an image editor or document.
- Save the image.
Using the Snipping Tool:
The snipping tool is an already in-built window in the PC. You can access it by moving your cursor down where you have the search bar close to the start menu. It used to capture and save images in the current window of your PC. It has more options for taking screenshots.
Steps
- Go to the search bar in the start menu to search for “Snipping tool”.
- You can choose the kind of snip tool you prefer, either the free-form, rectangular or full-screen or window just at the top of the PC.
- Click on “New” and select the parts you want to snap.
- Edit, annotate and save the screenshot that has been already captured.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on PC is not a difficult task, it’s simple, and there are various methods to achieve it. It’s all dependent on what you want according to the experience you get from each method. Regardless of whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window or selected area, these methods will help to achieve your goal. If you follow these steps and methods, taking a screenshot will not be a big deal for you.
