How to take a screenshot on any device (we know you want to)

Mastering the Art of Screenshots: A Guide for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Need to capture a screen image? Whether it's for a game achievement, website design, or a stunning desktop wallpaper, this guide covers screenshot methods for all major platforms.

Taking Screenshots on Windows

Windows screenshotting is straightforward: Pressing the PrtScn (Print Screen) key copies the entire desktop to your clipboard. Paste (Ctrl V) into an image editor to save. No visual cue? That's normal.

Keyboard variations exist. If PrtScn alone doesn't work, try combinations like Fn PrtScn, Shift PrtScn, or Ctrl PrtScn. Win PrtScn saves directly to your "Pictures/Screenshots" folder. Alt PrtScn captures only the active window to the clipboard. Again, you might need to use a modifier key.

Windows 11's improved Snipping Tool (or Snip & Sketch in Windows 10) offers more control. Win Shift S activates a simplified version; click and drag to select a region. The full Snipping Tool (accessible via the Windows search) provides freeform snips, window snips, full-screen captures, and timed screenshots. It also allows for annotation, cropping, and measurement. The Xbox Game Bar is another option for game captures.

Third-party tools like Dropbox (with built-in screenshot capabilities) and Snagit (a more advanced option) provide additional features.

Taking Screenshots on macOS

macOS uses different shortcuts. Ctrl Shift Cmd 3 copies the entire screen to the clipboard; omit Ctrl to save directly to the desktop as a PNG. For partial screenshots, use Ctrl Shift Cmd 4; drag to select a region or press the spacebar to capture a window. Again, omitting Ctrl saves to the desktop.

Shift Cmd 5 opens macOS's built-in Screenshot utility, providing options for full-screen, window, and custom selections, plus screen recording capabilities. The utility offers customization options like save location and timer.

Free utilities like Lightshot and Dropbox, along with the more feature-rich SnapNDrag ($10), offer additional screenshot capabilities.

Taking Screenshots on Android

Most Android devices use the volume down power button combination. A flash and notification confirm the capture. Edit or share via the notification.

Pixel phones offer a double-tap-on-the-back gesture (enable in Settings > System > Gestures > Use double tap).

Screenshots are typically saved to your device's Photos app (often within a "Screenshots" folder) or the Files app. Note that manufacturer-specific customizations may slightly alter the shortcut. Google Assistant can also take screenshots hands-free.

Taking Screenshots on iPhone or iPad

iOS and iPadOS are simple: Face ID iPhones use side button volume up button. Older models use Home button side button. iPads use top button volume up button or Home button top button. The screen flashes, and the image is saved to the "Screenshots" album in Photos.

iPads also support corner swipe gestures (Settings > General > Corner gestures).

Remote screenshotting is possible: Use QuickTime on macOS (File > New Movie Recording, select your device) or AirPlay clients (like LonelyScreen or Mirroring360) on Windows.

Now, go forth and screenshot! (And feel free to screenshot this guide for future reference!)

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