How to Capture on a Computer


Campus Guides
2023-06-28T09:58:11+00:00

How to Capture on a Computer

How to Capture on a Computer

Screen capture, also known as screenshot, is a key functionality on computers that allows you to record and save a static image of what is displayed on the screen on a certain moment. Widely used in computing, this technical tool is invaluable for a variety of purposes, from documenting errors and technical issues to visually sharing information. In this article, we will explore in detail how to capture on a computer, highlighting the different options and methods available for capturing images on different operating systems. Regardless of your technology experience, by mastering these techniques, you'll discover how capturing on a computer can simplify and improve your daily workflow.

1. What is a screenshot on a computer and what is it used for?

A screenshot on a computer is a feature that allows you to take a snapshot of what is currently displayed on the screen. It's a way to quickly save and share visual information. This digital image of the screen can include all visible content, such as open windows, displayed menus, icons, and any other graphic elements.

Screenshots are a very useful tool in various contexts. For users, it can be used as evidence of a technical problem or error in the system, making it easier to communicate to technical support teams. It is also useful for saving momentary information, such as an interesting web page or an image that you want to keep. Software developers and designers can use screenshots to document the flow of an interface or to highlight visual errors in an application.

Taking a screenshot on a computer is quite simple. On most operating systems, Can be done this simply by pressing a key combination. For example, in Windows you can press the "Print Screen" or "PrtScn" key to copy the image from the fullscreen to the clipboard. The image can then be pasted into an image editor or application such as Word to save or edit it. On Mac, you can use the Command + Shift + 3 key combination to save a screenshoton the desk as image file. In addition to these default options, there are specific software tools that allow you to take screenshots with greater control and flexibility.

2. The different methods to take a capture on a computer

There are different methods to take a screenshot on a computer, depending on the operating system that you use. Next, the most common methods for taking a screenshot on different operating systems will be detailed.

For Windows users, there are two main methods to take a screenshot. The first is to press the "Print Screen" key to capture the entire screen and then paste the image into an image editing program, such as Paint. The second method is to press the “Windows + Shift + S” keys to open the crop tool, where you can select the area you want to capture and save the image directly.

On the other hand, if you are a Mac user, the most common method to take a screenshot is by pressing the "Command + Shift + 4" keys. This will display a crosshair cursor, which will allow you to select the area you want to capture. Once you have selected the area, the image will automatically be saved to your desktop.

3. Full Screenshot: Step by Step

The process will be detailed below. Step by Step to take a full screenshot.
1. Use the key combination Ctrl + Print Screen to take a screenshot of the entire screen.
2. Open an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop.
3. In your image editing program, paste the screenshot.
4. Adjust the image size if necessary.
5. Save the image with a relevant name to the desired location.

It is important to note that each operating system may have different key combinations to take a full screenshot. Be sure to consult the documentation for the operating system you are using to get the correct key combination.
Additionally, there are also apps and tools available online that can make it easy to capture full screen. These tools often offer additional options, such as the ability to highlight specific areas of the screen or add notes to the screenshot.
If you need to take full screenshots regularly, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with these tools and consider using them instead of traditional methods.

Taking a full screenshot can be useful in many situations, such as when presenting reports, sharing content on social media or solve technical problems.
It is important to make sure you capture the entire screen to get accurate and complete information.
Remember that a full screenshot can contain elements such as taskbar, desktop icons and open windows, which are relevant to the context of the screenshot.
Follow these detailed steps to take a full screenshot, and be sure to save it in a suitable format, such as JPEG or PNG, for easy use and sharing with other users.

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

A screenshot is an effective way to save visual information on your computer. If you need to capture a specific window instead of the entire screen, here's how to do it step by step.

1. Identify the window you want to capture. It can be an open app, a web page, or any other visual element on your screen.

2. Once you have located the window, make sure it is visible on your screen. It may be helpful to adjust the size or position of the window before taking the screenshot.

