How to capture your PC screen in seconds? – Agencia SEO

How can I take a full screen screenshot in Windows?

Windows offers several built-in methods to capture the entire screen. The most suitable method depends on whether you want to save the image directly or edit it first.

Using the Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

The PrtScn key (or Print Screen) is the most basic and universal method. Its main function is to copy the image to the clipboard.

Step 1: Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard. On some laptops, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn.
Step 2: The full-screen capture is copied to your system’s clipboard.
Step 3: Open any application where you can paste images, such as Paint, Word, PowerPoint, or even the body of an email.
Step 4: Paste the image using Ctrl + V. Then, you can save the file from that application.

Saving the screenshot directly as a file

If you prefer to skip the step of pasting and saving manually, Windows has a shortcut that saves the screenshot automatically.

Step 1: Press the key combination Windows + PrtScn.
Step 2: You will see the screen briefly dim, confirming the action.
Step 3: The screenshot is automatically saved as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder within your user directory.

How do I take a full screenshot on a Mac?

Apple Macs have very intuitive and efficient capture methods, based on keyboard shortcuts that use the Command (⌘) key.

Standard screenshot

For a quick capture of the entire screen that is saved as a file on your desktop, the shortcut is simple.

Step 1: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 simultaneously.
Step 2: You will hear a shutter sound (if sound is enabled).
Step 3: You will find the image saved as a PNG file on your desktop, with a name similar to “Screenshot [date] at [time].png”.

Using the screenshot toolbar

macOS also includes a more versatile tool that allows you to capture the full screen, a window, or a selection.

Step 1: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5. This will open a toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: In the bar, select the icon for “Capture Entire Screen”.
Step 3: Click anywhere on the screen to capture it, or press the “Capture” button in the toolbar.
Step 4: A thumbnail of the screenshot will appear in the corner of the screen. You can click on it to edit it instantly or wait for it to be saved to the default location.

How do I capture only a specific window or an area of the screen?

Many times, you don’t need to capture the entire desktop, but only a specific application or fragment. Both operating systems have native functions for this.

In Windows: Active window capture and Snipping Tool

To capture only the window you are currently using, the shortcut is quick.

Step 1: Make sure the window you want to capture is in the foreground (active).
Step 2: Press Alt + PrtScn.
Step 3: The image of that window will be copied to the clipboard. Paste it (Ctrl + V) into any application to save it.

To select a rectangular or free-form area, the Snipping Tool (or Snip & Sketch) is the solution.

Step 1: Press Windows + Shift + S. The screen will dim and a toolbar will appear.
Step 2: Choose the type of snip: rectangular, free-form, window, or full screen.
Step 3: Select the area you want to capture. The image will be copied to the clipboard and a notification will appear.
Step 4: Click the notification to open the capture in the Snipping Tool app, where you can edit it, annotate it, and save it.

On Mac: Precise selection with the crosshair

The selection method on macOS is very precise and offers additional options.

For a rectangular area: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4. The cursor will turn into a crosshair. Drag it to select the area and release the mouse or trackpad button to capture.
For a specific window: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press the spacebar. The cursor will turn into a camera. Move the camera over the window you want to capture (it will be highlighted in blue) and click.
Using the toolbar: Again, Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 gives you access to icons for “Capture Selected Window” and “Capture Selected Portion”, offering full visual control.

What do I do if my keyboard doesn’t have the Print Screen key or it doesn’t work?

It’s a common situation, especially on compact keyboards, thin laptops, or when the key is damaged. There’s no reason to worry, as excellent alternatives exist.

Using built-in software tools

Both Windows and macOS have dedicated applications that don’t require the physical keyboard.

In Windows: The “Snipping Tool” app
- Open the Start Menu and type “Snipping Tool”. Open it.
- Click “New” and select the type of snip you want to make.
- Use the mouse to capture the area. The image will open in the app so you can edit and save it.
In macOS: The “Screenshot” utility
- Go to Applications > Utilities > Screenshot.
- The same toolbar as with Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 will open, allowing you to take any type of capture with the mouse.

