We’ve all needed to take a screenshot at some point, and if you’re a Windows user, it’s important to know how to take a screenshot on Windows 10 or 11.
You can use screenshots to demonstrate a process, share feedback with your team, and send silly memes to your favorite coworker!
Windows has a built-in screenshot tool like the Snipping Tool, which can sometimes fill your basic screenshot needs. Third-party applications however are handy to take more advanced captures you can edit and share quickly.
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How to screenshot on Windows 10 & 11 using the built-in tool
To use the Snipping Tool, press the following key combinations:
Print Screen (PrtSc key) captures a full-screen snip. This is the most straightforward option available.
Windows logo key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool. This menu has different options like a rectangular snip or full-screen screenshot to pick from.
Additionally, you can choose from the following options:
- Capture the entire screen
- Capture part of the screen
- Capture the active window
- Free form snip
- Screen record
Once you’ve captured your screen, the snip will automatically be saved under your picture’s screenshots folder. We recommend you save the screenshot in a folder you can easily access later.
How to screenshot on Windows 11 & 10 using Snagit
When it’s time to go beyond basic screenshots, Snagit combines powerful features with an easy-to-use interface. You can download a free trial here to start taking great screenshots!
Step 1: Select what type of image you want to capture
Taking a screenshot with Snagit starts the same way: with the print screen button. With Snagit open, simply click the red Capture button. You can also do this from the Snagit icon in your toolbar.
In the toolbar, you will notice different screenshot options. You can select either All-In-One or Image to screenshot your screen.
All-In-One gives you the option to select image, video, or panoramic capture. This is a great option if you aren’t sure exactly what type of screenshot you need.
The Image setting will display your options for a still screenshot, including panoramic, window, full screen, and more. This is a great option when you need to tailor your capture dimensions to your screen.
To use Snagit super efficiently, you can program keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys to speed up your screenshotting process. For example, you can program the Windows logo key or the PrtScn button to take the screenshot once you press it.
For this tutorial, let’s use the All-in-One capture setting.
Step 2: Use the crosshairs
If you’re wondering how to take a selected screenshot on Windows, look no further than Snagit’s crosshairs feature. It makes it easy to select the area you want to capture and leave out the rest!
Hover over windows or regions to auto-select the area, or click and drag across a portion of your screen to make a custom selection.
Step 3: Preview your selected region
Release the crosshairs to preview your selection. If needed, use the handles at the edges to make adjustments.
Then, when you’re ready, click the camera icon in the Snagit toolbar to take your screenshot.
Adding annotations and effects to screenshots on Windows
After you capture your screenshot, your images and videos open automatically in the Snagit editor. Then, you have the option to add various annotations and effects such as text callouts, symbols, blur, and more.
Snagit also makes it easy to crop and change the size of your screenshot.
You can find more in-depth tutorials on editing and adding effects to Snagit screen captures here.
How to record your screen on Windows 10
Need to record a video of your screen instead of a still image in Windows? Snagit makes screen recording incredibly simple. It can even record audio and video at the same time!
You can select either All-In-One or Video from the capture options. From there, follow the same steps as you would to screenshot your screen.
When you need to take your screen recording to the next level, TechSmith Camtasia offers a lot more tools for annotation, picture-in-picture recording with your webcam, and more. Compare TechSmith screen capture and recording options here.
Read an in-depth tutorial on how to record your screen on a Windows machine.
How to share screenshots and screen recordings on Windows
With Snagit, it’s easy to share screen captures on any platform. You can easily copy and paste a link or file into a chat or email.
To save or share a screenshot to your computer, a network drive, or a hosting platform, simply click the Share button in the top right corner of the Snagit editor. Then, select where you’d like to share your captures.
Or, click the Share Link button and watch as a unique link is copied to your clipboard. Paste it in any messaging application to easily share!
To copy and paste your screen capture, right-click on your finished image and select copy. From there, you can paste your screenshot wherever you want!
Still, you can drag and drop your screenshot into several applications including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and more.
How to store and organize your screenshots
No need to clutter your desktop with screenshots or create a bunch of folders. Any captures taken with Snagit are automatically saved to the Snagit library!
Screenshots can be organized in the Snagit Library by capture type, date, applications, windows, and more. You can even create custom tags to organize your screen captures.
Get ready to amaze your coworkers and friends with your clear, easy-to-follow screenshots and annotations. You now can communicate information anytime, anywhere!
For a great video walkthrough of the instructions in this post, check out this video:
Ready to get started with screenshots? Download a free trial of Snagit!
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Frequently Asked Questions
With Snagit’s screen snipping tool, you can drag your cursor from the corner of your screen or anywhere on top of your screen to take a screenshot. Your screenshot will be saved automatically in the Snagit library.
Yes, you can! On Windows, we recommend you use the Windows key and Print Screen key simultaneously to take a window snip.
Yes. Windows has a built-in Snip & Sketch tool or the Xbox game bar available to take basic screenshots, but they are unmatched compared to Snagit’s powerful screen capture tools.
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