3. Use the appropriate key combination to take a screenshot of the window on your computer. For example, in Windows you can press the "Alt" key and "Print Screen" at the same time to capture the active window. On Mac, you can press the "Command", "Shift" and "3" keys at the same time to take a screenshot of the entire screen or press "Command", "Shift" and "4" together to select a specific window .

5. How to take a screenshot of a selected part on your computer

There are several ways to take a screenshot on your computer, but in this post we will show you how to take a screenshot of a specific selected part. 📸

To get started, you'll need to use the built-in snipping tool. your operating system. For Windows users, this tool is called “Snipping” and can be found in the start menu. Mac users can use the key combination “Command + Shift + 4” to access the snipping tool.

Once you have opened the snipping tool, you will be able to select the part of the screen you want to capture. Click and drag the cursor to create a rectangle around the section you want to capture. Be sure to include all relevant information within this rectangle.

When you've selected the part of the screen you want to capture, release the mouse or trackpad button. You will then be presented with different options, such as saving the screenshot to your computer or copying it to the clipboard so you can paste it into another program. Choose the option that best suits your needs and that's it! You have captured a selected part of your screen on your computer.

6. How to capture moving images with a screenshot on a computer

To capture moving images with a screenshot on a computer, there are several options you can use. Here we present a simple method that you can follow step by step:

1. Prepare the environment:

  • Make sure you have everything ready before you begin: the window or area of ​​the screen you want to capture must be open and visible on your computer.
  • If you want to capture a moving video, play the video and pause at the exact frame you want to capture.
  • Locate the “Screenshot” key on your keyboard. It is usually located at the top right, labeled "PrtSc" or "ImpPant."

2. Capture the image:

  • Press the "Screenshot" key. This will save an image of the full screen to your clipboard.
  • Open any image editing program, such as Paint, Photoshop or Gimp.
  • Paste the captured image into the image editing program using the “Ctrl+V” key combination.
  • Now you can crop and adjust the image according to your needs using the program's cropping and editing tools.

3. Save the image:

  • Once you've edited the image to your liking, save the file in the image format you want, such as JPEG or PNG.
  • Choose a location on your computer to save the image.
  • Give the file a relevant name and click “Save”.

Follow these simple steps and you will be able to capture moving images using the screenshot function from your computer. Remember to practice and experiment with different tools and programs to achieve the best results.

7. How to take a screenshot on a laptop

To take a screenshot on a laptop, there are different options depending on the operating system you are using. Next, we will show you the steps to take a screenshot in the most common versions of Windows and Mac.

On a Windows laptop, you can take a screenshot by pressing the Print Screen located at the top right of the keyboard. Once pressed, the screenshot will be copied to the clipboard. To save the screenshot to a file, open an image editing tool like Paint or Photoshop and paste the image from the clipboard. Next, save the file in the format of your choice.

If you use a Mac laptop, you can take a screenshot of the entire screen by simultaneously pressing the keys Cmd+Shift+3. The screenshot will automatically be saved to the desktop with the name “Screenshot [date and time]”. If you only want to capture part of the screen, use the key combination Cmd+Shift+4. A cross-shaped cursor will appear and you can select the area you want to capture. When you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to the desktop as well.

8. How to use keyboard shortcuts to take a screenshot on a computer

Using keyboard shortcuts to take a screenshot on a computer is a quick and easy way to capture screen images without the need to use additional programs. Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that, when pressed at the same time, perform a specific action. In this case, they allow us to capture our computer screen in different shapes and formats.

There are different keyboard shortcuts that allow us to take a screenshot on a computer. Next, we will mention the most common ones:

  • Ctrl + Print Screen: Pressing these keys will capture the image of the entire screen and automatically save it to the clipboard.
  • Alt + Print Screen: Using this combination will capture only the active window and save it to the clipboard.
  • Windows + Print Screen: By pressing these keys, the entire screen will be captured and automatically saved in the "Images" folder on our computer.

