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:
Shortcut | Function |
---|---|
PrtScn (Print Screen) | Captures full screen and copies it to clipboard. |
Windows + PrtScn | Captures full screen and saves it automatically in “Pictures > Screenshots” folder. |
Alt + PrtScn | Captures the active window and copies it to clipboard. |
Windows + Shift + S | Opens Snip & Sketch for partial screen captures. |
Using Built-in Tools
- 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.
- Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 & 11)
- Press
Windows + Shift + S
. - Select the area to capture.
- Edit, annotate, and save the screenshot.
- Press
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
Shortcut | Function |
Command + Shift + 3 | Captures the entire screen. |
Command + Shift + 4 | Captures a selected portion. |
Command + Shift + 5 | Opens Mac’s screenshot toolbar. |
Command + Shift + 6 | Captures the MacBook Touch Bar. |
Using Built-in Tools
- Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and later)
- Press
Command + Shift + 5
. - Choose screen capture or recording options.
- Edit and save screenshots in the desired format.
- Press
- 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 inPictures > 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
- How do I take a screenshot without the Print Screen button?
- Use
Windows + Shift + S
or Snipping Tool.
- Use
- What is the best free screenshot tool for Windows?
- Lightshot, ShareX, and Greenshot are popular choices.
- How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook?
- Press
**Ctrl + Show Windows**
key.
- Press
- 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!