How to take a screenshot on a computer


Campus Guides
2023-07-18T05:01:00+00:00

How to take a screenshot on a computer

Screenshots on computers are a common and useful practice in the technical field, whether to document errors, share visual information, or save evidence. Although the process may seem simple, many people are still unaware of the precise methods to perform this task. efficiently. In this article, we will explore the different ways to take a screenshot in a computer, detailing the steps and commands necessary in different operating systems. This way, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge necessary to easily and accurately take screenshots on your computer.

1. Introduction to computer screenshot

Computer screenshot is a very useful feature that allows you to capture an image of what is displayed on the screen at one point. This feature is widely used in different situations, whether it is sharing information, documenting errors, or providing visual instructions.

There are several ways to capture the screen on a computer, depending on the operating system used. Below are some common methods for taking a screenshot on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

In Windows, a simple way to capture the screen is by pressing the “Print Screen” or “PrtScn” key. on the keyboard. Once this key is pressed, an image of the entire screen will be captured and copied to the clipboard. Then, you can open an image editing application, such as Paint, and paste the screenshot using the “Ctrl + V” key combination. It is also possible to use the Snipping tool, which allows you to select a specific part of the screen to capture.

2. Basic tools to take a screenshot on a computer

In today's digital world, taking screenshots on a computer has become an essential skill. Whether it's to share information visually, document errors, or simply save an interesting image, there are several basic tools that allow you to capture your computer screen easily and efficiently.

One of the most common tools for taking screenshots on computers is the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key. This key is located at the top of the keyboard and pressing it captures an image of the fullscreen and copied to the clipboard. Then, you can paste it into any image editing program or word processor using the “Ctrl + V” key combination.

Another very useful tool is the Windows "Snipping Tool." This tool allows you to select and crop a specific portion of the screen. To access the “Snipping Tool,” you need to find it in the Windows Start menu and run it. Once open, you can click "New" and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture. You then have the option to save the screenshot or copy it to the clipboard to use in another program.

There are also third-party tools like "Snagit" or "Lightshot" that offer additional functionality for taking screenshots, such as the ability to highlight specific areas, add text or arrows, and even record videos of screen. These tools are usually very intuitive and easy to use, and with them you can customize your screenshots according to your specific needs.

3. Common methods to take a screenshot on computer

There are several common methods to take a screenshot on your computer. Here are three common ways to do it:

1. Use the keyboard shortcut: The quickest and easiest way to take a screenshot is to press the “PrtSc” or “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. This key is usually located at the top right of the keyboard. Pressing it will capture an image of your entire screen and save it to the clipboard. You can then paste the image into any image editing program, such as Paint, and save it to your computer.

2. Use the Windows Snipping Tool: If you want to capture only a specific part of your screen, you can use the Windows snipping tool. To access this tool, go to the Start menu, type “Snipping” in the search bar, and click “Snipping Tool.” Once the tool is open, select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging the cursor. Then, you can save the screenshot to your computer.

3. Use screen capture software: Another option is to use screenshot software, such as Snagit, Lightshot, or ShareX. These programs offer more features and customization options for capturing and editing your screenshots. You can download and install the program of your choice from its official website. After installation, you will be able to capture and save images of your screen more accurately and conveniently.

Remember that these are just some common methods for taking a screenshot on your computer. You can choose the one that suits you best according to your needs and preferences. Try these methods and share your screenshots with ease!

4. Full Screenshot on Computer: Step by Step

To capture a full screenshot on your computer, follow these steps:

1. Open the window or tab you want to capture.

2. On your keyboard, look for the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key. It may appear just as "PrtScn" depending on your keyboard.

3. Hold down the "Alt" key and press the "Print Screen" key at the same time. This will capture the entire screen and save it to your computer's clipboard.

Once you've taken the screenshot, you can edit and save it however you want. Here are some additional tips:

  • You can paste the screenshot directly into an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop, and make any necessary edits.
  • If you only want to capture a portion of the screen instead of the entire screen, you can use a snipping tool, such as the Crop Tool on Windows or the Capture Tool on macOS.

