Taking screenshots is an essential skill in work and daily life. Knowing the keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a computer can help you quickly record important information, create tutorials, or share content with colleagues and friends.
Below is a detailed guide on keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on Windows 10 , Windows 11, and macOS operating systems. You can use these without installing any screenshot software.
1. Screenshot keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11/10/7
1.1. PrtScn (Print Screen)
- Capture the entire screen: Press the PrtScn (or PrtSc) key to capture the entire screen. The captured image will be copied to the clipboard, and you need to paste it into an image editing application (such as Paint) by pressing Ctrl + V to save the image.
1.2. Alt + PrtScn
- Capture the active window: Press the Alt + PrtScn key combination to capture only the currently active window. The image will be copied to the clipboard and you can paste it into an image editing application to save it.
1.3. Windows + Shift + S
- Using Snip & Sketch: Press the Windows + Shift + S key combination to open the Snip & Sketch tool. A toolbar will appear allowing you to select the type of screenshot (rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen). The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard, and a notification will appear allowing you to edit the image within the Snip & Sketch application.
1.4. Windows + PrtScn
- Capture Full Screen and Automatically Save: Press the Windows + PrtScn key combination to capture the entire screen and automatically save the image to the This PC > Pictures > Screenshots folder. This is a quick and convenient method for saving images without having to paste and save them manually.
1.5. Windows + Alt + PrtScn
- Taking screenshots in games: If you are playing a game and want to take a screenshot, press the Windows + Alt + PrtScn key combination to capture and save the image to the This PC > Videos > Captures folder. This is a special feature for gamers.
2. Screenshot keyboard shortcuts on macOS
2.1. Cmd + Shift + 3
- Full Screen Capture: Press the key combination Cmd + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen. The captured image will be automatically saved to your desktop.
2.2. Cmd + Shift + 4
- Capture a selected area: Press the key combination Cmd + Shift + 4 to change the mouse cursor to a selection tool. Drag to select the area you want to capture. The captured image will be automatically saved to your desktop.
2.3. Cmd + Shift + 4 + Spacebar
- Capture a window: After pressing Cmd + Shift + 4, press the Spacebar to switch to window capture mode. Move the cursor to the window you want to capture and click to save the image.
2.4. Cmd + Shift + 5
- Open the screenshot tool: Press the key combination Cmd + Shift + 5 to open the built-in screenshot tool on macOS. You can choose to capture the entire screen, a window, or a selected area. This tool also allows you to record the screen and adjust image saving options.
2.5. Cmd + Shift + 6
- Capture using Touch Bar: If you are using a MacBook with a Touch Bar, press the key combination Cmd + Shift + 6 to take a screenshot of the Touch Bar.
Mastering keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on Windows 11 , Windows 10, and macOS will save you time and improve your work efficiency. Regardless of your operating system, understanding the methods and tools for taking screenshots will help you record and share information easily and quickly. Experiment with keyboard shortcuts on your operating system to find the method that best suits your needs.