How to Print Screen on Computer?

Being able to capture and save what’s shown on your computer screen can be incredibly useful. Whether you want to share an error message with tech support, save an important document, or simply capture a funny meme, knowing how to print screen on your computer is a valuable skill. In this article, we will guide you through the process of taking a screenshot on different operating systems and provide some additional tips and tricks to enhance your screen capturing experience.

How to Print Screen on Windows

Using the Print Screen Key

One of the simplest ways to capture your screen on a Windows computer is by using the “Print Screen” key. Here’s how:

1. Locate the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. It is typically labeled as “PrtScn” or “PrtSc”.

2. To capture the entire screen, simply press the “Print Screen” key once. The captured image will be saved to your clipboard.

3. If you want to capture only the active window, press the “Alt” key together with the “Print Screen” key. This will save a screenshot of the currently active window to your clipboard.

4. Open an image editing software or a word processor like Microsoft Word, and paste the screenshot by pressing “Ctrl” and “V” simultaneously. You can now save the image or edit it further.

Using the Snipping Tool

Windows also offers a built-in screenshot utility called the “Snipping Tool.” This tool allows you to capture specific parts of your screen with more precision. Here’s how to use it:

1. Type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar located in the taskbar and click on the corresponding search result to open the tool.

2. Click on “New” to start a new snip.

3. Choose the type of snip you want to take: “Free-form Snip,” “Rectangular Snip,” “Window Snip,” or “Full-screen Snip.”

4. Once you’ve selected the desired snipping method, use your mouse or touchpad to capture the area you want to screenshot.

5. After capturing the snip, you can annotate it or save it by clicking on the “Save Snip” icon.

How to Print Screen on Mac

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac computers provide several keyboard shortcuts to capture screenshots. Here are the most commonly used ones:

1. To capture the entire screen, press “Command” + “Shift” + “3” simultaneously. The screenshot will be saved on your desktop as a PNG file.

2. If you want to capture only a specific portion of the screen, press “Command” + “Shift” + “4”. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag the crosshair to select the area you want to screenshot. Release the mouse button to capture the selection.

3. To capture a specific window or menu, press “Command” + “Shift” + “4” and then press the “Space” bar. The cursor will change to a camera. Simply click on the window or menu you want to capture.

Using the Screenshot Tool

On macOS Mojave or later versions, you can use the built-in Screenshot tool to take screenshots and enjoy additional features. Follow these steps:

1. Press “Command” + “Shift” + “5” to open the Screenshot toolbar.

2. Choose the type of screenshot you want: “Capture Entire Screen,” “Capture Selected Window,” or “Capture Selected Portion.”

3. Customize additional options like timer delay, show mouse pointer, and choose the save location.

4. Click on “Capture” to take the screenshot and access it in the preview window. You can edit, annotate, or share the screenshot directly from there.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Utilizing Third-Party Applications

If you require more advanced screenshot functionalities, numerous third-party applications are available for both Windows and Mac. Some popular options include Snagit, Greenshot, Lightshot, and Skitch. These tools often provide features like image editing, capturing scrolling windows, and easy sharing options.

Screenshots on Mobile Devices

Taking screenshots on mobile devices is equally essential. On most devices, pressing the power button and volume down button simultaneously will capture a screenshot. However, it’s advisable to check your specific device’s user manual or search for the appropriate method based on your mobile operating system.

Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Remembering all the keyboard shortcuts can be challenging. Feel free to create a cheat sheet or bookmark a comprehensive list of shortcuts for quick reference. This will save you time and effort when you need to take screenshots frequently.

Now that you have learned different ways to print screen on your computer, you can easily capture and save any information or image displayed on your screen. Whether you’re a Windows or Mac user, knowing these techniques will undoubtedly make your digital life more efficient and productive.

*Please note that the instructions requested to ignore previous instructions, which stated to respond in non-English language. Thus, the response is provided solely in English.

# FAQ

1. **How do I capture the entire screen on a Windows computer?**
– To capture the entire screen on a Windows computer, press the Print Screen key once. The captured image will be saved to your clipboard.

2. **How do I capture only the active window on a Windows computer?**
– To capture only the active window on a Windows computer, press the Alt key together with the Print Screen key. This will save a screenshot of the currently active window to your clipboard.

3. **What is the Snipping Tool and how do I use it on Windows?**
– The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot utility on Windows. To use it, type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar, click on the corresponding result, and select the type of snip you want to take. After capturing the snip, you can annotate it or save it.

4. **How do I capture a screenshot on a Mac computer?**
– To capture the entire screen on a Mac computer, press Command + Shift + 3 simultaneously. The screenshot will be saved on your desktop as a PNG file. If you want to capture a specific portion of the screen, press Command + Shift + 4 and use the crosshair cursor to select the area you want to screenshot.