The Print Screen key, typically labeled “PrtScn,” “Print Scrn,” or something similar, has long been the go-to method for capturing what’s on your computer screen. But what happens when that trusty key malfunctions, breaks, or simply isn’t available on your device? Don’t worry, there are plenty of alternative ways to grab a screenshot. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you can capture your screen regardless of the situation.
Understanding the Print Screen Limitations
While the Print Screen key is convenient, it has its limitations. By default, it usually captures the entire screen. This isn’t always ideal if you only need a specific window or a portion of your display. Additionally, the image isn’t automatically saved as a file. It’s copied to your clipboard, requiring you to paste it into an image editor like Paint or a document. Understanding these limitations will help you appreciate the benefits of alternative methods.
Windows Built-in Screenshot Tools
Windows offers several built-in tools that provide more flexibility and control over your screenshot capturing. These tools are readily available, often offering more advanced features than the basic Print Screen functionality.
The Snipping Tool (Windows 7 and Later)
The Snipping Tool has been a staple in Windows for years. It allows you to capture various types of screenshots: free-form, rectangular, window, and full-screen snips.
To access the Snipping Tool, simply search for it in the Windows search bar. Once opened, you’ll see a small window with several options.
- New: This button starts a new snip. Click the dropdown arrow next to it to choose the type of snip you want to create.
- Mode: This option, also accessible via the “New” dropdown, lets you select the snip type.
- Delay: This adds a delay before the screenshot is taken, useful for capturing pop-up menus or actions that require a short setup time.
- Cancel: Cancels the current snip.
- Options: Opens the Snipping Tool options, allowing you to customize settings like the ink color, whether to show the selection rectangle, and more.
Once you’ve captured a snip, it opens in the Snipping Tool editor. Here, you can annotate the screenshot with a pen or highlighter, erase markings, save the image as a PNG, JPG, GIF, or HTML file, copy it to the clipboard, or email it.
Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and Later)
Snip & Sketch is the modern replacement for the Snipping Tool in Windows 10 and later versions. It offers a similar set of features but with a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
You can access Snip & Sketch in several ways:
- Search for it in the Windows search bar.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S. This will dim your screen and bring up the Snip & Sketch toolbar at the top.
- Click the “Screen snip” quick action button in the Action Center (accessed by clicking the notification icon in the taskbar).
The Snip & Sketch toolbar offers four snip types: rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, and full-screen snip. After taking a screenshot, a notification appears in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Clicking this notification opens the Snip & Sketch editor.
The editor provides tools for annotation, including a pen, pencil, highlighter, eraser, and ruler. You can also crop the image, add text, and share it directly. Saving options include PNG, JPG, and GIF formats.
Game Bar (Windows 10 and Later)
While primarily designed for gamers, the Game Bar can also be used to take screenshots of any window in Windows 10 and later.
To open the Game Bar, press Windows key + G. If it’s the first time you’re using it, you might need to enable it in the Settings app under “Gaming” -> “Game Bar.”
Once the Game Bar is open, you’ll see several widgets. The “Capture” widget allows you to take a screenshot by clicking the camera icon or using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Alt + Print Screen. Screenshots taken with the Game Bar are automatically saved to the “Captures” folder within your Videos library.
The Game Bar also offers screen recording capabilities, which can be useful for capturing more complex actions or demonstrations.
Third-Party Screenshot Software
Numerous third-party screenshot tools offer features beyond those found in Windows’ built-in options. These programs often provide advanced editing capabilities, cloud storage integration, and customizable workflows.
Greenshot
Greenshot is a popular open-source screenshot tool known for its simplicity and powerful features. It allows you to capture full-screen, window, region, or even the last captured region.
After taking a screenshot, Greenshot offers several options:
- Open in the Greenshot image editor.
- Save directly to a file.
- Copy to the clipboard.
- Print.
- Send to a printer.
- Upload to Imgur, Dropbox, or other online services.
The Greenshot editor is particularly useful. It lets you annotate screenshots with arrows, rectangles, ellipses, text, and obfuscation tools. You can also resize, crop, and add effects to your images. Greenshot supports multiple output formats, including PNG, JPG, GIF, and BMP.
