In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict 
Taking screenshots is a useful skill for work and personal tasks. Whether you need to capture an error message, a section of a webpage, or an important document, knowing how to take a screenshot quickly can save you time and effort.
There are several different ways to do it, and the methods differ across operating systems. This article will guide you through the steps for how to take a screenshot on MacOS, Windows, and Chromebook.
Key Takeaways
- Screenshots are useful for capturing images of what is displayed on your computer screen.
- Each operating system (OS) – Mac, Windows, Chromebook – offers multiple ways to take screenshots.
- Customizing keyboard shortcuts and knowing where screenshots are saved make the process more convenient and efficient.
What is a Screenshot?
A screenshot, also known as a screen capture, is an image taken of whatever is displayed on your screen. Capturing what is displayed on your screen can be useful for sharing with another person or getting technical support assistance.
Types of Screenshots
There are three different types of screenshots:
- Full screen: Captures the entire screen.
- Window: Captures a specific window.
- Partial: Captures a selected area of the screen.
How to Take a Screenshot on Mac
Taking a screenshot on a Mac is straightforward and can be done using keyboard shortcuts.
How to Customize the Screenshot Keyboard Shortcuts on a Mac
- Open System Preferences.
- Go to Keyboard > Shortcuts.
- Select Screenshots and customize the shortcuts as needed.
Where to Find Your Mac Screenshots
By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop. You can change this location by pressing Shift + Command (?) + 5 and selecting Options.
How to Take a Screenshot on Windows
Windows offers several ways to take screenshots:
How to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook
Chromebooks also offer several methods to capture screenshots. Chromebooks are designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, so taking screenshots is a straightforward process.
Screenshot on a Chromebook with a Keyboard Shortcut
Using keyboard shortcuts is one of the quickest ways to take screenshots on a Chromebook.
- Full screen: Press Ctrl + Show Windows (the rectangle with two lines).
- Partial: Press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows, then click and drag to select the area.
Screenshot on a Chromebook from Quick Settings
The Quick Settings menu provides another convenient way to take screenshots, particularly useful if you prefer a graphical interface over keyboard shortcuts.
- Click the time in the bottom right corner to open Quick Settings.
- Click the Screen Capture icon.
- Choose either full-screen, window, or partial screenshot from the toolbar.
Where Screenshots are Saved on a Chromebook
By default, all screenshots taken on a Chromebook are saved to the Downloads folder.
To access them:
- Click the Launcher and open the Files app.
- Select Downloads from the left-hand sidebar. Your screenshots will be listed, typically with a file name starting with “Screenshot” followed by the date and time they were taken.
- You can open, move, or share these files as needed.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to take a screenshot on various devices can enhance your productivity and communication. Each operating system provides multiple methods to capture the screen, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs.
