The screenshot shortcut techniques can be extremely useful in different work scenarios. With one capture of whatever you seek from the screen, note-taking becomes super fast. Also, you can include references in your presentation with screenshots. Just knowing the screenshot short keys will speed up your research or work.
While the traditional method is to use the Print Screen shortcut, there are other ways as well. In this post, we have spilt the beans for all the methods available under the roof. You can thank us later!
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What is a Screenshot & Why It Matters?
A screenshot is a really helpful feature. It lets you take a picture of whatever is on your computer, laptop, or phone screen. You can save this picture as an image and use it later when you need it.
Taking a screenshot is easy if you know the screenshot shortcut. On most computers, you can press the Print Screen shortcut. You can also use a shortcut key for screenshot Windows + Shift + S. On a Mac, the screenshot shortcut key is usually Command + Shift + 4. These screenshot shortcuts help you take a picture of your screen quickly. You won’t need any extra tools.
Here are some ways we use screenshots:
- You can use screenshots to show work, explain problems, or give presentations.
- You can take screenshots to post something cool on social media or write blogs.
- Screenshots help save images that AI tools can study or understand.
- You can take screenshots of notes, slides, or homework to study later.
Using a screenshot shortcut or print screen shortcut is a smart way to capture. This way, you can save what you see on your screen!
How To Take Screenshot Shortcut In Laptop?
To take a screenshot on your laptop, it depends on your system.
On Windows: Press the PrtScn key to copy the screen. Or press Windows + PrtScn to save the picture.
On Mac: Press Shift + Command + 3 to take a picture of the screen.
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Screenshot Shortcut Keys For Taking a Screenshot On Windows!
(On Windows 11/12)
Windows offers multiple built-in shortcuts for flexibility. The Print Screen button comes in very handy in such a case. Here’s where you find it on Windows Keyboard:
Full Screen (Auto-Save):
Shortcut: Windows + PrtSc
It captures the entire screen and saves it as an image in C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures\Screenshots.
On some laptops, the laptop screenshot shortcut may require pressing Fn + PrtScn together.
Selected Area:
Screen Shortcut: Windows + Shift + S
Screen fades, and a crosshair appears. Drag to select an area, then release. The image is copied to the clipboard. Paste into apps like Paint or Word, or click the notification to edit in Snipping Tool.
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Active Window:
Shortcut: Alt + PrtSc
Captures only the active window to the clipboard. Paste into an editor like Paint to save or edit.
Game Bar Capture:
Screen Shortcut: Windows + G
It opens the Game Bar. Click the camera icon to capture. Saves to C:\Users\YourUserName\Videos\Captures.
This one is ideal for gaming or video-related screenshots.
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5. Capture an Active Window With Screenshot Shortcut
To capture only the active window:
- Shortcut: Press Alt + PrtScn.
It basically captures the active window to the clipboard. You cant hen paste it into an editor to save it.
How To Take Screenshots On Macbook?
To know how to take screenshot in laptop particularly in a Macbook, follow the steps below:
| Type | Shortcut | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | Shift + Command + 3 | Takes a picture of the whole screen and saves it on desktop. |
| Part of Screen | Shift + Command + 4 | Shows a cross to pick an area. Drag to select and let go to take a picture. |
| One Window | Shift + Command + 4, then Space | Changes cursor to camera. Click a window to take its picture. |
| Screenshot Toolbar | Shift + Command + 5 | Opens tools to take pictures or record the screen. |
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Taking A Screenshot In A Dell Laptop
Now, we wil see how to take a screenshot on a Dell laptop. Many of you might be using laptops of different brands. Sometimes, brand-specific functions are used on laptops, PCs, or even mobile phones. For example, taking a screenshot on a OnePlus phone is different from a Lava phone or an iPhone. In the same way, different brands of laptops have different ways to take screenshots.
If you’re using a Dell laptop, here’s an easy method using a screenshot shortcut key.
How to take a screenshot on a Dell laptop (especially in the Inspiron series):
Press Shift + Windows key + S. Drag your mouse to select the part of the screen you want to capture.
That’s it!
This is a quick screen shot shortcut that works really well. It’s different from the usual Print Screen shortcut found on some other laptops. If you know the shortcut key for screenshot on your device, it can save a lot of time. I hope you now know the best screenshot shortcut on a Dell Laptop!