Accessing accessibility features

Modern operating systems include features designed for users with different needs, which are perfect for this scenario.

On Windows: Narrator
- Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to open Narrator.
- Then, press Windows + Ctrl + N to open Narrator settings.
- Here you can enable the “On-Screen Keyboard”, which includes a virtual PrtScn key that you can use with the mouse.
On macOS: On-Screen Keyboard
- Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Enable the “On-Screen Keyboard” option. A virtual keyboard will appear that includes function keys like F13, which often acts as PrtScn on Mac.

Where are screenshots saved after taking them?

Finding saved screenshots is simple once you know the default paths.

Default locations on Windows

The destination folder depends on the method you used.

Screenshots with Windows + PrtScn: They are automatically saved to C:Users[YourUserName]PicturesScreenshots.
Screenshots with the Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch: When saving, you will be asked to choose a location. If you don’t change it, it usually goes to the Documents folder.
Screenshots with PrtScn (clipboard): They are not saved as a file until you paste and save them manually in an application like Paint.

Default locations on macOS

macOS also has a standard location, but it is easy to customize.

Desktop: By default, the shortcuts Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 and 4 save PNG files directly to the desktop.
Customization: You can easily change this location. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5, click “Options” and choose a new destination folder in the “Save to” menu.

How can I edit or annotate a screenshot right after taking it?

Editing a screenshot on the spot is crucial for highlighting information, hiding sensitive data, or adding explanations. Both platforms offer basic immediate tools.

Quick editing tools on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 integrate editing into the capture workflow.

With Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S): After capturing, click the notification that appears. The screenshot will open in the editor, where you can use the ruler, crop, write with a pen, highlight, and erase.
With the Paint 3D app: If you paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V) into Paint 3D, you will have access to drawing tools, text, shapes, and basic 3D effects to create more elaborate annotations.

Quick editing tools on macOS

Editing on macOS is almost instantaneous and very fluid.

Floating thumbnail: Immediately after any capture (except with Command + Shift + 3/4 without releasing), a thumbnail of the image will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Click to edit: Click this thumbnail before it disappears. The image preview will open with the “Markup” toolbar, allowing you to add shapes, text, signatures, crop, and enlarge sections.

How do I take a screenshot of a long web page or document that requires scrolling?

Capturing extensive content that doesn’t fit on a single screen (such as a web page, a PDF, or a chat) is known as a “scrolling screenshot”. No major operating system includes this natively, so third-party software is needed.

Browser extensions

They are the simplest option for capturing full web pages.

Fireshot: Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It allows you to capture the visible page, the entire page (with scrolling), or a selection. It includes a basic editor for annotating.
Awesome Screenshot: Another popular extension that offers full-page capture, annotations, and the option to record screen video.

Specialized desktop software

These tools are more powerful and work for any application, not just the browser.

ShareX (Windows – Free): It is a very complete and free capture suite. Its “Scrolling Capture” feature works in most windows. It also allows region captures, GIF and video recording, and automatic upload to servers.
Snagit (Windows/Mac – Paid): It is the professional tool par excellence. Its “Scrolling Capture” feature is very robust and allows you to capture web pages, application windows, and even vertical and horizontal scrolling areas. It includes an advanced editor with a large library of templates and effects.

Mastering the art of screenshotting goes beyond learning a simple keyboard shortcut. It’s about knowing all the tools at your disposal to choose the most efficient one in each situation. Whether you need a quick record, a precise annotation, or to capture extensive content, your PC has, or can have with a simple extension, the ability to do it.

The key is to practice the methods that best suit your workflow. Try the keyboard shortcuts, explore the native snipping tools, and if you capture web pages often, install a dedicated extension. With this guide as a reference, you will be able to respond to any screenshot need with confidence and precision.