how do you take a screenshot on a computer

4 hours ago 7
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To take a screenshot on a computer, the method depends on whether you use Windows or macOS. Here are the common ways:

On Windows Computers

  • Print Screen (PrtScn) key: Pressing this key copies an image of the entire screen to the clipboard. You then paste it (Ctrl + V) into an image editor like Paint or a document to save it
  • Alt + Print Screen: Captures only the active window to the clipboard, which you can paste and save
  • Windows key + Print Screen: Captures the entire screen and automatically saves the screenshot as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder
  • Windows key + Shift + S: Opens the Snipping Tool overlay allowing you to select a rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen area to capture. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard for pasting or saving
  • Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch app: You can open this tool from the Start menu to capture screenshots with options for freeform, rectangular, window, or full screen. It also allows annotation and saving
  • Windows + G (Game Bar): For gamers, this opens the Game Bar overlay to take screenshots during gameplay, saved automatically to your Videos > Captures folder

On Mac Computers

  • Command (⌘) + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen and saves the screenshot to the desktop
  • Command (⌘) + Shift + 4: Lets you drag to select a portion of the screen to capture, saved to the desktop
  • Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then Spacebar: Captures a specific window after you click on it, saved to the desktop
  • Command (⌘) + Shift + 5: Opens the Screenshot app with options to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or a window, with preview and editing features

These methods cover most common needs for capturing screenshots on computers efficiently