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Using Built-In Screenshot Shortcut Tools
Both Windows and macOS have easy tools to capture and edit screenshots without extra software!
| Tool | Platform | How to Use | Features | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snipping Tool | Windows 10/11 | Windows + Shift + S | Capture & edit screenshots | Use Delay for timed shots |
| Snip & Sketch | Windows 11 | Windows + Shift + S | Edit with touch, auto save | Click notification to edit |
| Screenshot App | macOS | Shift + Command + 5 | Capture, record, timers | Hold Control to copy |
Take a Screenshot Using Snipping Tool
Here are a few steps that you need to follow.
- To take a screenshot of the screen, click the Windows button on the taskbar.
- Now, type in the search field “Snipping Tool.”
- Click on the first app option that comes up in the results to open it.
- You will see various options in the app when it opens on your Windows PC. It includes mode, options, and delay. Choose the appropriate option.
- Press the New option. Now, the screen will appear with the white overlay, which showcases the uncaptured area.
- The screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool after you capture one.
- Click on the File tab and choose the “Save As” option. It will let you take a screenshot to your preferred location on the hard drive.
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Take a Screenshot using the Snip and Sketch Tool.
You need to follow the steps below to take a screenshot using the Snip and Sketch tool.
- Press Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut, or you can click the Start menu from the taskbar -> type Snip and Sketch -> click the option.
- Once the tool opens, you will see many different options as icons, such as Freeform, Rectangle, Window Snip, and Full-screen Snip.
- After the screenshot is captured, the image will be saved in the clipboard. You can view it by clicking on it from the notification pop-up on your screen. Click on it for markup and file sharing.
- Now, go to the notification bar at the right part of the screen to access the Snip and Sketch tool.
- You can save the file in the Paint app and cut the screen size and later save the file.
A Quick Recap
| Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | What it Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Screen | Windows + PrtScn | Shift + Command + 3 | Takes a full screenshot and saves it to Pictures> Screenshots folder. |
| Selected Area | Windows + Shift + S | Shift + Command + 4 | Opens Snipping Tool to capture a specific area on the screen. |
| Active Window | Alt + PrtScn | Shift + Command + 4 + Space | Captures just the window you’re using and copies it to the clipboard. |
| Screenshot Toolbar | N/A | Shift + Command + 5 |
Making Screenshots Shortcuts On Laptop Quick & Easy
Here are some different situations where you can use screenshot shortcuts in the best way for quick action.
| Trick / Tip | Shortcut / Method | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Delay Screenshot | Use Snipping Tool > Delay (1–5 sec) | Lets you take a screenshot after a few seconds delay, useful for dropdowns. |
| Screenshot from Game Bar | Windows + G → Click camera icon | Opens Xbox Game Bar to take a screenshot while gaming. |
| Use Clipboard History | Windows + V after taking a screenshot | Lets you access recent screenshots saved in clipboard. |
| Use Snip & Sketch App | Open Start Menu → Search “Snip & Sketch” | Gives better annotation, editing, and sharing options than Snipping Tool. |
| Paste Screenshots Directly | After taking screenshot → Ctrl + V in Paint, Word, or Chat | You don’t need to save screenshot first — paste it directly. |
| Change Screenshot Folder Location | Right-click “Screenshots” folder → Properties → Location tab | Useful to save screenshots directly to a different folder or drive. |
| Use OneNote for Screenshots | Windows + Shift + S (OneNote users) | Automatically sends the screenshot to your OneNote notebook. |
Troubleshooting Screenshot Problems
Now, we understand that there can be issues when you are trying to capture a screenshot. In this section, we have analysed common problems while taking a screenshot and how to solve them. Let’s check it out:
Shortcuts Not Working:
- Ensure F-Lock is off or try Fn + PrtSc on some laptops.
- Update keyboard drivers or test with an external keyboard.
Screenshots Not Saving:
- Verify the Screenshots folder exists (C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures\Screenshots).
- Check disk space and save manually to Paint if needed.
Blurry Screenshots:
- Set display scaling to 100 per cent in Windows Settings > System > Display.
- On macOS, use Preview’s “Optimise for Retina” option.
Lack of Quality
You need to update your graphics drivers and check that the display resolution is set to the highest available settings. Ensure to save screenshots in ‘PNG’ format. It will avoid compression and help you maintain image clarity.