Once we have captured using one of these keyboard shortcuts, we can paste the captured image into different programs or applications. We can use image editing programs, word processors, design programs or simply paste it into an email or document. In addition, it is also possible to use cropping tools to specifically select the section of the screen we want to capture.

9. How to save and share a screenshot on your computer

If you want to save and share a screenshot on your computer, there are several ways to do it. Below are some simple options and methods to achieve this:

1. Using hotkeys

On most computers, you can save a screenshot by pressing the keys Windows + Print Screen. This will automatically save the screenshot to the “Pictures” folder on your computer. From there, you can access it to share or edit it according to your needs.

2. Using the Snipping Tool

Your computer may also have the “Snipping” tool preinstalled. To access it, simply search for “Snippings” in the start menu. With this tool, you will be able to select and crop only the part of the screen that you want to save. Once you've made the crop, you can save the screenshot to your computer and share it however you want.

3. Using screenshot apps

There are numerous free screenshot apps available online. Some of these apps offer additional functionality, such as highlighting specific areas, adding text, or drawing on the screenshot before saving it. Once you've used one of these apps to capture the screen, you can save and share the resulting image according to your preferences.

10. Additional tools for editing and annotating screenshots on a computer

If you are a computer user, you probably need to edit or annotate screenshots on more than one occasion. Fortunately, there are several additional tools that can make this task easier for you. In this article, we present some of the most popular and useful options so that you can edit and annotate your screenshots quickly and easily.

One of the most popular tools for editing and annotating screenshots is Snagit. This program offers a wide range of features that allow you to capture, modify and share screen images efficiently. With Snagit, you'll be able to highlight specific areas, add text, arrows, shapes, and drawings, as well as crop and resize images to your needs.

Another very useful option is Greenshot, a free, open source tool that allows you to capture, edit, and share screenshots with ease. With Greenshot, you'll be able to highlight important areas, add text and shapes, and save your screenshots in different formats, such as PNG, JPEG, or GIF. In addition, the program has a full screen capture function, a cropping tool and the ability to directly send your images to editing programs or share them online.

11. How to take a screenshot on a computer with Windows operating system

To take a screenshot on a computer with a Windows operating system, there are several options. Below I will explain three different methods that you can use:

1. Using the “Print Screen” key: This option is the simplest and fastest. You just have to make sure you have what you want to capture on the screen and press the “Print Screen” or “PrtScn” key on your keyboard. Then, open an image editing program like Paint and paste the screenshot by pressing the "Ctrl + V" keys. Finally, save the image in the desired format.

2. Using the key combination “Windows + Print Screen”: This option captures the screen and automatically saves the image to your user's "Pictures" folder. You just need to press the “Windows” and “Print Screen” keys at the same time. Then, you can access the captured image in the following path: “C:UsersYourUserImagesScreenshots”.

3. Using the “Crop” tool: On Windows, you also have the option to use the "Snip" tool to capture just a specific part of the screen. Open the "Snipping" tool, which is usually located in the "Accessories" folder within the "Start" menu. Then, select the area you want to capture by dragging the cursor. Once you have selected the desired part, save the capture in the preferred format.

12. How to take a screenshot on a computer with MacOS operating system

In the MacOS operating system, taking a screenshot is very easy and can be useful for a variety of situations. Here we will explain how to do it step by step, making sure to cover all the available options.

1. Screenshot of the entire screen:
– Press the Command + Shift + 3 keys simultaneously.
– The screenshot will automatically be saved to the desktop with the name “Screenshot [date and time]”.

2. Screenshot of a specific part of the screen:
– Press the Command + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously.
– The mouse cursor will turn into a cross icon.
– Hold down the mouse button and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture.
– When you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to the desktop.

3. Screenshot of a particular window:
– Press the Command + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously.
– The mouse cursor will turn into a cross icon.
– Hold down the space bar key and you will see the cursor icon turn into a camera.
– Click on the window you want to capture.
– The screenshot of the selected window will be saved to the desktop.

