Your guide for taking screenshots on Apple, Android, Windows devices

• The method for capturing a screenshot varies depending on the device and operating system.
• iPhones and iPads allow for both standard screenshots and full-page captures of content like webpages.

Screenshots are a useful and convenient way to reference or remember something you come across on your phone, tablet or computer.

Not all screenshots are equal, though. There are different types you can capture, including entire webpages, small selections or specific windows. Snapping these images is simple and usually requires pressing a few keys or buttons at the same time.

However, different devices use different key and click combinations to get the job done. Here’s your guide to the different ways to do it.

Watch this video to see how to take a screenshot on different devices.

How to take a screenshot on Mac

There are three ways to take screenshots on your Mac. You can capture the entire screen, a single window or select what you want to capture.

• For a full-screen screenshot, press Command + Shift + 3. This immediately captures everything on your screen.
• For a specific window, press Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar. The pointer turns into a camera and highlights the window it will capture with a blue tint. Click to take the screenshot.
• For a specific selection, press Command + Shift + 4. Click and drag the crosshair to form a box around the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.

To cancel the screenshot, press the Esc (Escape) key. 

How to take a screenshot on iPhone, iPad

There are two types of screenshots you can take on your iPhone and iPad. One captures your screen exactly as it appears and the other captures an entire page, even if it extends beyond your screen.

To take a screenshot of what you see:

• On your iPhone: Quickly press the Lock and Volume Up buttons at the same time. 
• On your iPad: Quickly press the top button and either volume button at the same time.

Note: Older devices may require a different combination to capture the screenshot.

This captures everything on your screen, but it can be cropped to show only what you need.

Full-page screenshots are useful when you’re trying to capture a webpage and don’t want to take multiple individual screenshots.

To take a full-page screenshot, follow the same steps as the other method. Then, tap the preview thumbnail in the bottom-left corner of the screen. This allows you to quickly crop or mark up the image. Near the top of the screen, tap Full Page. You can scroll through the entire page along the right side. Tap the check mark to save it to Photos or to Files as a PDF.

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How to take a screenshot on Android

For Android devices, you can take a screenshot by pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time.

Another option is to hold the Power button for two seconds, then select Screenshot.

Some Android devices also allow you to capture content beyond what fits on your device’s display. To do this, tap Capture more at the bottom of your screenshot and follow the guidelines. 

How to take a screenshot on Windows

If you’re working with a Windows computer, there are three different ways to take a screen grab. 

• PrtScn: Press the PrtScn (print screen) button. You may also have to press the Windows Logo Key at the same time. Thie PrtScn button may not appear on all Windows keyboards. 
• Press Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar.
• Snipping tool: You can open it by clicking the Start button, then search Snipping Tool. It can grab rectangles, windows, freeform shapes, full screen and video clips. When the tool is open, select Snipping Mode, choose the type you want and select New.