Lightshot
Lightshot is another lightweight and user-friendly screenshot tool. It’s known for its simple interface and fast screenshot capturing.
After installing Lightshot, pressing the Print Screen key will dim the screen and allow you to select an area to capture. Once you’ve selected the area, a toolbar appears with options to:
- Edit the screenshot with lines, arrows, rectangles, text, and other annotations.
- Save the image to your computer.
- Upload the image to Lightshot’s cloud storage.
- Search for similar images on Google.
- Copy the image to the clipboard.
- Print the image.
Lightshot’s cloud storage integration is a convenient way to share screenshots quickly. The service provides a short link that you can easily share with others.
ShareX
ShareX is a powerful and feature-rich open-source screenshot tool designed for advanced users. It offers a wide range of capturing methods, editing tools, and upload destinations.
ShareX allows you to capture full-screen, active window, monitor, region, scrolling capture, text capture (OCR), and more. It also supports automated workflows.
After capturing a screenshot, ShareX can automatically perform various actions, such as:
- Adding watermarks.
- Resizing the image.
- Adding effects.
- Uploading to over 80 different destinations, including Imgur, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and FTP servers.
ShareX’s editor is comprehensive, offering tools for annotation, blurring, pixelation, and more. The program is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Without Print Screen Key)
Even without a functioning Print Screen key, keyboard shortcuts can trigger screenshot functionality, often leveraging the built-in Windows tools.
Windows Key + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch)
As mentioned earlier, pressing Windows key + Shift + S directly activates Snip & Sketch, allowing you to immediately select a portion of your screen to capture. This is a quick and efficient alternative when the Print Screen key is unavailable.
Windows Key + Alt + Print Screen (Game Bar)
If the Print Screen key is physically present but malfunctioning, you can try using Windows key + Alt + Print Screen. This combination triggers the Game Bar’s screenshot function. Note that this only captures the active window.
Alt + F9 (Game Bar – Record)
Although not a direct screenshot, Alt + F9 will start a recording of the active window and could be used to record briefly, then extract a screenshot from the video.
Accessibility Options in Windows
Windows offers accessibility features that can assist users with disabilities, and some of these features can be repurposed for taking screenshots.
On-Screen Keyboard
If your Print Screen key is broken but you need to use the standard Print Screen functionality, you can use the On-Screen Keyboard. This virtual keyboard replicates the physical keyboard on your screen.
To access the On-Screen Keyboard, search for it in the Windows search bar. Once opened, you can click the “PrtScn” key to take a screenshot, which will be copied to your clipboard.
Using Sticky Keys
Sticky Keys allows you to press modifier keys (like Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows key) one at a time instead of holding them down simultaneously. This can be useful if you find it difficult to press multiple keys at once.
To enable Sticky Keys, search for “Sticky Keys” in the Windows search bar and turn it on. Once enabled, you can press the Windows key, then Alt, then Print Screen (if it’s partially functional) in sequence to trigger a screenshot using the Game Bar.
Screenshot Alternatives on macOS
While this article primarily focuses on Windows, it’s worth mentioning the screenshot alternatives available on macOS.
Command + Shift + 3
This shortcut captures the entire screen and saves it as a file on your desktop.
Command + Shift + 4
This shortcut allows you to select a portion of the screen to capture. The screenshot is saved as a file on your desktop.
Command + Shift + 4, then Spacebar
This shortcut allows you to capture a specific window. The screenshot is saved as a file on your desktop.
Command + Shift + 5 (macOS Mojave and Later)
This shortcut opens the Screenshot app, which provides options for capturing the entire screen, a window, or a selected portion. It also offers screen recording capabilities. You can change the default save location and set a timer for taking screenshots.
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Sometimes, even when using the correct methods, you might encounter issues when taking screenshots. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Check your keyboard drivers: Ensure that your keyboard drivers are up to date. Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes cause keys to malfunction.
- Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the screenshot functionality.
- Close conflicting programs: Some programs might interfere with the screenshot process. Try closing any unnecessary applications before taking a screenshot.
- Check your clipboard: If you’re using the Print Screen key and not saving the image directly, make sure that your clipboard is working correctly. Try copying and pasting something else to confirm.
- Run a virus scan: In rare cases, malware can interfere with system functions, including screenshot capturing. Run a thorough virus scan to rule out this possibility.
