Screenshot Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows and Mac

On Windows, press Windows + Shift + S to capture a selected area; on a Mac, press Shift + Command + 4. For a full-screen file, use Windows + PrtScn on Windows or Shift + Command + 3 on macOS. The tables below show where each capture is saved or copied.

Windows screenshot shortcuts

After a clipboard capture, open Paint, an email, or a document and press Ctrl + V. On a compact laptop keyboard, the PrtScn command may share a function key, so you may need to hold Fn. Key labels vary: look for PrtSc, PrtScn, Print Scr, or a snipping icon.

Using Snipping Tool on Windows 11 and 10

Press Windows + Shift + S, then select Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen mode. Choose the notification after capture to crop, annotate, copy, or save. “Snip & Sketch” is an older name; current Windows 11 combines those features in Snipping Tool. Microsoft documents the current controls in its Snipping Tool guide.

For detailed saving and troubleshooting steps, see how to take a screenshot in Microsoft Windows.

macOS screenshot shortcuts

By default, macOS saves screenshots to the desktop, although the location can be changed under Shift + Command + 5 > Options. Add Control to a screenshot shortcut when you want to copy the result to the clipboard instead of creating a file. Press Esc to cancel a selection.

Apple’s Mac screenshot and screen-recording guide lists the current shortcuts. TipsMake also has a step-by-step Mac screenshot guide.

Which shortcut should you use?

• Need one part of the screen: Windows + Shift + S or Shift + Command + 4.
• Need an app window: Alt + PrtScn on Windows or Shift + Command + 4, then Space, on Mac.
• Need a file without pasting: Windows + PrtScn or Shift + Command + 3.
• Need more options: open Snipping Tool on Windows or press Shift + Command + 5 on macOS.

Before sharing a screenshot, crop out passwords, private messages, account numbers, notification previews, and any other information the recipient does not need. For a side-by-side walkthrough, read the Windows and MacBook screenshot instructions.