In an increasingly digital world, it is common for us to need to capture or record a specific part or the entire screen of our device, which is commonly known as taking a "screenshot." In this article we will specifically detail how to take a screenshot on a laptop.
The process to take a screenshot may vary depending on the brand and model of the laptop, as well as the operating system that it uses. For this reason, it is important to know which keys to use and what steps to follow. From and operating system Windows to MacOS, here we will teach you how to take a screenshot on any laptop.
Whether to make a presentation, prepare a report, or simply to share an image on the social media, to know how to make a screenshot on a laptop is a skill worth mastering. Join us on this technical tour Step by Step so you can get the screenshot perfect
Understanding What a Screenshot is and its Importance
Un screenshot, also known as a screenshot, is an image that shows the contents of a device's screen at a given time. Their usefulness is immense: they can be used to report technical problems, save memories of important conversations or demonstrate progress in a video game, among many other applications. In more technical terms, taking a screenshot is generating a bitmap image that stores the pixels that are displayed on the screen at a specific time.
Regarding its importance, many times it is necessary to do screenshots to keep a visual record of the information that appears on our computer. Screenshots are a quick and effective way to save this information if we need to refer to it later, prevent it from being lost, or share it with others. Increase your efficiency by not having to retype information already displayed on your screen. In short, screenshots are an exceptionally useful tool, and knowing how to capture them on your laptop will be of great help to you.
Various Steps to Take a Screenshot on a Laptop
Learn different ways to take a screenshot on a laptop It can be very useful, both for students and professionals. Some of the most common techniques include using function keys, task manager, and built-in software. Function keys like F12, F14 or the combination of Fn + PrtScn can be useful for taking a quick screenshot. For Windows users, you can use the Snipping Tool, which allows you to select the area of the screen you want to capture. While on a Mac, Shift + Command + 3 captures the entire screen, and Shift + Command + 4 allows you to select the part of the screen to capture.
In addition to these methods, there are third-party software that offer additional features for capturing images, editing them, and even record a video. Some examples are Lightshot, Snagit and Greenshot. Lightshot is a tool screenshot Simple and free that can be installed as a browser extension or as a desktop application. Snagit, on the other hand, is a more advanced option that offers screenshot, video recording and editing functions, but it is paid. Finally, Greenshot is a free alternative that also offers basic editing functions and allows you to save captures directly to PDF. As is evident, there is no single way to take a screenshot on a laptop, everything will depend on the user's needs and preferences.
Alternative Ways to Screenshot on Different Operating Systems
En OS as Windows, to drink a screenshot the special tool called is used Snipping Tool. This is integrated into the system and allows you to take screenshots of a specific region, a window or the fullscreen. In addition, it offers options such as making annotations and saving the image in various formats. Windows also offers the option to simultaneously press the Win + Shift + S keys to select any part of the screen and save it to the clipboard.
On the other hand, users of MacOS They can take screenshots using the keyboard shortcuts provided by the system. To capture the entire screen, users can press Command + Shift + 3. If they want to capture only a part of the screen, they can press Command + Shift + 4 and select the desired area. All of these methods are practical and easy ways to take a screenshot on your laptop, without the need to install any additional tools. MacOS also has the Screenshot Tool which is located in the others folder on the Launchpad, offering multiple options for taking and editing a screenshot.
Using External Tools to Improve the Screenshot Experience
To take screenshots on your laptop efficiently and improve the experience, you can rely on free and paid external tools They offer various functions that are not present in the basic options of the operating system. Some of the most popular applications are Snagit, Greenshot, and Lightshot, which stand out for providing options such as image editing, support for multiple monitors, and the ability to capture an entire web page. Snagit, for example, makes it easy to customize and enhance the screenshot with drawing and text options. Greenshot, for its part, fulfills basic functions, but allows you to define the region to be captured with great precision.
In case you prefer free options, there are interesting tools such as ShareX or Screenpresso, which, although they do not have an interface as friendly and easy to use as Snagit, they do offer a wide range of functions, making it an excellent alternative at zero cost. ShareX, for example, stands out for allowing full screen capture, of a specific window or of a custom region, in addition to offering post-production functions such as adding notes, floating, cropping the image, among other options. Meanwhile, Screenpresso allows you to capture the entire screen, selected areas and even video, making it a very versatile option for capturing content on your laptop.
Proper Implementation of Screenshots in Projects and Presentations
The strategic use of screenshots can increase the effectiveness of your presentations and projects. To take a screenshot on a laptop, you must first identify what you want to capture. It can be a specific application window, or your entire desktop. Once you've identified what you want to capture, it's time to use the screenshot feature. On most laptops, you will find this option on the keyboard. It is usually located at the top of the keyboard and may say "Prt Sc" or "PrtScn." Press this key and an image of your screen will be captured.
Once you have captured the image, it will be necessary edit and save the screenshot. To edit the image, you can use any photo editing program you prefer, such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. When editing the screenshot, you should focus on highlighting the most important aspects of the captured content. You can do this using arrows, circles, underlining, or any other method that helps you draw attention to key elements. Once you're happy with your edit, save the screenshot somewhere easy to access to use in your presentation.
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.