 How to Take a Screenshot (Both on a PC and Mac)

A screenshot is a still picture of the computer screen. While screenshots are commonly used, many people don't know how to take one.

How to Take a Screenshot on a PC

PCs offer a rigid screenshot method; however, you can manipulate and edit the screenshot later.

Step 1 - First of all, get your screen ready by opening any files, programs, or anything else you want to take a screenshot of. In other words, "set the scene".

Step 2 - Once you have your screen set up, look at your keyboard. There is a key labeled "prt scr"on the top right side of the keyboard, to the right of F12. If you still can't find it, it's up-right diagonal from the "backspace" key. Once you locate it, press it once.

Step 3 - The computer has just taken a screenshot of the screen. But how do you view your picture? Well, it turns out that the picture has been saved on the clipboard, which means you have to paste it. Simply go to the Paint program (under Start > All Programs > Accessories > Paint). If you have another image editor, you can paste the screenshot in that program.

Step 4 - On the top, go to Edit > Paste (or ctrl-v), and bang! There's your screenshot! You can now edit the screenshot using Paint or any other image editor. If you want to keep the screenshot, then save it.

How to Take a Screenshot on a Mac

Macs are more flexible with their screenshots.

Step 1 - First of all, get your screen ready by opening any files, programs, or anything else you want to take a screenshot of. In other words, "set the scene".

Step 2 - Once you have your screen set up, look at your keyboard. Taking a screenshot a Macs involves a key combination. Hold down the keys: Shift + ⌘ + 3. You should hear a sound of a camera. Go to the desktop and you should see a file called "Picture 1". Double-click on the file and there's your shot. You can then work on that image in an image editor.

Step 3 - Another way is taking a screenshot of just a section of the screen. Hold down the keys: Shift + ⌘ + 4. Your cursor will turn into what appears to be a cross-hair or target, and you are free to click and drag the area you want to photograph. Once you release, you will see the file on your desktop.

Congratulations! You can now photograph your screen without using that digital camera!