Remember that full screen capture is a useful way to save and share information visually! Use these steps and tools to quickly capture everything you need on your computer.

5. How to take a screenshot of a specific window on your computer

Sometimes it is necessary to take a screenshot of a specific window on your computer to highlight an issue or share information visually. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to achieve this. Then I will guide you Step by Step so you can capture that specific window in no time.

1. Use the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key:
– Locate the window you want to capture.
– Press the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. It may appear as "PrtScn" or be abbreviated in some other way.
– Open the image editing application, such as Paint or Photoshop.
– Right click on the canvas and select “Paste” or use the “Ctrl + V” key combination to paste the screenshot.
– Save the image in the desired format using the “Save As” option.

2. Use the “Snipping” tool in Windows:
– Open the start menu and search for “Snippings”. Click on the app that appears.
– In the “Clips” window, select “New” and then choose “Cropped Window.”
– Click on the window you want to capture. This will appear in the "Snipping" window.
– Additionally, you can apply annotations or highlights using the “Snipping” tools.
– Save the window capture by selecting “File” and then “Save As”.

3. Use screenshot applications:
– There are several third-party applications available that make it easy to capture a specific window on your computer, such as Snagit, Lightshot, or Greenshot.
– Download and install the application of your choice from its official website.
– Open the application and select the “Select window” option or similar.
– Click on the specific window you want to capture and follow the app's instructions to save the screenshot.

By applying these methods, you can easily capture a specific window on your computer in just a few steps. Choose the method that best suits your needs and continue sharing information visually with ease. Don't forget to practice and explore all the options these tools offer to achieve optimal results!

6. Custom Selection Screenshot on Computer – Detailed Guide

Custom selection screenshot on a computer is a very useful technique to capture a specific part of the screen. Sometimes, we need to focus on a specific area of ​​the screen and not the entire screen. In this detailed guide, I will explain to you step by step how to take a custom selection screenshot on your computer.

Step 1: Open the screenshot tool. On most computers, you can find this tool in the start menu or search for it in the search box. Once you find the tool, open it.

Step 2: Select the custom selection screenshot option. You will see several options in the screenshot tool, such as full screenshot or window screenshot. Select the custom selection screenshot option.

Step 3: Select the area of ​​the screen you want to capture. Once you've selected the custom selection screenshot option, your mouse cursor will turn into a cross icon. Click and drag the cursor to select the area of ​​the screen you want to capture. Once you are happy with your selection, release the mouse button. The screenshot will be saved automatically and you can edit, save or share it according to your needs.

With these simple steps, you can now easily capture a custom selection on your computer. This technique is ideal when you need to point out a specific detail in a presentation, tutorial, or report. Give it a try and make the most of the screenshot feature on your computer!

7. Taking Screenshots in Sequence on Computer: Simple Steps

Taking screenshots in sequence on your computer can be a useful tool to visually record any process. Fortunately, there are several simple methods to accomplish this task. Below we present the steps to follow:

1. Method 1: Use the “Print Screen” key: This is a quick and easy way to capture your computer's main screen. You just have to press the "Print Screen" or "PrtSc" key which is usually located at the top right of the keyboard. Next, open an image editing program like Paint, Photoshop, or even PowerPoint and select “Paste” to paste the screenshot. Finally, save the image in the desired format.

2. Method 2: Use the Windows “Snipping” tool: If you want to capture a specific part of the screen, you can use the “Snipping” tool included in the Windows operating system. To access this tool, simply go to the start menu and search for “Snipping”. Once opened, select the “New” option and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture. Then, save the image in the desired format.

3. Method 3: Use specialized software: There are also numerous online programs and tools that allow you to easily and accurately take screenshots in sequence. These tools often offer additional options, such as video recording, annotations, and image editing. Some popular options include Lightshot, Snagit, and Greenshot. Do some research and choose the program that best suits your needs.

Whichever method you choose, always remember to save your screenshots in an easily accessible place, so you can easily find them when you need them. Taking screenshots in sequence on your computer can be very useful in a variety of situations, from sharing tutorials to troubleshooting technical issues. So don't hesitate to use this handy tool!