Tips for Organising and Managing Screenshots
Now that you know how to take a screenshot on a laptop, here’s how to organise them:
- The best idea is to rename your screenshots right after you take them. This makes it easy to find later.
- You can create folders like ‘work’, ‘personal’, or any other name you like. Find your screenshots in Pictures > Screenshots.
- You can also sync your screenshots folder with Google Drive or another cloud service. This way, you can access them from any device.
- If you use a Mac, you can use the Tags feature in Finder to label your screenshots.
- Don’t forget to delete old screenshots every week or month to keep your files neat and organised.
Best Third Party Screenshot Tools For Advanced Features
Along with the tips mentioned, you can also use third-party tools. They are great and can give you advanced features. Let’s check out the options:
| Tool | Platform | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightshot | Windows, macOS | Quick screenshots, annotations, cloud sharing, customisable hotkey (PrtSc) | Casual users needing fast sharing |
| Snagit | Windows, macOS | Scrolling screenshots, video recording, advanced editing tools | Content creators and professionals |
| ShareX | Windows | Free, open-source, scrolling captures, GIFs, uploads to Imgur and more | Power users with custom workflows |
| CleanShot X | macOS | Scrolling captures, annotations, seamless cloud sharing | macOS users looking for a polished experience |
Don’t Have a Print Screen Key?
If your computer does not have the PrtScn key, don’t worry! Microsoft comes up with another keyboard shortcut for you. You can press Fn + Windows key + spacebar to take a full-screen screenshot. After that, the screenshot will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Windows Logo + Volume Down
Are you using a Microsoft Surface device? If yes, you can use the physical button to take a screenshot of your entire screen. For that, you need to hold down the Windows logo touch button and then click the physical volume-down button. When you do so, the screen will dim for a short period of time, and the screenshot will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Some Quick Tips to Take Better Screenshots
Here are some quick tips to take better screenshots.
- Adjust the display settings for improved clarity and visibility.
- Do not stretch or compress the image.
- Clear unwanted windows before you take a screenshot.
- Always save screenshots in organized folder for quick and easy access.
- For high quality, save the image in the best format.
- Make use of the right method to capture a screenshot, whether you want to capture a specific area, full screen, or an entire window as required.
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Frequently Asked Questions!
How to take a screenshot in PC?
You can press PrtScn, Alt + PrtScn, or Windows + Shift + S to take different types of screenshots.
What is the shortcut key for screenshot?
Windows + PrtScn saves a full-screen screenshot, while Alt + PrtScn captures the active window.
What is F12 screenshot?
The F12 function button on the keyboard is usually used for taking screenshots on a gaming platform called Steam. Otherwise, it is only to open developer tools in browsers, not for screenshots, unless customised through specific software.
How to scroll a screenshot in PC?
To capture a scrolling screenshot, you can use tools like Snagit or PicPick. These tools can capture long pages or documents.
Is SS short for screenshot?
Yes, “SS” is a short form often used to mean “screenshot.”
How to shortcut a screenshot on Windows 10?
Press Windows + Shift + S to take a screenshot using Snipping Tool.
Where do Screenshots go on a PC?
Screenshots are saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder by default.
What is the best screenshot for PC?
Using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch gives the best control and quality.
What is the Ctrl button for screenshot?
There is no default Ctrl shortcut, but Ctrl + PrtSc may work in some apps.
What F key is Print Screen?
It’s usually the PrtSc key, often found on the top row, sometimes as F12 or near it.
Where are Screenshots saved in Windows 11?
By default, in Pictures > Screenshots or Clipboard (if copied).
How do I automatically screenshot on Windows 10?
Press Windows + PrtSc to save a full-screen screenshot automatically.
How to take HD screenshot in PC?
Maximise your screen, press Windows + PrtSc, and it will save a high-quality image.
Conclusion: Screenshot Shortcut In Laptop
Just like clicking two buttons on phones, screenshot shortcuts on laptops consist of the same. In fact, it’s better because there are dedicated buttons on the keyboard for it. You can use these built-in shortcuts, command buttons and so on. You will get into practice while repeatedly using it. That way, you will get better at maintaining workflow on PC or just be quick at using the functions. Saw something important while browsing? Take a screenshot!
If you have any other questions, do let us know in the comments below!
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