Taking a screenshot should be simple, but the shortcut is different on every device. Here are the reliable ways to capture your screen on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone, plus how to grab a full page or a scrolling screenshot.
Windows
- Print Screen (PrtScn): copies the whole screen to the clipboard. Paste into Paint or any editor.
- Windows + Print Screen: saves a full-screen shot to Pictures, Screenshots.
- Windows + Shift + S: opens Snipping Tool for a region, window or full screen. The capture goes to the clipboard and a notification.
- Windows + Alt + Print Screen: captures only the active window.
Mac
- Cmd + Shift + 3: full screen, saved to the desktop.
- Cmd + Shift + 4: drag to select an area.
- Cmd + Shift + 4, then Space: click a window.
- Cmd + Shift + 5: opens the screenshot toolbar with options for video recording and saving location.
Android
On most Android phones, press Power + Volume Down at the same time. The screenshot is saved to Photos or Gallery. Some phones also support a three-finger swipe or a palm swipe. Long-press the Power button on some models to find a Screenshot option.
iPhone and iPad
- Face ID models: press Side button + Volume Up.
- Home button models: press Home + Side (or Top) button.
Tap the thumbnail in the corner to edit, crop or share before it saves to Photos.
Full page and scrolling screenshots
- Windows: Snipping Tool has a scrolling capture for some apps. For web pages, use the browser’s built-in full-page screenshot.
- Mac: Safari and Chrome extensions can capture full pages.
- Android: many phones show a “Scroll” or “Capture more” button after a screenshot.
- iPhone: Safari shows “Full Page” at the top of the screenshot preview.
Where screenshots are saved
Windows saves to Pictures, Screenshots. Mac saves to the desktop by default. Android and iPhone save to the Photos or Gallery app. You can change the save location in your settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my screenshot not working?
Check that no other app is using the shortcut, restart the device, and make sure storage is not full. On Windows, try the Snipping Tool directly.
Can I take a screenshot of a video?
Yes, but some streaming apps block it and show a black screen. A browser-based player usually allows it.
How do I screenshot a specific window only?
On Windows use Alt + Print Screen. On Mac use Cmd + Shift + 4 then Space and click the window.
