How to Take a Screenshot on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

Hands holding smartphone taking a screenshot

Need to capture what’s on your screen? Whether you’re wondering how to take a screenshot on Windows, screenshot on Mac, or use screenshot shortcuts for iPhone and Android, these quick steps will have you snapping screenshots like a pro in no time.🖥️🍎📱🤖💡

Windows

Full Screen Screenshot on Windows

Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key to capture your entire screen. This copies the screenshot to your clipboard. To save it, open Paint, Word, or any image editor, then press Ctrl + V to paste and save your image.

Capture the Active Window

To screenshot only the window you’re working in, press Alt + PrtScn. This grabs the active window and copies it to your clipboard.

Screenshot a Custom Area on Windows

Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool. Then drag your cursor over the area you want to capture.

Open the Snipping Tool for More Options

Press Windows + S, type “Snipping Tool,” and open the app. It offers timed screenshots and various capture modes.

Mac

Take a Full Screen Screenshot on Mac

Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture your entire screen. The screenshot will automatically save to your desktop.

Capture a Custom Area on Mac

Press Command + Shift + 4, then drag over the area you want to capture.

Screenshot a Specific Window on Mac

Press Command + Shift + 4, then hit the Spacebar. Your cursor will change to a camera icon—click any window to capture it.

Copy Mac Screenshots to Clipboard

To paste screenshots without saving a file, add the Control key to any shortcut (for example, Control + Command + Shift + 3).

iPhone

Screenshot with a Home Button iPhone

Press the Power + Home buttons together.

Screenshot on Face ID iPhones (No Home Button)

Press Power + Volume Up at the same time.

Where to Find Your iPhone Screenshots

Your screenshot will appear in the bottom-left corner for quick editing or sharing. Otherwise, check the Photos app.

Android

Take a Screenshot on Most Android Phones

Press the Power + Volume Down buttons together.

Screenshot on Samsung Phones

Try the Palm Swipe gesture or look for Smart Capture in the settings.

Where to Find Android Screenshots

Open your Gallery or Photos app and look for the Screenshots folder.

Handy Tips for All Devices

  • Most devices let you edit or annotate screenshots immediately after capturing — crop, highlight, or add text without needing extra apps.

  • Keep your screenshots organized by creating dedicated folders or albums for easier access later.

  • Enable cloud backups like Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive to automatically save and sync your screenshots across devices.

  • If screenshots aren’t working, check your device’s storage space and app permissions — these are common issues that can block screenshot functions.

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