Top Methods to Take Screenshots on Windows and Mac
Taking a screenshot is one of the simplest and most useful tricks every computer user should know. Whether you’re saving an important conversation, capturing a receipt, or sharing a funny meme with a friend, knowing how to take a screenshot properly can save you time and effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to take screenshots on both Windows and Mac computers. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy—everything is explained in a clear and friendly way.
How to Take Screenshots on Windows
Windows provides several built-in methods to take screenshots, depending on what you want to capture. Let’s explore the most commonly used methods.
Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
One of the easiest ways to capture your screen is by using the “Print Screen” key, usually labeled as “PrtScn” on your keyboard. When you press this key, Windows copies an image of your entire screen to the clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into apps like Paint, Word, or an email by pressing Ctrl + V.
If you only want to capture the active window (the one you’re currently using), press Alt + PrtScn. This method also copies the screenshot to your clipboard.
Using the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot utility in Windows. To use it, click the Start menu and search for “Snipping Tool.” Once it’s open, click on New, then drag your mouse to select the portion of the screen you want to capture. You can save the image directly or annotate it before saving.
Windows 10 and 11 also come with an improved version called Snip & Sketch. You can activate it quickly by pressing Windows + Shift + S, which dims the screen and lets you draw a rectangle around the area you want to capture. The screenshot is automatically saved to the clipboard, and a notification allows you to open and edit it immediately.
Using Windows + Print Screen
If you want to capture the whole screen and save it directly as an image file, press Windows + PrtScn. The screen will dim briefly, and the screenshot will be saved automatically in the Screenshots folder under Pictures. This is especially useful if you need to take multiple screenshots quickly.
How to Take Screenshots on Mac
Mac computers also provide various ways to take screenshots with simple keyboard shortcuts. These methods are reliable and don’t require you to install any third-party software.
Capture the Entire Screen
To take a screenshot of the entire screen, press Command + Shift + 3. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your desktop with the current date and time as the filename.
Capture a Selected Portion of the Screen
Sometimes, you only want to capture a specific area. For this, press Command + Shift + 4. Your cursor will change to a crosshair, allowing you to click and drag over the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved.
Capture a Specific Window
If you prefer to capture a specific window (like your browser or a document), press Command + Shift + 4, then tap the Spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture, and the screenshot will appear on your desktop.
Using the Screenshot App on macOS Mojave and Later
macOS Mojave introduced a built-in Screenshot app that gives you even more control. Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the tool. A small toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen with options to capture the full screen, a window, or a selected portion. It also includes screen recording options. You can choose where to save your screenshots and even set a timer.
Taking Screenshots with Third-Party Tools
Both Windows and Mac support third-party applications that offer more features like scrolling screenshots, editing tools, and cloud storage. Some popular options include:
Lightshot – A free tool that works on both platforms and allows quick editing and uploading
Greenshot – Great for Windows users who want advanced capture options
CleanShot X – A paid but powerful tool for Mac that offers screen recording and annotations
These tools are useful for users who take screenshots frequently and need more than the basic options.
Where to Find Your Saved Screenshots
On Windows, screenshots taken with Windows + PrtScn are saved in Pictures > Screenshots. Screenshots from Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch need to be saved manually unless you copy and paste them elsewhere.
On Mac, screenshots are saved to your desktop by default. If you’re using Command + Shift + 5, you can change the save location by clicking Options in the toolbar that appears.
Tips for Better Screenshot Use
Always check the image before sharing or saving, especially if it contains personal data.
Rename your screenshots to keep them organized and easy to find.
Use editing tools to highlight, blur, or add arrows when explaining something to others.
Screenshots are an essential part of daily computer use, and knowing the right shortcut or tool can help you work more efficiently and communicate clearly. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, the built-in features provide plenty of flexibility to capture what you need, when you need it.