You’re not the only person who has ever wondered how to take a screenshot on a laptop. Screenshots are useful for capturing anything on your screen, including humorous moments and critical papers. Even novices may follow along with this comprehensive instruction, which explains how to do it on various systems and also indicates where the keys are on your keyboard.
1. How to Take a Screenshot on Windows Laptops
Windows laptops offer several easy options, and the keys you’ll need are usually found in the top row of your keyboard, just above the number keys.
A. Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
The PrtScn (Print Screen) key is typically located near the top-right corner of your keyboard. Sometimes it may be abbreviated as “PrtSc” or “PrtScn” and may share a key with Insert or F12, depending on your laptop brand.
- Full Screen:
Press the PrtScn key. This takes a screenshot of the entire screen and copies it to your clipboard. You can then paste it into Paint, Word, or an email by pressing Ctrl + V (Ctrl is at the bottom left of your keyboard). - Active Window Only:
Hold Alt (found at the bottom left of your keyboard) and press PrtScn. This captures only the currently active window. - Save Automatically:
Press the Windows logo key + PrtScn. The Windows key looks like four little squares or a flag, located near the bottom left between Ctrl and Alt. Your screenshot will be saved automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.
B. Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch
- Snipping Tool:
Click the Start menu (Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen), type “Snipping Tool,” and open it. Click “New” and drag to select the area you want to capture. - Snip & Sketch:
Press Windows + Shift + S (you’ll find Shift just above Ctrl). The screen will dim, and your cursor will change. Click and drag to select the part you want to capture. The screenshot is saved to your clipboard, and a preview pops up for further editing.
2. How to Take a Screenshot on MacBooks
Apple laptops use shortcut combinations that involve keys in the bottom-left and top rows of the keyboard.
A. Using Shortcut Keys
- Entire Screen:
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3. The Command key is right next to the spacebar on both sides. The screenshot is saved to your desktop. - Selected Area:
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4. Your cursor turns into crosshairs; click and drag to capture a specific area. - Specific Window:
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then tap the spacebar (long horizontal bar at the bottom). Click on the window you want to capture.
B. Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave or Later)
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to bring up the screenshot toolbar. It lets you capture the full screen or a section or even record video of your screen.
3. How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
On a Chromebook, the keys are slightly different. Look for the “Show Windows” key, which looks like a rectangle with two vertical lines (like a stack of windows). It’s usually on the top row, around the F5 key position.
- Full Screen:
Press Ctrl + Show Windows. The Ctrl key is in the bottom left of your keyboard. - Partial Screen:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows, then click and drag to select the area you want to capture. - Saved Location:
Screenshots are saved automatically to the Downloads folder.
HERE ARE SOME BONUS TIPS:
- Use Cloud Storage: Sync screenshots with Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive for easy sharing.
- Third-Party Apps: Try tools like Lightshot (Windows), Greenshot, or CleanShot X (Mac) for advanced features.
- File Types: Screenshots are usually saved as PNG or JPG. You can resize or convert them using photo editors.
Now that you know how to take a screenshot on a laptop and exactly where to find the necessary keys, capturing your screen should be simple and stress-free. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS, each method has its benefits — just choose the one that suits your needs.
