How to Take Screenshot in Laptop or Desktop Computer?

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Wondering how to take screenshot in laptop? Capturing screenshots on a laptop or desktop computer is an essential skill for work, learning, troubleshooting, and saving important details. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, there are multiple built-in and third-party methods to take, edit, and store screenshots efficiently. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know

Why Taking Screenshots is Important?

Screenshots help in various situations, such as:

  • Documenting errors for tech support.
  • Saving important information from web pages.
  • Creating tutorials and guides.
  • Capturing online receipts and payment confirmations.
  • Sharing visual content without typing long explanations.
  • Preserving digital evidence for official purposes.
  • Recording transaction confirmations for future reference.

How to Take Screenshot in Laptop or Desktop Computer (Windows & Mac)

How to Take Screenshot in Laptop or Desktop Computer (Windows)

Windows users have several built-in and third-party options for taking screenshots. Below is a comprehensive guide.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows provides built-in shortcuts for taking screenshots:

ShortcutFunction
PrtScn (Print Screen)Captures full screen and copies it to clipboard.
Windows + PrtScnCaptures full screen and saves it automatically in “Pictures > Screenshots” folder.
Alt + PrtScnCaptures the active window and copies it to clipboard.
Windows + Shift + SOpens Snip & Sketch for partial screen captures.

Using Built-in Tools

  1. Snipping Tool (Windows 7, 8, 10, 11)
    • Open Snipping Tool.
    • Click “New” and select area.
    • Save the screenshot in the desired format.
    • Use “Delay” feature for time-based captures.
  2. Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 & 11)
    • Press Windows + Shift + S.
    • Select the area to capture.
    • Edit, annotate, and save the screenshot.

Using Third-Party Apps

  • Lightshot – Easy-to-use, lightweight with cloud sharing options.
  • Greenshot – Advanced editing features, supports direct cloud uploads.
  • ShareX – Best for scrolling screenshots, GIF recording, and OCR text extraction.

How to Take Screenshot in Laptop or Desktop Computer (Mac)

Mac users have multiple built-in and third-party options for taking screenshots. Here’s how you can do it.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutFunction
Command + Shift + 3Captures the entire screen.
Command + Shift + 4Captures a selected portion.
Command + Shift + 5Opens Mac’s screenshot toolbar.
Command + Shift + 6Captures the MacBook Touch Bar.

Using Built-in Tools

  1. Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and later)
    • Press Command + Shift + 5.
    • Choose screen capture or recording options.
    • Edit and save screenshots in the desired format.
  2. Preview App
    • Open “Preview”.
    • Select File > Take Screenshot.
    • Choose between full screen, window, or selected area capture.

Using Third-Party Apps

  • Monosnap – Advanced annotations, direct cloud saving.
  • Skitch – Best for adding markup and text annotations.
  • CleanShot X – Offers scrolling screenshots, blur tool, and instant upload.

How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot in Laptop or Desktop Computer

Scrolling screenshots capture entire web pages or long documents that don’t fit on one screen.

Using Built-in Features

  • Windows 11 Snipping Tool – New scrolling capture option.
  • Mac Screenshot Toolbar – Limited scrolling capture ability.

Using Third-Party Apps

  • ShareX (Windows) – Captures full web pages and long conversations.
  • PicPick – User-friendly interface for scrolling captures.
  • Awesome Screenshot – Browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
  • Snagit – Professional-grade screenshot tool with scrolling capture.

Where Are Screenshots Saved?

Windows

  • Windows + PrtScn screenshots are saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
  • Snipping Tool allows saving in custom locations.
  • Clipboard-based screenshots need manual pasting into apps like Paint or Word.

Mac

  • Default save location is the desktop.
  • Can be changed in Command + Shift + 5 options.
  • Command + Control + Shift + 4 saves directly to clipboard.

How to Edit Screenshots on Laptop or Desktop Computer

Windows

  • Paint – Simple cropping and annotations.
  • Snip & Sketch – Advanced markup tools, drawing features.
  • Photos App – Basic editing tools, filters, and resizing.
  • GIMP – Free Photoshop alternative for professional editing.

Mac

  • Preview – Resizing, annotations, text.
  • Photos App – Basic editing features like cropping, rotation.
  • Adobe Photoshop – Professional-level screenshot editing.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Windows Screenshot Not Working?

  • Check if PrtScn key is enabled.
  • Restart Windows Explorer process.
  • Update keyboard drivers if shortcuts fail.
  • Use Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch as alternatives.

Mac Screenshot Not Working?

  • Verify keyboard settings.
  • Ensure correct shortcut keys are enabled.
  • Check if third-party apps are interfering with shortcut keys.

FAQs About Taking Screenshots on Laptop or Desktop Computer

  1. How do I take a screenshot without the Print Screen button?
    • Use Windows + Shift + S or Snipping Tool.
  2. What is the best free screenshot tool for Windows?
    • Lightshot, ShareX, and Greenshot are popular choices.
  3. How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook?
    • Press **Ctrl + Show Windows** key.
  4. How can I capture a screenshot in PDF format?
    • Take a screenshot and save it as an image, then convert it to PDF using online tools or Microsoft Print to PDF.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on a laptop or desktop computer is quick and easy with the right tools. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, keyboard shortcuts, built-in apps, and third-party software offer multiple ways to capture and edit screenshots efficiently. Choose the method that best suits your needs, and start capturing important moments today!

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