Taking a screenshot is one of the easiest ways to capture and share what’s on your computer screen. Whether you want to save a receipt, show an error message, or capture part of a presentation, screenshots are super useful. Here’s how you can do it on Windows and Mac.
1. Taking a Screenshot on Windows
Option A: Entire Screen
•Press PrtScn (Print Screen) on your keyboard.
•The image is copied to your clipboard paste it into Paint, Word, or any editing tool with Ctrl + V.
Option B: Active Window Only
•Hold Alt + PrtScn to capture just the active window.
•Paste it into a document or image editor.
Option C: Specific Area (Windows 10 & 11)
•Press Windows + Shift + S.
•Your screen will dim and a small menu will appear.
•Select Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen.
•The screenshot is copied to your clipboard and can also be found in the Screenshots folder inside Pictures.
Option D: Use Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch
•Open Snipping Tool (Windows 7/8) or Snip & Sketch (Windows 10/11).
•Choose the type of screenshot you want.
•Save or copy it directly.
2. Taking a Screenshot on Mac
Option A: Entire Screen
•Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3.
•The screenshot will be saved on your desktop.
Option B: Selected Area
•Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4.
•Drag the crosshair to select the area.
•Release to capture saved to your desktop.
Option C: Specific Window
•Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then hit Spacebar.
•Your cursor will change to a camera.
•Click the window you want to capture.
Option D: Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave & later)
•Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5.
•Choose to capture the full screen, window, or custom area.
•You can also record your screen here!
3. Tips for Better Screenshots
•Keep your desktop or browser clean before capturing.
•Use editing tools (Paint, Preview, Canva, etc.) to crop or add highlights.
•Save screenshots in organized folders for quick access.