Everyday Computer Skills · Documents, PDFs & Printing · Lesson 3 of 5
Screenshots
Take a picture of your screen, find it again, and share it safely.
Taking a screenshot
A screenshot is a picture of what is on your screen. It is handy for showing someone an error message, a map or a confirmation page.
On Windows 11, the easiest way is a key combination. Hold down Windows and Shift, then press S. The Windows key has the Windows logo on it.
The screen dims and a small bar appears at the top. This is the Snipping Tool, the screenshot app built into Windows. Then:
- Press and hold the mouse button.
- Drag a box around the part you want.
- Let go.
A message says the screenshot was copied to the clipboard. The clipboard is a hidden holding spot for something you copied. Now you can paste it with Ctrl+V, for example into an email.
The Print Screen key, often labeled PrtSc, also takes screenshots. On many Windows 11 computers it opens the same snipping bar. On others, it copies the whole screen.
On a Mac, press Command+Shift+4, then drag a box.
On the practice computer, press Windows+Shift+S or the button. Drag a box around part of the screen, then paste the screenshot into an email.
Finding and sharing screenshots
Where do screenshots go after you take them?
On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool saves them for you. Open File Explorer, the app for browsing your files. Go to Pictures, then the Screenshots folder. A folder is a place that holds files, like a drawer.
On a Mac, there are three shortcuts:
- Command+Shift+3: the whole screen.
- Command+Shift+4: a part you choose.
- Command+Shift+5: the Screenshot app, with more choices.
Mac screenshots are saved on the desktop, the main screen behind your windows.
Screenshots are easy to share. That is also why you need to be careful. A screenshot shows everything in the box you drew, including things you forgot were there.
Before you share one, check it for private details. Never screenshot and send:
- Passwords or PINs.
- Bank or card numbers.
- Codes sent to you by text or email to sign in.
A real bank or company will never ask you for a screenshot of these. If someone does, it is likely a scam.
Try it on the practice computer
This lesson has a lab on a pretend computer right in your browser: windows, menus and settings that behave like the real thing. Nothing you do touches your own computer.
Open the labCan you answer these?
- After you drag a box with Windows+Shift+S, where does the picture go first, ready to paste?
- On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool saves your screenshots in a folder inside Pictures. What is that folder called?
Answer them in the app to earn 40 XP (Pro).
Answer in the app