How to Take Screenshots on Almost Any Device

Screenshots are a great way to prove a point, build a case, or just send someone something interesting on your screen. If you don’t know how to take screenshots, then you’re really missing out.


All the major platforms now support easy screenshots. This hasn’t always been the case, especially for Windows users. Windows users have always been able to take a snap of their screen by pressing the PrtScn (Print Screen) button, which would capture the screen’s output to the clipboard. However, from there, you usually had to load an intermediary application (MS Paint, for example) to paste it into, and then save it to a file.

With Windows 8.1, it’s quite a bit easier, but that’s case for everything now – Android, Mac OS X, and iOS alike – all have basic procedures that make screenshots a breeze.

Windows 8.1

Any Windows version previous to 8 or 8.1, is going to use the old school PrtScn-Paste-Save method described earlier. Of course, you can always use a screenshot program and that solves the problem to a large extent. In Windows 8.1, Microsoft finally introduced native screenshot operations, meaning that as soon as you take a screenshot, it is saved to the hard drive as a file.

The three main Windows screenshot methods are as follows:

PrtScn copies the screenshot to the clipboard. Windows + PrtScn takes a screenshot, which is then saved to the user’s Pictures/Screenshots folder.

Another shortcut to remember is ALT + PrtScn, which copies a screenshot of the currently selected window to the clipboard.

For more nuanced control over your Windows screenshots, you can use the included Snipping Tool.

If you want to quickly share Screenshots on Windows 8.1, use the Share Charm. This method is quick and easy, but you have to use Windows Store apps and is more ideal when you don’t have a keyboard attached.

Finally, on most Windows tablets, for example Surfaces, a physical keyboard may not always be present. All tablets certified to run Windows must have a Windows button on the front of the device. To take a screenshot, press the Windows Button + Volume Down.

Mac OS X

Taking screenshots on a Mac is super easy, though there are a number of ways to modify or alter how screenshots are taken.

There are two main screenshots on OS X you need to know. Command + Shift + 3 takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it as an image file to the desktop. Command + Shift + 4 opens a selection area (crosshairs) allowing you to select an area, which is then saved as an image file to the desktop.

If you just want to take basic Mac screenshots, then that’s all you need to know, but if you really want to expand your screenshot repertoire, there are a few modifiers you can apply to these methods.

If you simply want to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it, you need to hold down the Control key (Command + Control + Shift + 3 or Command + Control + Shift + 4).

Use Command + Shift + 4 to make the selection crosshairs appear then press Space and a camera icon appears. You can move the mouse pointer about the screen to select windows or screen elements (selected items will turn translucent blue). Click and the selected windows screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

It can be tricky getting the perfect selection screenshot, but you can constrain it by holding down the Shift key. For example, if you are selecting an area horizontally (left-right), the Shift key will lock the vertical selection (up-down) and vice-versa.

Let’s say you have the perfect sized selection, but it’s not positioned correctly; you can press and hold Space. This will lock the selection area, allowing you to move it freely about the screen. Just remember to keep holding the mouse button or trackpad down.

If you want to constrain your selection from the center-out (as opposed to drawing the selection from corner to corner) press the Option key once the crosshairs appear.

Finally, if you want to bail on your screenshot selection, you can press the Esc key to exit the process.

Android Devices

Android devices are many and widely varied, but screenshots on them are more or less universal, assuming you’re using Android as Google intended it.

On the majority of newer Android devices running version 4 or higher, you can execute a screenshot by pressing Power + Volume Down. Sometimes a manufacturer will include a screenshot option on the power menu, which you can access by holding down the power button until the menu appears.

Regardless, screenshots will be saved to your devices internal storage. You should be able to access them using your preferred photos or gallery app.

If you’re running an earlier version of Android (you should seriously consider upgrading) then you will probably have to resort to an app. Check the Google Play store to see what is specifically available to your device. Here, a quick search for screenshot reveals many third-party options.

Other device manufacturers may employ different methods. Samsung for instance, is notorious for changing things up (usually you can take screenshots on Galaxy models using a swipe or holding down Power + Home).

The bottom line regarding Android devices is that unless you’re using a Samsung device, try the Power + Volume Down method first. If that doesn’t work, conduct a search specific to your make and model of phone or tablet.

IOS devices (iPhones and iPads)

If you’re using an iPhone or an iPad, then things are blessedly simple and universal. Apple doesn’t have to worry about device makers changing things around, because it controls both the software and hardware from start to finish.

To take a screenshot on an iOS device hold the Power button and press the Home button. The screen will flash and your screenshot will be saved to your device’s internal storage, which you can then view, edit, and share using the Photos app.

There are a few other outlier operating systems such as Windows Phone 8.1  (Power + Volume Up), but for the most part, the vast majority of users have one or more of the above four systems.

Third-Party Alternatives

It’s important to note, these are the native (built-in) methods for screenshot taking. While Android and iOS users will typically use their respective methods, Mac and Windows users have a lot of third-party alternatives to choose from. Skitch is always at the top of most lists for OS X screenshot tools, due in large part to its tight integration with Evernote. There are versions available for Android, as well as iPhone and iPad.

Windows users have the usual overabundance of third-party apps to complement their systems. Skitch too is an option, but we also like WinSnap, though it isn’t free. Of course, if you want fine-grained control over your screenshots without having to download (or pay for) anything else, you can always use the aforementioned Snipping Tool.

If you do want to use a third-party solution, look for one that allows you to add callouts, boxes, and other types of annotations.

For the most part, however, when it comes to basic screenshots, any of the methods we laid out are going to work for your purposes. Third-party apps have their appeal (especially for work like this) but if you’re use multiple devices and systems, it’s good to know what their native screenshot methods are, plus you can wow your family and friends with your 1337 screenshot knowledge!

Let’s hear from you now. This is a wide and varied subject. Have a suggestion for a third-party app? Are you using a system we didn’t mention? Join us in our discussion forum and make yourself heard.