Taking a screenshot — a picture of what is currently on your screen — is a skill that comes in handy more than you might expect. Whether you need to save a confirmation number, report an error, or show someone what you are seeing, here is how to do it on any device.
On a Windows Computer
There are a few easy ways:
- Print Screen key (PrtScn): Press this key to copy your entire screen. Then open Paint or Word and press Ctrl+V to paste it. Save the file from there.
- Windows key + Shift + S: This opens a small snipping tool. Click and drag to select just the part of the screen you want. The image copies to your clipboard automatically.
- Windows key + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot and saves it automatically to your Pictures folder inside a folder called Screenshots.
On a Mac
- Command + Shift + 3: Takes a screenshot of your whole screen and saves it to the desktop.
- Command + Shift + 4: Lets you click and drag to capture only a selected area.
- Command + Shift + 5: Opens a menu with all screenshot options, including recording your screen.
On an iPhone
Press the side button and the volume up button at the same time. You will see the screen flash briefly. The screenshot saves to your Photos app.
On an Android Phone
Most Android phones use power button + volume down pressed at the same time. The screenshot saves to your Gallery or Photos app. Some phones also let you swipe the side of your hand across the screen to take a screenshot.
Finding Your Screenshots
On Windows, check the Pictures folder. On Mac, look on the desktop. On phones, check the Photos or Gallery app — there is often a Screenshots album.
Once you know the shortcut for your device, taking screenshots becomes second nature.