8. How to Capture a Timer Screenshot on Computer

If you need to capture a screenshot on your computer but don't have time to do it manually, you can use the timer feature to schedule an automatic capture. This is especially useful if you need to capture an image at a specific time, such as during playback from a video or the opening of a pop-up window. Next, I'll show you how to capture a timer screenshot on your computer.

1. The first thing you should do is open the window or program on your computer that you want to capture. Make sure it is exactly how you want it to appear in the screenshot. If you need to adjust anything, do so before continuing.

2. Next, look for the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. It is usually located at the top right, near the function keys. If your keyboard has an "Fn" key to enable additional functions, you may also need to press it along with the "Print Screen" key.

3. Once you have found the key, press it to capture the entire screen. If you only want to capture a specific window, press "Alt" + "Print Screen" together. Make sure to hold down the "Alt" key while pressing the "Print Screen" key.

9. Screenshots on computer: formats and saving options

When we need to take screenshots on our computer, it is important to know what formats and saving options are available to obtain quality images. Next, we will explain the different most common image formats and how to use the different saving options.

One of the most used formats to save screenshots is JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). This format is ideal if you want to compress the image and reduce its size without losing much quality. However, please note that compression may result in a slight loss of detail in the image.

Another widely used format is PNG (Portable Network Graphics), which is recommended if you want to preserve the original quality of the image without loss of details. Unlike JPEG, the PNG format saves the image uncompressed, which means the resulting file will be larger in size. If quality is your priority, the PNG format is the best option.

10. What to do after taking a screenshot on your computer

There are several options available after taking a screenshot on your computer. Here are some actions you can take to make the most of this functionality:

1. Save the screenshot: Once you have taken the screenshot, it is important to save it in an accessible place for future reference. You can save it to a specific folder on your computer or use an online tool to store it in the cloud.

2. Edit the screenshot: If you need to make changes to the screenshot, you can do so using an image editing program. For example, you can crop the image to highlight only the relevant part, highlight some element with colors or add explanatory text.

3. Share the screenshot: If you want to show the screenshot to someone else, you can share it in different ways. You can send it by email, share it in social networks or use instant messaging services. Additionally, you can also use online collaboration tools to share the screenshot with other users and receive comments or suggestions.

Remember that after taking a screenshot, it is important to take the necessary steps to maintain the privacy and security of the captured information. Avoid sharing screenshots that contain sensitive data and make sure to use reliable tools for storing and sharing them. By following these tips, you will be able to get the most out of this functionality and use screenshots effectively in your daily work.

11. How to share a screenshot on your computer

There are several ways to share a screenshot on your computer. Here are some quick and easy methods so you can easily share an image of your screen with others.

1. Using the print screen key:
This method is very simple. Simply press the “Print Screen” or “Print Screen” key on your keyboard. Once you've taken the screenshot, you can save it in Paint or another image editing program, crop it if you want, and save it in the format you prefer. Then, you can share the saved image by emailing it, uploading it to an online platform, or sharing it via instant messaging apps.

2. Using screenshot tools:
There are different screenshot tools that you can use to share images of your screen easily and quickly. Some of these tools allow you to select a specific part of the screen, add annotations, or highlight important elements before sharing the screenshot. Some popular examples of screenshot tools are Snagit, Lightshot, and Greenshot. These tools usually have free versions available for download.

3. Using the built-in screenshot feature your operating system:
On both Windows and Mac, there are features built into the operating system that allow you to capture the entire screen or part of it. For example, in Windows, you can use the “Windows + Shift + S” key combination to open the snipping tool and select the portion of the screen you want to capture. Then, you can save the image and share it. On Mac, you can use the key combination “Command + Shift + 4” to use the screenshot tool and select the part of the screen you want to share.

12. How to edit a screenshot on a computer: essential techniques

Editing screenshots in the computer is a common task for many people who want to highlight important information, add annotations, or adjust the appearance of an image before sharing it. Fortunately, there are several techniques and tools available to help you accomplish this task effectively. Below we will present you with a step-by-step guide that will show you how to edit a screenshot on your computer.

