How2 take Screenshots on Your Larger Devices (PC & Laptop)

(You can do this!)

Many times, you’ll find yourself wanting to save what you see on your PC or laptop’s screen. However, there’s no easy way to do that like there is on a cell phone. Great news is that it is possible, when you know how. A laptop and a PC uses the same systems and this makes it easy for us to explain what steps to take to save something on your screen. Below you will find the steps you need to take to preserve that special memory or evidence for an ongoing lawsuit.

On General PC and Laptop Devices

Using the Print Screen Key on Windows OS

  1. Locate the Print Screen Key:
    • Look for the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. It might be labeled as “PrtScn,” “PrtSc,” or something similar. It is usually on the right side, near your backspace key.
    • On some laptops, you may need to press the “Fn” key in combination with “PrtScn.”
  2. Capture the Entire Screen:
    • Press the “PrtScn” key. This captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard.
    • To view or edit this screenshot, open an application like Paint.
      • Open Paint by typing “Paint” into the search bar and selecting the Paint app.
      • Once Paint is open, press “Ctrl + V” to paste the screenshot.
      • You can now save the screenshot by clicking “File” > “Save As” and choosing a location to save the file.
  3. Capture the Active Window:
    • Click on the window you want to capture to make it active.
    • Press “Alt + PrtScn” to capture only the active window.
    • Open Paint and paste the screenshot with “Ctrl + V.”
  1. Click “Ctrl + S” and locate a folder where you want to save the screenshot. You should name it with something short and descriptive, and in a location you can easily remember. See the first “Tip” below for a great idea.
  2. Click “Save” to finalize the saving of your screenshot.

Using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch

  1. Open the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch:
    • For Snipping Tool: Type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar and select it.
    • For Snip & Sketch: Type “Snip & Sketch” in the search bar and select it.
  2. Take a Screenshot:
    • In Snipping Tool, click “New” and select the area you want to capture.
    • In Snip & Sketch, click “New” or use the shortcut “Windows key + Shift + S” to open a small menu at the top of the screen.
      • Select the type of snip you want: rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen.
      • Click and drag to capture the desired area.
  3. Save the Screenshot:
    • The screenshot opens in a new window. Click “File” > “Save As” to save the file.

Taking a Screenshot on macOS

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Capture the Entire Screen:
    • Press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 3” simultaneously.
    • The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
  2. Capture a Selected Portion:
    • Press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 4” simultaneously.
    • Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
    • Release the mouse button to take the screenshot, which will be saved to your desktop.
  3. Capture a Specific Window:
    • Press “Command (⌘) + Shift + 4” and then press the spacebar.
    • Your cursor will change to a camera. Click the window you want to capture.
    • The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

Taking a Screenshot on a Chromebook

  1. Capture the Entire Screen:
    • Press “Ctrl + Show Windows” (the Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two lines on the right side, typically located in the top row).
    • The screenshot will be saved in the “Downloads” folder.
  2. Capture a Selected Area:
    • Press “Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.”
    • Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
    • The screenshot will be saved in the “Downloads” folder.

Viewing and Editing Screenshots

  • On Windows: Use Paint or any image editing software like Microsoft Photos to view and edit your screenshots. This includes cropping and resizing.
  • On macOS: Double-click the screenshot file to open it in Preview, where you can edit or annotate it.
  • On Chromebooks: Open the “Files” app, navigate to the “Downloads” folder, and double-click the screenshot to view it.

Tips

  • Organize Your Screenshots: Create a dedicated folder to save your screenshots for easy access.
  • Editing Tools: Use built-in editing tools on your operating system or third-party software for more advanced editing.
  • OS means “Operating System.”

By following these steps, even if you are new to computers or laptops, you will find taking screenshots to be a simple and manageable task. Remember, it’s never too late to learn something new, and with even a little practice, you’ll be doing other things like creating profiles on social media, sharing your thoughts about how the sunrise made you feel exhilarated, and exploring many other exciting possibilities!

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