How do I take a screenshot on my computer?

The easiest way to take a screenshot on your computer is to use a keyboard shortcut. Alternatively, you can use the Snipping Tool if you have a Windows computer.

Read below for more information about Windows screenshot shortcuts, Mac screenshot shortcuts, and the Snipping Tool.

Windows shortcuts

There are several keyboard shortcuts you can use to take a screenshot, but they may not all work depending on which keys you have on your keyboard and which version of Windows you are using (i.e., Windows 10 or 11). Try the shortcuts below and see which ones work for you.

Note: PrtScn is short for Print Screen. Some keyboards may have the full name listed, while others will only have the abbreviation.

• Windows logo key + Shift + S
• Windows logo key + Print Screen
• Alt + Print Screen
• Fn + Print Screen
• Fn + Windows logo key  + Space Bar

You will know the shortcut works if your screen dims and a toolbar (as shown below) appears at the top of your screen. You can then drag the crosshair icon ( + ) over the area you want to capture.

Depending on your Windows settings, each screenshot you take when using the above shortcuts may either save to your computer’s Pictures folder automatically or open in a new Snipping Tool window, where you can then crop, mark up, and save the screenshot to a folder of your choice.

For more information about taking screenshots on a Windows computer, read 8 Easy Ways to Take Screenshots in Windows 10 and 11.

Mac shortcuts

On Mac computers, there are two basic screenshot shortcuts that are important to know:

• Shift + Command + 3
  • Use this shortcut to capture the entire screen. The screenshot will automatically save to your desktop.
• Shift + Command + 4
  • Use this shortcut to capture a portion of your screen. The shortcut will cause a crosshair icon ( + ) to appear on your screen, which you can then drag over the area you want to capture.

To copy a screenshot so you can paste it in an email or Teams message, add the Control key to either of the shortcuts above. For example, to capture the entire screen and copy it at the same time, use the shortcut Shift + Command + Control + 3.

For more information about taking screenshots on a Mac computer, read Take screenshots or screen recordings on Mac.

Snipping Tool (Windows only)

Follow the instructions below to open and use the Snipping Tool.

1. To open the Snipping Tool, open the Windows Start menu and locate the Search bar.

2. Enter “Snip” or “Snipping Tool” in the search field. You should see the Snipping Tool appear in the search results. Open the application.
   • If you do not have the Snipping Tool installed on your computer, you can get it for free from the Microsoft Store. Simply enter “Microsoft Store” in the search bar and open the store. Within the Microsoft Store, search for “Snipping Tool” and click Get.

3. When the Snipping Tool opens, you should see a toolbar (as shown below) that offers several screen capture options.
   • When the camera icon is underlined, that means you are in photo mode (default), but the video icon can be selected if you want to screen-record a video.
   • In the middle of the toolbar, there is a Snipping Mode dropdown that enables you to choose which type of screenshot you want to take: rectangular, freeform shape, full window, or full screen.
   • To the right of the Snipping Mode dropdown, there is a Delay Snip (clock icon) dropdown that enables you to choose whether you want your screenshot to be taken immediately or whether you want a delay of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.

4. Once you’ve selected the screenshot settings you want, select New to begin your capture. Your screen will dim and a toolbar (as shown below) will appear at the top of your screen. You can then drag the crosshair icon ( + ) over the area you want to capture.

5. After you’ve taken your screenshot, return to the Snipping Tool application. Here you can crop, mark up, and save the screenshot to a folder of your choice.

For more information about using the Snipping Tool to take a screenshot, read Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots.