How to take a screenshot on a laptop is a frequent question when you need to quickly save a screenshot, show an error, capture an important part of a document, or share information with colleagues or friends. Below we will consider the most convenient ways to create screenshots on laptops with Windows and macOS, as well as tell you what to do if the screenshot is not saved or the keys do not work.
Basic methods of creating a screenshot on a laptop
On most laptops, you can take a screenshot in several ways: through the keyboard, built-in tools of the operating system, or special programs. The fastest option depends on whether you want to save the entire screen, a single window, or a selected area.
Using the Print Screen key
Key Print Screen may be referred to as PrtSc, PrtScn, Prt Scr or a similar abbreviation. It is usually located in the upper row of the keyboard. On some laptops, you need to click additionally to activate it Fn.
Keyboard shortcuts for screenshots
Shortcuts allow you not only to copy the picture to the clipboard, but also to save the file immediately. For example, it is often used in Windows Win + PrtSc, and on Mac — Shift + Command + 3 or Shift + Command + 4.
Programs for creating screenshots
If you often need to take screenshots, add arrows, text, numbering or quickly upload images to the cloud, it is more convenient to use separate programs: Lightshot, ShareX, Greenshot, PicPick or similar.
The tools are built into the operating system
Available in Windows Scissors, Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch, and macOS has a built-in screenshot panel. These tools are suitable for most everyday tasks without installing third-party software.
Create a screenshot using keyboard shortcuts
The fastest way to take a screenshot on a laptop is to use hot keys. They work without launching additional programs and are suitable for situations where you need to capture the screen instantly.
| action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen screenshot | PrtSc or Win + PrtSc | Shift + Command + 3 |
| Screenshot of the active window | Alt + PrtSc | Shift + Command + 4, then Space |
| Screenshot of the selected area | Win + Shift + S | Shift + Command + 4 |
Screenshot of the entire screen
In Windows, click PrtScto copy the entire screen to the clipboard. After that, open Paint, Word, messenger or another editor and paste the image in combination Ctrl + V. If you press Win + PrtSc, the file will usually be automatically saved to the folder Image > Screenshots.
On a Mac, click to take a full screen shot Shift + Command + 3. The screenshot will be saved on the desktop or in another folder if you have changed the settings.
Screenshot of the active window
To take a screenshot of only the active window in Windows, click Alt + PrtSc. This is convenient when you don't want to show the taskbar, other open programs, or private information on the screen.
On a Mac, click Shift + Command + 4, then the key Space. The cursor will change to a camera icon, after which you need to click on the desired window.
Screenshot of the selected area of the screen
In Windows, the most convenient combination for the selected area is Win + Shift + S. The screen will darken slightly, and a selection bar will appear at the top: a rectangular area, an arbitrary shape, a window, or the entire screen. The snapshot will be placed on the clipboard and can be pasted or opened for editing.
On Mac use Shift + Command + 4, then select the desired part of the screen with the mouse or trackpad.
Snipping Tool screenshot (for Windows)
Snipping Tool, or Scissors, allows you to take a screenshot with a delay, choose a capture form, and immediately add simple marks. Click to open the tool start and enter “Scissors” or “Snipping Tool” in the search.
Programs for creating screenshots
The built-in functions are sufficient for basic tasks, but special programs are useful if you frequently prepare instructions, technical documentation, training materials or support messages.
Overview of popular programs for screenshots
- Lightshot — a simple program for quickly selecting an area, adding arrows, text and saving a screenshot.
- ShareX is a powerful free tool for Windows with screen recording, automatic file download and lots of customization.
- Greenshot is a lightweight screenshot application with a basic editor and fast export.
- PicPick — a convenient option for those who need a ruler, a color dropper, signatures and other tools for working with images.
Advantages of using special programs
The main advantage of such programs is fast editing without opening a separate graphic editor. You can crop the image, blur personal data, add a frame, arrow or comment and immediately save the file in the desired format.
Setting up programs for ease of use
After installation, you should configure hotkeys, folder for saving, file format and image quality. If you send screenshots via messengers or mail, it is convenient to enable automatic copying of the file or link after creating the screenshot.
Screenshots on Windows laptops
There are several ways to take a screenshot on Windows laptops: through Print Screen, a combination Win + Shift + S, program Scissors or the Xbox Game Bar for screenshots in apps and games.
Ways of saving in different versions of Windows
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, a combination Win + PrtSc usually automatically saves the screenshot to a folder Image > Screenshots. If you press only PrtSc, the image is not created as a separate file, but copied to the clipboard.
On some laptop models, you need to click Fn + PrtSc or Fn + Win + PrtSc, as the top row of keys can perform multimedia functions by default.
Using Windows Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch opens through Win + Shift + S. After taking a screenshot, click on the notification in the lower right corner to open the screenshot in the editor. There you can highlight details, cut off excess or save the file.
Saving images in PNG or JPEG format
For screenshots of interfaces, text, tables and program windows, it is better to choose PNG: it conveys small elements more clearly. JPEG suitable for photos or images where a smaller file size is more important than maximum text clarity.
Screenshots on Mac laptops
On a MacBook, screenshots are created using standard key combinations, without additional programs. macOS also has a screenshot control panel where you can select an area, a window, the entire screen, or record a video.
Keys for taking screenshots on Mac
- Shift + Command + 3 — a screenshot of the entire screen.
- Shift + Command + 4 — selection of the area for the screenshot.
- Shift + Command + 4, then Space — a snapshot of a separate window.
- Shift + Command + 5 — opening the panel of screenshots and video recording.
Selection of the area for the screenshot
After pressing Shift + Command + 4 a selection cursor will appear. Press and hold the mouse or trackpad button, select the desired part of the screen and release. If you change your mind, click Esc.
How to save and edit screenshots on Mac
By default, screenshots are saved on the desktop. Once created, a thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen: tap it to quickly crop the image, add tags, or share the file. Through Shift + Command + 5 you can change the save folder.
Common problems when creating screenshots and their solutions
If it is not possible to take a screenshot on a laptop, the reason is often not a system error, but the features of the keyboard, settings or the method of saving.
Unable to take a screenshot
Check if a key needs to be pressed Fn together with PrtSc. On compact keyboards, the Print Screen function can be combined with another key. Also try an alternative method: Win + Shift + S in Windows or Shift + Command + 5 on Mac.
Problems with saving screenshots
If the screenshot doesn't appear in the folder, it may have been copied to the clipboard only. Open Paint, Word or any chat and click Ctrl + V. On Windows, check the folder as well Image > Screenshots, and on a Mac, the desktop or the folder specified in the screenshots panel settings.
Checking the keyboard settings
If the hotkeys do not work, check the function key mode in the BIOS/UEFI or in the laptop manufacturer's utility. On some Lenovo, HP, Dell, Asus, or Acer models, the top row of keys switches between multimedia actions and standard F keys.
Short tips and recommendations
Best practices for taking screenshots
Before sending a screenshot, check that it does not contain passwords, personal messages, card numbers or other sensitive data. If you want to show an error, capture not only the text of the message, but also part of the application window - this way the context will be clearer.
Optimal image formats
For most screenshots, choose PNG, especially if the image has text or small details. JPEG use when you need to reduce the file size, such as for uploading to a website or sending by mail.
Quick tools for editing screenshots
For simple editing, the built-in Windows and macOS tools are enough. If you need more features, install Lightshot, ShareX or Greenshot. The following actions are most often useful:
- cut off unnecessary parts of the screen;
- obscure private information;
- add an arrow or frame;
- sign an important element;
- save the file as PNG or JPEG.
Taking screenshots on a laptop is a simple and useful process that can simplify your work and communication. We hope that our tips will help you to save the necessary information easily and quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How to make a screenshot on a laptop without a keyboard?
You can use the built-in tools in the operating system: Snipping Tool or Scissors on Windows, and on Mac - the screenshot panel via the menu or the Screenshot application. Older versions of macOS also used Grab.
Can I edit screenshots after taking them?
Yes, you can use different image editing programs or built-in editors in your operating system. On Windows it's Scissors, Paint or Photos, and on Mac it's quick markup after taking a screenshot.
What formats are common for saving screenshots?
The most common formats are PNG and JPEG, but you can also use other formats depending on the application. PNG is better for crisp text and interfaces, JPEG for smaller files.