When using a PC or Mac, you will often need to capture your screen. If you are unsure which buttons to press, this guide covers every screenshot method, from keyboard shortcuts to built-in tools.
1. Taking Screenshots in Windows (PC)
① Capture the Entire Screen – Print Screen
Press the PrtScn or Print Screen key on your keyboard to save the entire screen to the clipboard. You can paste it with Ctrl + V.
② Capture Only the Current Window – Alt + Print Screen
Only the currently active window is captured and saved to the clipboard.
③ Automatically Save the Entire Screen – Windows + Print Screen
The entire screen is captured and automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
④ Capture a Selected Area – Windows + Shift + S
Launches the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select and capture a specific area.
⑤ Launch Snipping Tool Directly
Type Snipping Tool in the Windows search box to launch it. It also includes advanced features such as delayed captures.
2. Taking Screenshots on Mac
① Capture the Entire Screen – Command + Shift + 3
The entire screen is automatically saved as an image file on your desktop.
② Capture a Selected Area – Command + Shift + 4
Your cursor changes to a crosshair (+), allowing you to drag over the area you want to capture.
③ Capture Only a Specific Window – Press the Spacebar After Command + Shift + 4
Press the Spacebar to change the cursor into a camera icon, then click the window you want to capture.
④ Screenshot Options Window – Command + Shift + 5
An options window appears with various features, including screen recording, window capture, and selected-area capture.
3. Tip: Save Only to the Clipboard
On a Mac, add the Control key to save the capture only to the clipboard.
Example: Command + Control + Shift + 3 (saves the entire screen to the clipboard)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1. What should I do if Snipping Tool does not work?
In Windows 10 or later, try using Snip & Sketch or the new Snipping Tool. - Q2. My screenshot is not being saved.
If it was saved only to the clipboard, you need to paste it into another app, such as Paint. - Q3. Can I change screenshot keyboard shortcuts?
On Mac, you can change them in System Settings. On Windows, you need a third-party app. - Q4. Can I record my screen too?
TryCommand + Shift + 5on Mac or Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G) on Windows. - Q5. Where can I edit screenshots?
Mac includes built-in editing tools, and on Windows you can use Snipping Tool or Paint.