How to Take a Screenshot on PC

Post actualizado el día September 27, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay

Taking a screenshot or screenshot is one of the most useful actions you can perform on your computer or phone. Whether it’s to save a purchase receipt, share a technical error with support, preserve an important conversation, or create material for a tutorial, mastering this skill will save you time and improve your communication. This complete guide answers the most common questions in simple language, as if a friend were explaining it to you.

We’ll show you everything from the most basic methods with keyboard shortcuts to professional tools for video recording. We’ll cover Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android, so no matter what device you use, you’ll find the perfect solution here.

What is the fastest way to capture my full screen on Windows or Mac?

The fastest way to capture your entire screen depends entirely on the operating system you use, but in both cases it comes down to remembering a simple key combination. You don’t need to install anything; these functions are built into your device. They’re ideal when you want to save an image of everything visible on your monitor in an instant.

On Windows (10 and 11)

Windows offers several combinations, but for an instant full-screen capture, these are the most direct.

• Print Screen key (or PrtScn): Pressing this key, usually located in the upper-right corner of the keyboard, instantly captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard<a href=”https://micropro.com/blog/how-to-screenshot-guide-pc-mac–iphone-and-android/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”><a href=”https://netllar.es/captura-pantalla-windows-y-mac” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>. Then, you can paste it (Ctrl + V) into a program like Paint, Word, an email, or even a WhatsApp Web chat.
• Windows + Print Screen: This combination is even more powerful. When you press it, the screen briefly flashes and the capture is automatically saved as an image file in your folder at Pictures > Screenshots. You don’t need to paste anything; the file is already ready on your hard drive.

On Mac (macOS)

The method on Mac is just as simple and very consistent across all recent versions.

• Command (⌘) + Shift + 3: This is the universal combination for Mac. When you press these three keys at once, you’ll hear a camera shutter sound (if the volume is on) and see a thumbnail in the corner of the screen. By default, the image is saved directly to your desktop with a name like “Screenshot [date] at [time].png”.

If the thumbnail appears, you can click on it to make quick annotations (like arrows or text) before it’s saved, or simply let it disappear to save it automatically.

I need to capture just a portion of the screen or a specific window, how do I do that?

Capturing just a region or specific window is more professional and avoids sharing sensitive or unnecessary information that appears elsewhere on your screen. Both Windows and Mac have super-efficient built-in tools for this purpose, going beyond the simple full-screen capture.

Native Tools on Windows

Windows has evolved its snipping tool. Here are the two main options.

• Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S): This is the modern and recommended tool. When you press this shortcut, the screen dims and a toolbar appears at the top that lets you choose the type of snip.
  • Rectangular snip: Drag to form a rectangle.
  • Freeform snip: Draw any shape with the cursor.
  • Window snip: Capture a specific program window.
  • Full-screen snip: Similar to Print Screen.
    The capture goes to the clipboard and a notification panel opens to edit or save it.
• The Snipping Tool: This is the classic version, still available. Look for it in the Start menu. It lets you take delayed snips (very useful for capturing drop-down menus) and has basic annotation features.

Capture Precision on Mac

MacOS offers exceptional granular control with its keyboard shortcuts.

• Command (⌘) + Shift + 4: This command changes the cursor to a crosshair. By dragging, you precisely define the rectangular area you want to capture. When you release, the capture is saved.
  • Pro Tip: While dragging, hold the Option (⌥) key to resize the area from the center, or the Shift key to lock one side.
• Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 + Spacebar: This is the master trick. After the previous shortcut, press the spacebar. The cursor turns into a camera icon. When you hover over any window, it gets highlighted. One click captures only that window, with an elegant shadow effect included. To remove the shadow, hold the Option (⌥) key while clicking.

Where are my screenshots saved and how do I edit or share them quickly?

Finding and managing your captures after taking them is key to an efficient workflow. By default, each system has a preferred location, but you can (and should) customize it. Also, a little editing can make your message much clearer.

Default Location and How to Change It

• Windows: Captures made with Windows + Print Screen go to C:Users[YourName]PicturesScreenshots. Those made with Print Screen only go to the clipboard. To change the location, you can move the “Screenshots” folder elsewhere using the folder’s Properties.
• Mac: By default, all captures go to the Desktop. This can clutter it quickly. To change it, open the Screenshot app (Cmd + Shift + 5) and under “Options,” select a new save location, such as the Documents folder or a specific folder you create.

