Whether you’re saving a receipt, sharing an error message with tech support or keeping a recipe, screenshots are one of the most useful skills on any device. Here’s how to take one on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Chromebook, plus a few tricks most people don’t know.
How to Take a Screenshot on Windows
- Windows + Shift + S: Opens the Snipping Tool so you can capture any area, a window or the full screen. The screenshot is copied so you can paste it anywhere, and you can click the pop-up to edit and save it.
- Print Screen (PrtScn): On many Windows 11 PCs, this opens the Snipping Tool too. On others, it copies the whole screen.
- Windows + Print Screen: Saves the full screen automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Alt + Print Screen: Copies only the active window.
Laptop tip: On some laptops, you need to hold the Fn key with Print Screen.
How to Take a Screenshot on Mac
- Cmd + Shift + 3: Captures the whole screen.
- Cmd + Shift + 4: Lets you drag to capture part of the screen.
- Cmd + Shift + 4, then Space: Captures a single window.
- Cmd + Shift + 5: Opens a toolbar with all options, including screen recording and where to save.
Screenshots save to your Desktop by default. Add Control to any shortcut to copy instead of save.
How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone
- iPhone with Face ID: Press the side button and volume up at the same time, then release.
- iPhone with a Home button: Press the side (or top) button and the Home button together.
A thumbnail appears in the corner. Tap it to crop, mark up or share. In Safari, tap the thumbnail and choose Full Page to capture an entire web page as a PDF.
Hands-free option: Turn on Back Tap in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and set a double-tap on the back of your iPhone to take a screenshot.
How to Take a Screenshot on Android
- Press Power and Volume down at the same time.
- On many phones, you can also swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap Screenshot.
- Scrolling screenshot: After taking a screenshot, tap Capture more or Scroll capture (the name varies by brand) to capture a long page or chat.
Screenshots are saved in your Photos or Gallery app in a “Screenshots” album.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
- Ctrl + Show windows (the key with rectangles): Full screen.
- Ctrl + Shift + Show windows: Partial screenshot or more options.
- Or open Quick Settings and tap Screen capture.
Bonus: How to Record Your Screen
- Windows: The Snipping Tool includes a record option (Windows + Shift + R on recent versions).
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + 5, then choose a record option.
- iPhone: Add Screen Recording to Control Center, then tap it.
- Android: Open Quick Settings and tap Screen record.
Full guide: how to screen record on any device.
Privacy Tip
Before sharing a screenshot, check for personal details like your email address, phone number, account numbers or notifications. Use the markup tool to cover them. Screenshots also take up storage over time, so delete old ones you don’t need. If your phone is full, see iPhone storage full fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do my screenshots go on Windows?
Win + Print Screen saves to Pictures > Screenshots. Win + Shift + S copies to the clipboard, and you can save it from the Snipping Tool pop-up.
Why isn’t the Print Screen key working?
Try holding the Fn key with it, or use Windows + Shift + S instead. Some apps also block screenshots of protected content.
Can I take a screenshot of a whole web page?
Yes. On iPhone, use the Full Page option in Safari. On Android, use scroll capture. On a computer, browser extensions or the browser’s developer tools can capture full pages.
The Bottom Line
Windows + Shift + S on Windows, Cmd + Shift + 4 on Mac, side button + volume up on iPhone, and power + volume down on Android. Learn the one for your device and you’ll use it every day.
Related Guides
- How to Transfer Photos From iPhone to PC (3 Easy Ways)
- 10 Useful iPhone Shortcuts Automations to Set Up Today (Step by Step)
- Google Storage Full? How to Free Up Space in Gmail, Drive and Photos
- How to Speed Up a Slow Laptop in 10 Minutes (Windows and Mac)
Explore more in our Tech Tips for Beginners hub.
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