The screenshot shortcut techniques can be extremely useful in different work scenarios. With one capture of whatever you seek from the screen, note-making becomes super fast. Also, you can include references in your presentation with screenshots. Just knowing the screenshot short keys will steadfast your research or work.
While the traditional method is to use the Print Screen shortcut, there are other ways as well. In this post, we have spilt the beans for all the methods available under the roof. You can thank us later!
What is a Screenshot & Why It Matters?
It is a useful feature that has become a valuable tool in the digital age. This feature lets you capture whatever is currently displayed on your computer, laptop, or mobile device screen and store it as an image for later use. You can easily capture any error message or anything that you’re currently viewing for the digital documentation using a screenshot. They’re helpful tools that can ease up various kinds of tasks and save time in the process.
Screenshots are essential for:
- Remote work: Share screen captures for presentations, troubleshooting, or collaboration.
- Content creation: Capture moments for social media or blogs.
- AI workflows: Save visuals for AI analysis or documentation.
- Education: Create study notes or share lecture slides.
How To Take Screenshot Shortcut In Laptop?
To take a screenshot on your laptop, it depends on your system.
On Windows: Press the PrtScn key to copy the screen. Or press Windows + PrtScn to save the picture.
On Mac: Press Shift + Command + 3 to take a picture of the screen.
Also read: WhatsApp Money Heist Sticker Pack: How To Download and Send
Screenshot Shortcut Keys For Taking a Screenshot On Windows!
(On Windows 11/12)
Windows offers multiple built-in shortcuts for flexibility. The Print Screen button comes in very handy in such a case. Here’s where you find it on Windows Keyboard:
Full Screen (Auto-Save):
Shortcut: Windows + PrtSc
It captures the entire screen and saves it as an image in C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures\Screenshots.
On some laptops, the laptop screenshot shortcut may require pressing Fn + PrtScn together.
Selected Area:
Screen Shortcut: Windows + Shift + S
Screen fades, and a crosshair appears. Drag to select an area, then release. The image is copied to the clipboard. Paste into apps like Paint or Word, or click the notification to edit in Snipping Tool.
Also read: How To Hide WhatsApp DP From Others?
Active Window:
Shortcut: Alt + PrtSc
Captures only the active window to the clipboard. Paste into an editor like Paint to save or edit.
Game Bar Capture:
Screen Shortcut: Windows + G
It opens the Game Bar. Click the camera icon to capture. Saves to C:\Users\YourUserName\Videos\Captures.
This one is ideal for gaming or video-related screenshots.
Also Read: 10 Best Compact Android phones you can buy in India!
5. Capture an Active Window With Screenshot Shortcut
To capture only the active window:
- Shortcut: Press Alt + PrtScn.
It basically captures the active window to the clipboard. You cant hen paste it into an editor to save it.
How To Take Screenshots On Macbook?
To know how to take screenshot in laptop particularly in a Macbook, follow the steps below:
| Type | Shortcut | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | Shift + Command + 3 | Takes a picture of the whole screen and saves it on desktop. |
| Part of Screen | Shift + Command + 4 | Shows a cross to pick an area. Drag to select and let go to take a picture. |
| One Window | Shift + Command + 4, then Space | Changes cursor to camera. Click a window to take its picture. |
| Screenshot Toolbar | Shift + Command + 5 | Opens tools to take pictures or record the screen. |
Also Read: How to Check All Devices Logged Into Your Facebook Account
Using Built-In Screenshot Shortcut Tools
Both Windows and macOS have easy tools to capture and edit screenshots without extra software!
| Tool | Platform | How to Use | Features | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snipping Tool | Windows 10/11 | Windows + Shift + S | Capture & edit screenshots | Use Delay for timed shots |
| Snip & Sketch | Windows 11 | Windows + Shift + S | Edit with touch, auto save | Click notification to edit |
| Screenshot App | macOS | Shift + Command + 5 | Capture, record, timers | Hold Control to copy |
Take a Screenshot Using Snipping Tool
Here are a few steps that you need to follow.
- To take a screenshot of the screen, click the Windows button on the taskbar.
- Now, type in the search field “Snipping Tool.”
- Click on the first app option that comes up in the results to open it.
- You will see various options in the app when it opens on your Windows PC. It includes mode, options, and delay. Choose the appropriate option.
- Press the New option. Now, the screen will appear with the white overlay, which showcases the uncaptured area.
- The screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool after you capture one.
- Click on the File tab and choose the “Save As” option. It will let you take a screenshot to your preferred location on the hard drive.
Also read: How To Transfer WhatsApp Chat From iOS to Android: A Step by Step Guide
Take a Screenshot using the Snip and Sketch Tool.
You need to follow the steps below to take a screenshot using the Snip and Sketch tool.
- Press Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut, or you can click the Start menu from the taskbar -> type Snip and Sketch -> click the option.
- Once the tool opens, you will see many different options as icons, such as Freeform, Rectangle, Window Snip, and Full-screen Snip.
- After the screenshot is captured, the image will be saved in the clipboard. You can view it by clicking on it from the notification pop-up on your screen. Click on it for markup and file sharing.
- Now, go to the notification bar at the right part of the screen to access the Snip and Sketch tool.
- You can save the file in the Paint app and cut the screen size and later save the file.
