Taking screenshots on your computer is an essential skill that allows you to capture and share visual information quickly and effectively. Whether you need save an important image, document a technical issue, or simply share something interesting you found online, knowing how to take screenshots is essential.
Methods to Take Screenshots in Windows
En Windows operating systems, there are several ways to take screenshots:
- «PrtScr» (Print Screen) button: Pressing this button captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard. Then you can paste the image into an image editor like Adobe Photoshop o Paint.NET to edit or save it.
- “Windows + PrtScr” key combination: This combination captures the entire screen and automatically saves it as a PNG file in the “Screenshots” folder within “Pictures”.
- “Snipping” tool: Since Windows 10, there is a tool called "Snipping" that allows you to take screenshots in a more versatile way. You can access it by searching for "Snipping" in the start menu or by pressing the "Windows + Shift + S" keys. With “Snipping,” you can select specific areas, windows, or the entire screen to capture.
Capture Screens on macOS
On Mac computers, there are also several methods to take screenshots:
- Key combination «Command + Shift + 3»: Captures the entire screen and saves the image to the desktop as a PNG file.
- Key combination «Command + Shift + 4»: Allows you to select a specific area of the screen to capture. After pressing these keys, click and drag to select the desired area. The capture will be saved to the desktop.
- Key combination «Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar»: Capture a specific window. After pressing these keys, click on the window you want to capture and the image will be saved to the desktop.
- “Capture” tool: macOS has a dedicated tool called “Capture” that offers additional options for taking screenshots. You can access it through "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Capture" or using the shortcut "Command + Shift + 5". With “Capture,” you can select between capturing the entire screen, a window, or a custom portion, as well as recording the screen on video.
Edit and share your Screenshots
Once you have taken your screenshots, you can edit them using different tools and applications. Some popular image editors include:
| Imagen editor | Consumer Relations Platform | Enlace |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Windows, macOS | https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html |
| GIMP | Windows, MacOS, Linux | https://www.gimp.org/ |
| Paint.NET | Windows | https://www.getpaint.net/ |
| Pixelmator | MacOS | https://www.pixelmator.com/ |
These editors allow you crop, resize, add text, arrows or shapes, and apply various effects to your screenshots to highlight important information.
Sharing your screenshots is also easy. You can attach them to emails, upload them to cloud storage services like Dropbox o Google Drive, or share them directly on messaging platforms and social networks.
Dedicated Screenshot Apps
In addition to the tools integrated into operating systems, there are applications specialized in screenshots that offer advanced features. Some of the most popular are:
- Greenshot (Windows): A free and open source application that allows you to take screenshots quickly and easily, with basic editing options.
- Snagit (Windows, macOS): A powerful, easy-to-use tool that offers screenshots, video recording, advanced editing, and sharing options.
- Lightshot (Windows, macOS): A lightweight app that allows you to quickly take screenshots and upload them to the cloud for easy sharing.
These applications can be useful if you need more advanced features or a more efficient workflow to take and manage your screenshots.
Master the art of taking screenshots on your computer will save you time and allow you to communicate visual information effectively. Experiment with different methods and tools available to find the approach that best suits your needs. With a little practice, you will take screenshots like a professional shortly.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.