These are just a few methods to take screenshots on a computer with MacOS operating system. Experiment with them and find out which one best suits your needs. Using screenshots can be a very useful tool in your daily life! in the computer!

13. How to take a screenshot on a computer with Linux operating system

Taking a screenshot is a very useful task for sharing visual information on computers with the Linux operating system. Below are the steps to follow to take a screenshot in different graphic environments.

In the Gnome graphical environment, you can use the key combination Ctrl + Print Screen to capture the entire screen. If you want to capture only a particular window, you can press Alt + Print Screen. The screenshot will automatically be saved in the Pictures folder. You can also find the “Capture Screen” option in the applications menu or add it to your tools panel for quicker access.

If you use the KDE graphical environment, you can use the key combination Print to capture the entire screen or Alt + Print to capture a specific window. The screenshots will be automatically saved to your home directory. You can customize screenshot settings in the KDE Control Center, where you can select the file format, save location, and other advanced options.

14. Solving common problems when taking a screenshot on a computer

Problems taking a screenshot on a computer are common and can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are solutions to solve these problems and get the screenshot you need. Below are three common problems and their possible solutions:

1. Screenshot not saving correctly: If when you try to take a screenshot, the resulting file does not save correctly, you can try the following solution steps. First, check that there is enough space in the HDD to save the capture. Next, make sure the selected save location is accessible and has the appropriate permissions. If the problem persists, you can try restarting your computer and trying the screenshot again. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be helpful to search for online tutorials or use specialized screenshot tools.

2. The screenshot is blurry or pixelated: If the screenshot is blurry or pixelated, it may be due to the resolution or quality of the screen on which the capture is taken. To fix this issue, make sure your screen resolution settings are correct. On most operating systems, you can adjust the resolution in display settings. If the resolution is already at its optimal setting and the problem persists, you can try using screenshot tools that allow you to adjust the quality of the resulting image. In addition, it is advisable to avoid zooming or enlarging the screen before taking the capture, as this may affect the final quality.

3. Pop-ups or drop-down menus are not captured: Sometimes when taking a screenshot, the pop-ups or drop-down menus present on the screen are not captured. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to document everything. To solve this problem, one option is to use screenshot tools that allow you to select specific areas of the screen, even if they are in the background or pop-up. Another option is to take multiple screenshots, making sure to capture both the main screen and any pop-ups or drop-down menus separately. Then, you can use image editors to combine the captures into a single image that displays all the necessary content.

Remember that these are just some of the common problems when taking a screenshot on a computer and their possible solutions. If you encounter other inconveniences, it is advisable to search online for tutorials specific to your operating system and tools used. With practice and exploring different options, you will be able to solve any problem related to screenshots and achieve the desired results.

In summary, we have explored the various methods of taking screenshots on a computer. Whether using hotkeys, tools built into the operating system, or using third-party software, there are options accessible to any user.

Screen capture is an essential functionality for daily work, whether it is to make tutorials, document errors or simply capture important moments on our screen. By mastering these techniques, we can optimize our productivity and communication.

Throughout the article, we have learned how to take screenshots on a computer using specific keyboard shortcuts for each operating system. We've also explored native software options like Windows' Snipping Tool or Mac's Capture app.

Likewise, we have analyzed the use of third-party programs such as Snagit or Lightshot, which offer additional functionalities to facilitate editing and annotating our screenshots.

Additionally, we have highlighted the importance of being aware of privacy and intellectual property when capturing and sharing screen content, making sure to always obtain appropriate consent.

In conclusion, screenshotting does not have to be a complicated task. With the right tools and a basic knowledge of the options available, we can take efficient, high-quality screenshots on our computer. Explore the different options and find the one that best suits your technical needs and personal preferences. Capture your screen and make the most of your computing experience!

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