Quick Editing and Sharing

You don’t need Photoshop to make simple annotations. Use the tools you already have.

• On Windows: When using Windows + Shift + S, after capturing, click on the notification that appears. The Snip & Sketch window will open, where you can use the pen, highlighter, eraser, and ruler to annotate directly on the image before saving or copying it.
• On Mac: When you take a capture, click on the thumbnail that appears in the corner. A quick preview will open with tools to draw, add text, shapes, and crop. Then, you can share it directly from there or save it.

For ultra-fast sharing, especially in work environments, consider tools like ScreenRec. They let you capture, annotate, and get a link ready to paste into an email or chat, without having to manually save and attach files.

How can I record a video of my screen, not just a photo?

Recording your screen as video is essential for creating tutorials, documenting a problem step by step, recording an important video call, or sharing gameplay. Sometimes, a 30-second video explains things better than ten screenshots.

Built-in Options

• Windows: The Xbox Game Bar. Press Windows + G to open it. It’s not just for games. Click the “Record” button (or use Windows + Alt + R) to start recording your screen, system audio, and, if you want, your voice through a microphone. Videos are saved in C:Users[YourName]VideosCaptures.
• Mac: The Screenshot App. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5. The control bar that appears has specific buttons for “Record Entire Screen” and “Record Selected Portion”. It also lets you enable microphone recording.

Specialized Recording Software

For more professional needs (editing, slow-motion annotations, 4K quality), built-in software falls short. This is where an external screen recorder shines. We have analyzed the best options so you can choose according to your needs.

Comparison Table: The Best Screen Recorders for Specific Needs

What are the tricks for capturing the screen on my mobile phone (iPhone or Android)?

Capturing the screen on a mobile phone is even more common than on a computer, since it is the fastest way to save conversations, news, or designs on social media. The methods are universal for each system, although they may vary slightly depending on the model.

On iPhone (with Side Button)

On models with Face ID (iPhone X and later), the method is as follows:

1. Simultaneously press the Side Button (right) and the Volume Up Button.
2. Release them quickly.
3. You will see a thumbnail in the bottom left corner. Tap it to edit instantly or swipe it away to save it automatically to your Photos.

On Android (Standard Method)

On the vast majority of Android phones (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.):

1. Simultaneously press the Volume Down Button and the Power Button for one second.
2. You will hear a shutter sound and see an animation or thumbnail.
3. The screenshot is saved in your gallery, usually in a folder called “Screenshots.” Many brands, such as Samsung, offer immediate editing tools in the bar that appears after capturing.

Advanced Mobile Tricks

• Full-Page Capture (Scrolling): Both iPhone (in Safari) and many Android devices (through options in the thumbnail) allow you to capture an entire web page or long conversation, not just what fits on the screen. Look for the “Full Page Capture” or “Capture More” option after taking the normal screenshot.
• Screen Recording as Video: Both systems have it built in. On iPhone, add the “Record Screen” button to the Control Center from Settings. On Android, it is usually in the quick notification panel (swiping down from the top).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Screenshots

The FAQ section resolves those specific doubts that arise when the basic methods are not enough or fail.

What do I do if the “PrtScn” key doesn’t work on my Windows?
It is common on laptops or compact keyboards. First, try Fn + PrtScn. If that doesn’t work, use the foolproof method: Windows + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool. You can also search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu to use the classic tool.

How do I capture a drop-down menu that disappears when I click?
Classic trick! On Windows, use the Snipping Tool and enable the “Delay” option (3 or 5 seconds). Activate the delay, open the menu, and wait for it to be captured. On Mac, use Cmd + Shift + 4, then press the spacebar to capture only the menu.

Can I change the file format of my screenshots (from PNG to JPG)?
Yes. On Mac, the Screenshot app (Cmd+Shift+5) has an “Options” menu where you can choose the save format. On Windows, there is no easy global option, but you can open the screenshot in Paint and save it in the format you prefer.

Is it safe to use free screen recorders from the internet?
You should be careful. Always download from the developer’s official website. Open-source and very popular tools like OBS Studio are safe. Avoid generic download sites that may include malicious software. Always review the permissions requested during installation.

I’ve taken a screenshot, how do I share it by email without it being too large?
The most efficient option is to use an automatic link service like the one offered by ScreenRec or similar tools. This avoids attaching heavy files. If you prefer to attach it, you can compress the image first: on Windows, open the image in Paint and save it as JPEG. On Mac, open it in Preview and under “File > Export” reduce the quality/resolution.