Taking a screenshot is one of the most useful functions on a computer. Whether you want to capture an error message, save important information, or share something with others, knowing how to take a screenshot in Windows, Mac, or Linux can save you time. This guide will show you the fastest and easiest ways to take screenshots on any computer.
How to Take a Screenshot in Windows
Windows offers multiple ways to capture your screen. Here are the most effective methods:
| Screenshot Type | Windows Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | PrtScn (Print Screen) | Copies the entire screen to the clipboard. |
| Active Window | Alt + PrtScn | Captures the currently active window only. |
| Snipping Tool | Win + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool to capture a custom selection. |
| Save Screenshot Automatically | Win + PrtScn | Saves a full-screen screenshot to the “Pictures > Screenshots” folder. |
| Game Bar (for Gaming Screenshots) | Win + G then Win + Alt + PrtScn | Captures game footage or screen images. |
🔹 Tip: The Snipping Tool allows you to take freeform, rectangular, or window-specific screenshots with ease.
How to Take a Screenshot on Mac
Mac computers have built-in screenshot shortcuts for different needs.
| Screenshot Type | Mac Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | Cmd + Shift + 3 | Captures the entire screen and saves it as a file. |
| Custom Area | Cmd + Shift + 4 | Allows you to drag and select an area to capture. |
| Active Window | Cmd + Shift + 4, then press Space | Captures a specific window. |
| Clipboard Screenshot | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + 4 | Copies a screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it. |
| Screenshot Menu | Cmd + Shift + 5 | Opens the screenshot menu for recording or advanced settings. |
🔹 Tip: By default, Mac screenshots are saved on the desktop in PNG format. You can change the location in System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
How to Take a Screenshot in Linux
Linux users have various options depending on their desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.). Here are the most common shortcuts:
| Screenshot Type | Linux Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | PrtScn | Saves a full-screen image to the Pictures folder. |
| Active Window | Alt + PrtScn | Captures only the active window. |
| Custom Area | Shift + PrtScn | Lets you select a specific area to capture. |
| Copy Screenshot to Clipboard | Ctrl + PrtScn | Copies the screenshot instead of saving it. |
| GNOME Screenshot Tool | Shift + Alt + S | Opens the screenshot tool for more options. |
🔹 Tip: On Ubuntu-based systems, you can use Flameshot or Shutter for advanced screenshot editing and annotation.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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