How to Take Screenshots on Windows and Mac
A screenshot saves what is on your screen as an image. It is useful for showing a problem to a friend, saving a receipt, or writing a guide like this one. Both Windows and Mac have built-in tools that cover most needs without any extra software.
Windows
| What you want | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Choose an area and copy it | Windows key + Shift + S |
| Whole screen, saved to Pictures | Windows key + Print Screen |
| Whole screen, copied to clipboard | Print Screen |
| Active window only | Alt + Print Screen |
After you press Windows key + Shift + S, a small toolbar appears at the top of the screen. Pick rectangle, freeform, window or full screen. The image goes to the clipboard, and a notification lets you open it in the Snipping Tool to edit it.
Mac
| What you want | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Whole screen | Command + Shift + 3 |
| Selected area | Command + Shift + 4 |
| Window only | Command + Shift + 4, then press Space |
| Screenshot toolbar and screen recording | Command + Shift + 5 |
By default, screenshots save to the desktop. You can change the save location in the screenshot toolbar under Options.
Record the screen
On Windows, the Snipping Tool can record a short video of part of the screen. On Mac, Command + Shift + 5 has a record option for the whole screen or a selected area. Both are useful for showing how to do a task step by step.
Tips for clear screenshots
- Close notification pop-ups before taking the picture.
- Hide personal information such as account numbers or addresses. Crop or blur it before sharing.
- Zoom the page to a readable size so the text is clear in the image.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my screenshot look blurry?
The screen scale may be set high, or the image was saved at a low resolution. Check the display settings and try saving as PNG rather than JPG, which compresses more.
Can I take a screenshot of a page that scrolls?
Some browsers can capture a full page from their menus. Look for a Full page or Capture full page option in the browser's developer tools or share menu.
Annotate before you share
A screenshot often needs a short arrow, a box or some text to show what matters. On Windows, the Snipping Tool includes a pen and highlighter. On Mac, the screenshot toolbar has markup tools in the thumbnail that appears in the corner after you capture. Adding a label makes the image easier to understand when you send it to someone who was not with you when the problem happened.
Protect private information
Before you share a screenshot, check the page for email addresses, account numbers, addresses and tokens in the address bar. Blur or crop anything personal. This habit prevents accidental leaks, especially when you ask for help in public forums where the image stays online.
Related reading
- How to Search Your Computer Faster: Practical tips for finding files, apps and settings quickly on Windows and Mac, using built-in search operators and shortcuts.
- How to Back Up Your Computer: A Simple 3-2-1 Plan: A simple backup plan for home computers using the 3-2-1 rule, with built-in tools on Windows and Mac and cloud storage for important files.
- What Is Two-Factor Authentication and How to Turn It On: How two-factor authentication protects accounts, the different kinds of second step, and how to enable it on email, banking and social accounts.