Taking a screenshot is something that almost everyone who uses a device like a PC, iPhone or Android should know. This article will explain the various ways you can quickly take a screenshot of your screen.
Sometimes, we may find an image that we want to reuse or save to our gallery for later use. These images can be re-uploaded on our social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp.
Screenshots can also help you save resources that you want to use later, especially when you may be running out of data or in areas where there is no internet connection. It can also be used as proof or receipt of your conversation with someone.
This is an important skill to add and the good thing is it’s not that hard to figure out how to capture your screen. Your smartphone and computer can do more than you ever imagined.
What is a Screenshot?
A screenshot otherwise known as Screengrab, it is an image that displays the contents of your device screen after being captured using a command or a series of buttons.
Screenshots are an easy way to quickly capture anything displayed on your screen that can be shared with others or for reference purposes only.
Photos and Screenshots are both images, the only difference is that photos can only be generated using the Camera while others are taken from a computer screen. Usually, there is no better way to take a picture of your computer screen than Screenshot. Photos taken via screenshots are cleaner and more detailed.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Computer
Here are the steps on how to screengrab on a PC or Laptop
Method 1: How to Screengrab on computer using Your Keyboard Keys
This is the easiest way to quickly screenshot your screen without breaking a sweat. All you need is to use the right buttons and then paste them into any interface that accepts images like Wordpad, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, or Corel Draw.
Press the PrtScn . button
By pressing the Print Scrn button, it will automatically capture or copy your entire device screen which you then need to paste. The PrtScn key is usually after the F12 key.
This is the same way you would copy text but keep it in your clipboard which you can then paste into a word processing application or image editing software.
If you’re not familiar with the software, you can use Control V to paste a screenshot into your workspace.
Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool program
Another way to screengrab on a PC is to use a snipping tool program. These are programs that come as part of your windows operating system (OS).
Windows 7, Vista, and other versions have this program. This can be very useful when you find it difficult to use the PrtScn key. This may be due to a faulty keyboard or a technical glitch.
The best part about using the Snipping Tool program is that it also allows you to copy or capture part of the screen instead of the entire screen. You can change to another mode for copying – Freeform Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, and Full Screen Snip.
1. To take a screenshot of your computer screen, simply click the Start Menu / Window Icon to display All programs and Applications. It’s at the far left of the taskbar.
2. Scroll down and click “Snip & Sketch.”
3. Click “New” located at the top of the application. You can choose a different mode if you want. The rectangular snip is the default.
4. Drag the cursor around what you want to capture. The screenshot will be automatically displayed.
5. There are many tools that can be used to deal with images, but if saving the image is what you want to do, then Right Click on the image and tap “Save As.” You can also click “Copy” and then paste it into a Doc, Photoshop, Wordpad, or other acceptable application.
6. Alternatively, use the Snipping Tool shortcut to quickly find the program, Windows logo key + Shift + S.
How to capture screen on Mac Apple
Below are step by step instructions on how to screenshot on Mac Computer:
Method 1: Press command
Screengrab is also possible on your Mac. You can only capture the entire screen or the part you need. Follow the steps below:
1. Press and hold Shift, Command, and 3 to capture the entire screen of your Mac Computer. The screenshot will be automatically saved on your desktop.
2. To take a portion of the screen, Press and hold Shift, Command, and 4. Now drag the crosshair to capture the area you want to copy. Release your mouse or trackpad button and wait for the shot to be automatically saved on your desktop.
3. The screenshot is saved as a PNG file. If you want to edit before saving on the Desktop, you just need to click on the thumbnail in the corner of your screen.
Method 2: Use Grab tool to take screenshot
There is also another way to screenshot on Apple MAC if you don’t want to use keyboard shortcuts. Grab tool comes with OS and can be used to capture your screen.
To use the Grab tool for screenshots on your MAC, open your Mac’s menu bar, click “Capture” and then select “Selection.” If you wanted to capture the entire screen, you would click “Screen” instead of “Options.”
An alternative way is to use a shortcut by pressing Command+Shift+A.
Click and drag to select the area you want to copy.
Once you launch the feature, click and drag to select the desired capture area.
Once done, remove your mouse pad. The screenshot will appear on your screen in a new window where you can edit, save, and even name the file.
How to Take a Screenshot on an Android Phone
Screenshots can also be taken on your Android smartphone even without any special application. You can save a lot of space by avoiding using apps, and we’ll walk you through the process:
Method 1: Via Button
Go to the page or screen that you want to screenshot.
Press the Power and Volume down buttons at the same time (Only Once at the same time, you don’t need to press the button).
Tap the captured image and save it to your Gallery.
Method 2: On screen
This second way is the easiest way to screengrab without needing to leave your page. However, you may need to enable commands on your device to use it. Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Key Shortcuts > Take Screenshot.
Open the page you want to save as an image first.
Slide your 3 fingers down.
Click on the captured image and then save.
This method may not work with older Android OS.
How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone
Several iPhone models have been produced over the years with adjustments made as well. This is why we are going to cover both old and new iPhones.
Method 1: Using Your Phone Keys
For screenshot on Old iPhone with home button, Press “up” button and Home button at the same time.
On newer iPhones, press the “side” button and the “volume up” button at the same time.
Quickly release the button to see a thumbnail preview in the lower left corner.
Click on the thumbnail to open it.
Method 2: Using AssistiveTouch on any iPhone Model
Not everyone likes the idea of using the buttons to take a picture on their screen as this can be very tricky. In such an attempt, they might turn off the device. Another alternative to screenshots on your iPhone is to use AssistiveTouch.
To start using AssistiveTouch on your Apple iPhone, you must first enable it. Follow the guide to enable this feature:
1. Go to “Settings”
2. Tap “Accessibility.”
3. Click Physical and Motor “Touch” and then “AssistiveTouch.” You can activate the feature by clicking on the button which can be found at the top.
When it’s activated successfully, you’ll see what looks like a green oval that holds a white circle.
4. Select “Double-tap” and then select “Screenshot.”
This will fully enable the screenshot feature. So whenever you double-tap the AssistiveTouch button, you will be able to capture your iPhone screen.
5. To take a screenshot of your screen, double-tap the AssistiveTouch icon on your screen, then the screenshot will be taken. The screenshot can be found in your image gallery.
