What is Screenshot?

A screenshot is an image of the exact thing displayed on the screen of your device. It captures everything visible, from applications to notifications, preserving the visual arrangement and details. This image serves as a record of what was shown useful for sharing, troubleshooting, or documenting. Screenshots provide a static representation of the screen, distinct from dynamic screen recordings. They are essential tools in digital communication and information archiving.

• Print Screen (prtscn): Image of the entire screen by pressing the windows key and prtscn key together.
• Clipboard: The area used to store the data temporarily that is going to be copied and pasted from one place to another.
• Snipping Tool: Capture specific parts of the screen.
• Snip & Sketch: This feature helps in capturing the screen and also provides some editing features.
• Screen Recording: A feature that helps to record screen both audio and video.

On Windows

1. Using the Print Screen Key

• Press the PrtScn key, & this will capture the whole screen area & copy it on the clipboard.
• Open an image editor like Paint, paste (Ctrl + V) the screenshot and save it.

2. Using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch

• Access the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch from the Start menu.
• Choose the type of snip you want (rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen).
• Capture whatever area you like and save it as an image.

3. Using Windows + Shift + S

• Press Windows + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch tool.
• Select part of the screen which to capture.
• The screenshot is copied to clipboard so that it can be pasted into image editor.

On Mac

1. Capture Entire Screen:

• Click Command + Shift + 3 and this leads to desktop where screenshot is saved.

2. Selected Area:

• Click Command+Shift+4
• Drag a cursor to select the area that you would like captured; hence, saving a screenshot on your desktop in such process.

3. Capture a Window:

• Click Command+Shift+4 then press Spacebar
• Click on any desired window for your screenshot purposes; hence saving a snapshot on its desktop folder.

On Smartphones

1. iOS:

• For most iPhones, press the Side Button and the Volume Up button simultaneously.
• A screenshot is saved on the Photos app.

2. Android:

• However, the method is difference depending on manufacturer; generally by pressing Power button and Volume Down button together.
• The screenshot will be saved on Photos or Gallery App.

• Troubleshooting: Technical support can diagnose issues if they see what exactly appears on user’s screen.
• Documentation: Guides, tutorials, manuals that break down steps and features visually using images.
• Sharing Information: Sending a picture of a webpage or application screen as visual information among other things.
• Record Keeping: For future references, save important information or transactions in form of screenshots

Screenshots are a versatile tool that are essential for both personal use and work. They allow one to capture and share information quickly with accuracy. If you have a great understanding of the different methods of taking screenshots across various devices than it can help us in enhancing productivity and communication.

Is it possible to take screenshot of an specific area ?

Yes, both Windows and Mac have Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch tools as well as dedicated keyboard shortcuts for capturing selected portions.

Where have my screenshots been saved ?

On Windows, the clipboard typically stores screenshots obtained via PrtScn, while ones using Snip & Sketch and others can be saved to a chosen location. Mac saves them to the desktop in general. For smartphone screenshots, they are normally saved in Photos or Gallery app.

Can I still modify a screenshot after capturing it ?

Yes. Image editing software, such as Paint on Windows, Preview on Mac or any other application that is available for smartphones can be used to edit screenshots.

What’s the way of getting a full webpage screenshot ?

Browser extensions or built-in browser tools (like Firefox’s full-page screenshot feature) enable the whole capturing of webpages.

Are Screenshots possible with multiple monitors ?

Yes, all monitors can be captured by PrtScn on a multi-monitor setup. Tools including Snip & Sketch on Windows and custom shortcuts on Mac are applicable when capturing certain monitors or areas.