Conclusion
Losing the function of the Print Screen key doesn’t mean you’re unable to capture your screen. Windows offers a variety of built-in tools like the Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch, providing flexible options for capturing different types of screenshots. Third-party software such as Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX offer even more advanced features and customization. Utilizing keyboard shortcuts and exploring accessibility options can also provide alternative solutions. By understanding these methods and troubleshooting steps, you can confidently capture your screen, regardless of the Print Screen key’s status. Remember to explore each method and find the one that best suits your needs and workflow.
What alternative keyboard shortcuts can I use to take screenshots?
There are several alternative keyboard shortcuts you can utilize if the Print Screen key isn’t functioning. The most common alternative is using the Windows key + Shift + S. This will activate the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select a specific area of your screen to capture. The screenshot will then be copied to your clipboard.
Another useful shortcut is Alt + Print Screen. This captures only the active window, rather than the entire screen. Similar to the standard Print Screen key, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted into an image editor or document. Both methods offer practical alternatives when the usual Print Screen key is unavailable.
How can I use the Snipping Tool application to take screenshots?
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application designed specifically for capturing screenshots. To access it, simply search for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar and open the application. Once opened, you can select from different snipping modes, such as free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen snip.
After selecting your desired mode, click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture. The screenshot will then open in the Snipping Tool window, allowing you to annotate it with a pen or highlighter before saving it as an image file. It provides more control and editing options compared to simple keyboard shortcuts.
Are there any third-party screenshot tools available for Windows or macOS?
Yes, numerous third-party screenshot tools are available for both Windows and macOS, offering advanced features and functionalities beyond the built-in options. Examples include Snagit, Greenshot (for Windows), and Skitch (for macOS). These tools often provide enhanced editing capabilities, annotation options, and cloud storage integration.
These tools can significantly improve your screenshot workflow, allowing you to capture, edit, and share images quickly and efficiently. Many also offer features like scrolling screenshot capture, which allows you to capture entire web pages, even those that extend beyond the visible screen area. These alternatives cater to users with more demanding screenshot needs.
How do I take a screenshot on macOS without the Print Screen equivalent?
macOS does not have a Print Screen key. Instead, it uses specific keyboard shortcuts. The most common shortcut is Command + Shift + 3, which captures the entire screen and saves it as a file on your desktop. This is the macOS equivalent of the Print Screen key on Windows.
Another useful shortcut on macOS is Command + Shift + 4. This activates a crosshair cursor, allowing you to select a specific area of the screen to capture. The resulting screenshot is also saved as a file on your desktop. This provides more flexibility in capturing only the necessary portion of the screen.
How do I take a screenshot on an Android device without the Print Screen button?
On most Android devices, you can take a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the power button and the volume down button. Hold both buttons for a second or two until you see a screen flash animation or hear a camera shutter sound, indicating that the screenshot has been captured.
If the power button and volume down button combination doesn’t work, try pressing and holding the power button and the home button simultaneously (if your device has a physical home button). The screenshot is typically saved to your device’s gallery or photos app, usually within a “Screenshots” folder.
Can I take a scrolling screenshot without a Print Screen button or dedicated tool?
While a standard Print Screen function doesn’t inherently support scrolling screenshots, some devices and applications offer built-in functionality to achieve this. For instance, certain Android devices have a “scroll capture” option after taking a regular screenshot, allowing you to capture the entire content of a scrollable page.
Alternatively, you can use third-party tools designed specifically for capturing scrolling screenshots. These tools typically work by automatically scrolling down the page and stitching together multiple screenshots into a single, long image. These solutions can be essential for capturing content that extends beyond the visible screen area.
How do I paste a screenshot captured to the clipboard when there is no Print Screen Key?
When using alternative methods like the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut on Windows, the screenshot is automatically copied to your clipboard. To paste it, simply open an image editor like Paint or a document editor like Microsoft Word and use the Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut (or right-click and select “Paste”).
On macOS, using Command + Shift + 4 + Ctrl will copy the selected area to the clipboard instead of saving it as a file. Then, you can paste it into any application that supports image pasting using Command + V. This ensures that the captured image is readily available for immediate use without needing to be saved first.