Article: How To Screenshot On A Desktop Computer
Introduction
Capturing screenshots on a desktop computer is an essential skill for many users whether it’s for work personal use or troubleshooting purposes. In this article we will explore various methods to take screenshots on a desktop computer including different operating systems provide step-by-step instructions. So let’s dive in explore the ways to capture those important moments on your screen!
I. Screenshots on Windows
Windows offers several built-in methods to capture screenshots. Here are the two most commonly used methods:
1. Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
a. To capture the entire screen: Press the PrtScn key located on your keyboard. It may appear as PrntScrn PrtSc or similar.
b. To capture the active window: Ensure the desired window is in focus then press Alt + PrtScn. This will capture only the currently active window.
c. Saving the screenshot: Open an image editing tool such as Paint or Microsoft Word paste the captured screenshot using Ctrl + V. Save the file in your desired format.
2. Using the Snipping Tool
a. Open the Snipping Tool: Type “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar then select open the application.
b. Capture the desired area: Click on “New” within the Snipping Tool interface. Choose the type of snip you want – Free-form Rectangular Window or Full-screen. Then select the desired area using your mouse.
c. Save the screenshot: Once the snip is captured click on “File” select “Save As” to save the screenshot in your desired location.
II. Screenshots on macOS
MacOS the operating system used by Apple computers also provides built-in screenshot tools. Here’s how you can capture screenshots on a Mac:
1. Capturing the Entire Screen
a. Press Comm+ Shift + 3 simultaneously. This will capture the entire screen including all open windows.
b. The screenshot will be saved automatically on your desktop with a filename starting with “Screen Shot” followed by the date time.
2. Capturing a Selection or Window
a. Press Comm+ Shift + 4 simultaneously. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair.
b. Drag the crosshair to select the desired area. Press the Spacebar to capture a single window.
c. The screenshot will be saved on your desktop in the same way as a full-screen capture.
III. Screenshots on Linux
Linux variants often have different ways to capture screenshots based on the desktop environment in use. Here are two popular methods:
1. Using the GNOME desktop environment
a. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key to capture the whole screen.
b. To capture a specific area press Shift + PrtScn then click drag to select the desired area.
c. Screenshots are saved automatically in your Pictures folder.
2. Using the KDE Plasma desktop environment
a. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key to capture the entire screen.
b. To capture a specific area press Shift + PrtScn drag the mouse to select the desired region.
c. The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard you can paste it into an image editing program to save.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on a desktop computer is a valuable skill to capture essential information document issues or share interesting moments. Whether you use Windows macOS or Linux the methods outlined in this article should cover the majority of desktop computer setups. Practice these techniques to become proficient at capturing perfect screenshots effortlessly.