A Quick Recap
| Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | Windows + PrtScn | Shift + Command + 3 |
| Selected Area | Windows + Shift + S | Shift + Command + 4 |
| Active Window | Alt + PrtScn | Shift + Command + 4 + Space |
| Screenshot Toolbar | N/A | Shift + Command + 5 |
Troubleshooting Screenshot Problems
Now, we understand that there can be issues when you are trying to capture a screenshot. In this section, we have analysed common problems while taking a screenshot and how to solve them. Let’s check it out:
Shortcuts Not Working:
- Ensure F-Lock is off or try Fn + PrtSc on some laptops.
- Update keyboard drivers or test with an external keyboard.
Screenshots Not Saving:
- Verify the Screenshots folder exists (C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures\Screenshots).
- Check disk space and save manually to Paint if needed.
Blurry Screenshots:
- Set display scaling to 100 per cent in Windows Settings > System > Display.
- On macOS, use Preview’s “Optimise for Retina” option.
Tips for Organising and Managing Screenshots
Now that you know how to take a screenshot on a laptop, let’s check out how to organise them:
- The best tip is to rename the files immediately after taking a screenshot. You can rename it in a way that makes it easier for you to search later.
- You can set up folders like ‘work’, ‘personal’, or something specific. You can do that by going to Pictures > Screenshots.
- You can also sync your screenshots folder with Google Drive or any other cloud platform for easy cross-device access.
- If you are using a macOS, you can also use the Tags features in Finder to label things.
- Make sure to delete outdated screenshots weekly or monthly to keep things organised.
Best Third Party Screenshot Tools For Advanced Features
Along with the tips mentioned, you can also use third-party tools. They are great and can give you advanced features. Let’s check out the options:
| Tool | Platform | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightshot | Windows, macOS | Quick screenshots, annotations, cloud sharing, customizable hotkey (PrtSc) | Casual users needing fast sharing |
| Snagit | Windows, macOS | Scrolling screenshots, video recording, advanced editing tools | Content creators and professionals |
| ShareX | Windows | Free, open-source, scrolling captures, GIFs, uploads to Imgur and more | Power users with custom workflows |
| CleanShot X | macOS | Scrolling captures, annotations, seamless cloud sharing | macOS users looking for a polished experience |
Conclusion: Screenshot Shortcut In Laptop
The screenshot shortcuts in laptop is not so complicated to find out. We have dedicated buttons as well. You can use different methods like built-in tools, quick shortcuts with command button and so on. Once you get in the practice, you can quickly take screenshots, maintaining your workflow. So, now when you see something important while browsing, just screenshot it!
Also Read: Here Is How Instagram Help Center Assists You With Your Account!
Frequently Asked Questions!
How to take screenshot in laptop?
To capture a screenshot on Windows 10 or Windows 11, press the Windows key + PrtScn. Your screen will dim, and the screenshot will be in the Screenshots folder.
How do you capture a screenshot on a PC?
Capture the entire screen by pressing the PrtScn button in the top right of keyboard. This button, when pressed, copies an image of the screen to the clipboard.
How do you take a screenshot on a laptop Windows 10?
Take a screenshot on your Windows 10 laptop by pressing the Windows key + Print Screen key. You’ll notice screen dimming, indicating that screenshot has been taken.
How do I put a screenshot on my laptop screen?
Insert a screenshot onto your laptop screen by selecting Insert > Pictures > Picture. Navigate to the folder where the image is, choose the image, and click Insert.
What is the screenshot key on a laptop?
The screenshot key is usually the Print Screen (PrtSc) button. It’s often found in the top row of your keyboard.
How do I take a screenshot on my laptop with the Shift key?
Press Shift + Windows Key + S to open the snipping tool. Then, select the part of the screen you want to capture.
How do I take a full screenshot on my laptop?
Press Print Screen (PrtSc) to capture the entire screen. You can paste it into an app like Paint or Word to save it.
How do I take a screenshot on my laptop not working?
If the screenshot shortcut key isn’t working, try these:
- Use Shift + Windows Key + S for the snipping tool.
- Update your keyboard drivers.
- Use a third-party screenshot app.
Where is my screenshot on the laptop?
Screenshots are usually saved in the Screenshots folder under Pictures. If you use a snipping tool, you might need to save it manually.
Why can’t I take Screenshots on my PC?
You might not be able to take screenshots if your keyboard’s Print Screen key isn’t working, or if an app or security setting blocks the feature. Please check if the F-lock is turned off. The Print screen key won’t work if this function button is On. Press it once and then try using the Print Screen again.
What is the PC control for screenshot?
Press PrtSc to capture the whole screen, Alt + PrtSc for the active window, or Windows + Shift + S to select a specific area.
What is the easiest screenshot tool?
The easiest built-in tools are Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, which allow you to capture and edit screenshots easily.
What is F12 screenshot?
The F12 function button on the keyboard is usually used for taking screenshots on a gaming platform called Steam. Otherwise, it is only to open developer tools in browsers, not for screenshots, unless customized through specific software.
How to scroll a screenshot in PC?
To capture a scrolling screenshot, you can use tools like Snagit or PicPick. These tools can capture long pages or documents.
If you have any other questions, do let us know in the comments below!
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with a six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
