Take a screenshot with the Print Screen button
Windows by default comes with a built in print screen or screenshot option, on your keyboard you will be able to find a button that is made for performing this task, depending on your keyboard it may be labelled differently, however it will be something that represents “Print Screen”. An example of what it could say is “Prt Sc”. This button is usually located on the upper right hand side of the keyboard.
Please note that when you take a screenshot this way it will capture your entire display, if you are using multiple monitors it will capture what is being shown on all of them.
When you have what you wanted displayed onto your screen you can press this button to save a screenshot of if to your clipboard. You can then paste the image into any supporting program to be able to see it, or edit it. You can paste it into your selected program or paint by pressing “Ctrl + V” on a new document.
You can also save the screenshot as a file by pressing the print screen button on your keyboard simultaneously with the windows key. (Win + PrtScr). When you do this the screen should dim for a split second, this will mean the file has been saved successfully. By default the image should be saved into your pictures folder, in a subfolder called “Screenshots”.
If you only want to capture a part of your screen or a specific area then you can press Shift + Win + S, you will notice that your cursor will change into a cross and your screen will appear to whiten out. Click, hold and drag over the area you want to capture, once you let go the file will automatically be saved to your clipboard, again you can paste this into a program of your choice, or into paint by pressing Ctrl + V or using the paste option in the file.
Using Screenshot Programs
If you want a more powerful option for capturing screenshots then your best bet is to look at external programs and applications that can partake in this for you. There are many options, each with their own unique features that you can take advantage of.
Take a Screenshot using Lightshot
Lightshot is my favorite way of capturing portions of my screen, once you have it installed it will take use of the previously mentioned Prt Scr button on your keyboard. As long as the application is active on your computer, pressing this button will freeze and darken your screen. You can now click and drag over the area to take a screenshot.
Once you have selected the area of your choice you will be faced with a series of tools split into two toolbars. The side bar gives you tools that you can use to add text, arrows, boxes, highlights and lines, it even comes with a very handy undo button.
The bottom row will be the saving options, you can copy, save or even upload the file to the lightshot site so that you can share it with friends via the provided link.
Take a Screenshot with Gyazo
Gyazo is a cool tool that can allow you to take screenshots or even capture GIFs and upload them to their site with a shareable link. Once you have Gyazo installed and active you can find it on your taskbar under the hidden icons tab. You can activate it by pressing on the logo or right clicking it and selecting the GIF option.
Alternatively you can open the settings to view and change the shortcuts for capturing with the program. By default Ctrl + Shift + C will allow you to capture, you will notice that your cursor will switch to a cross when enabled, alternatively by pressing Ctrl + Shift + G you will be able to select the area to capture a GIF.