First, you'll need an image editing tool. There are many options available, but one of the most popular and easy-to-use programs is Adobe Photoshop. Once you have the software installed, open the screenshot in Photoshop. Be sure to save a backup copy of the original file in case something goes wrong during the editing process.

Once you have opened the image in Photoshop, you can start making different adjustments and modifications. Some of the most common tasks you can do include: cropping the image to remove unwanted areas, adjusting brightness and contrast, resizing the image, adding text or shapes, applying filters, and adjusting hue and saturation. Experiment with the different tools and options available until you get the desired result. Remember to save your work regularly to avoid losing any changes you have made.

13. Solving common problems when taking screenshots on a computer

If you're having trouble taking screenshots on your computer, here are some common solutions. Below is a list of steps to follow to resolve these problems:

  1. Check capture key: Make sure you use the correct key to take screenshots on your computer. Most computers use the key combination «Ctrl + Print Screen» to take a full screenshot, or «Alt + Print Screen» to capture only the active window.
  2. Check capture settings: Go to your computer settings and check if the screenshot option is enabled. To do this, go to the start menu, find the settings options and select "System" or "Display". Once there, make sure to enable the screenshot option.
  3. Use additional tools: If the above solutions do not work, you can use additional tools to take screenshots. There are free programs available online that offer a variety of functions, such as editing screenshots, saving in different formats, among other options. Some popular options are:
    • Lightshot: A simple and easy-to-use tool that allows you to capture screens and annotate them.
    • Snipping Tool: A tool built into Windows that allows you to capture and edit screenshots.
    • Greenshot: An open source program that allows you to capture screens, edit images and save them in different formats.

Remember that these are just some tips to fix common problems when taking screenshots on your computer. If none of these steps resolve the problem, we recommend searching online for additional tutorials or contacting your computer's technical support for specific help.

14. Advanced Tips and Tricks for Taking Screenshots on Computer

If you want to take screenshots on your computer of a advanced way, here are some tips and tricks that will be very useful to you. The process may vary depending on the operating system you are using, so we will provide instructions for Windows and macOS systems.

For Windows, you can use the “PrtScn” key combination to capture the entire screen and save it to the clipboard. Then you can paste it into an image editing program, like Paint, and save it as a file. If you only want to capture a specific window, press "Alt + PrtScn" and the screenshot of the active window will be saved. To capture just a portion of the screen, you can use the “Snipping” tool found in the Windows Start menu.

On macOS, you also have several options for capturing your screen. You can use the key combination “Cmd + Shift + 3” to capture the entire screen and automatically save it as a file on the desk. If you only want to capture a part of the screen, use "Cmd + Shift + 4" and a cursor will appear allowing you to select the area to capture. If you also press the "Space" key, you will be able to capture only the active window. To capture a screenshot and save it to the clipboard, simply add the "Ctrl" key to any of the above combinations.

In conclusion, capturing a screen on a computer is a simple and useful task for many users. Through the use of specific keys such as "Print Screen" or "PrtScn", it is possible to take a complete screenshot of the active screen and save it to the system clipboard. Additionally, by using key combinations such as "Alt + Print Screen", users can capture only the window they are working in. Likewise, there are various tools and programs available that allow you to take screenshots with greater precision and customization.

It is important to note that screenshot is a functionality commonly used for various purposes, whether to document an error in the system, share relevant content or save important information quickly. In this sense, knowing the methods and techniques to take screenshots on a computer is essential to optimize the user experience and maximize productivity.

As we have seen, regardless of the operating system used, be it Windows, macOS or Linux, the options and methods for taking screenshots are available to all users. Whether through the keyboard keys or using specialized programs, taking a screenshot on a computer is a practical and accessible process for anyone.

In short, screenshots are an essential tool in the digital age, facilitating visual communication and the exchange of information between users. With a little practice and knowledge of the available methods, any user can master screenshotting on their computer and take full advantage of this valuable functionality.

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