Windows Screen Shots

The are many ways to capture all or part of your screen on your Windows desktop. Here are just a few that might interest you:

Shift + PrtScn

On your keyboard, there is a button labeled PrtScn (see image at right). Pressing this button while holding down your "Shift" key is the fastest way to capture your entire screen. What this does is copies the current screen to your clipboard. In order to retain this image, you need to "Paste" this image into someplace where it can be stored. I often paste my images into a Word document.

Snipping Tool (a Windows Accessory)

Built into Windows is an accessory application called "Snipping Tool". This tool has more options that a Print-Screen capture.

You can locate the program by clicking the "Start" menu, under "All Programs" and look for the "Accessories" folder. In this folder, you will find the "Snipping Tool". You can open the app by double-clicking, or if you would like to keep it in a handier location, you can right-click on the app and "pin" it to your start menu or task bar, so that it is easier to find and use.

When you open the Snipping Tool open, you can select from the pull-down arrow to the right of "New" whether you want to capture:

Pick the type of "Snip" that you prefer. I usually use Rectangular, but there might be time when you wish to try some of the others. When you select your snip type, your screen will be partially greyed out, and your cursor will turn to a + sign. Use the + to select the area you wish to capture. (In Rectangle mode, use the + to draw a rectangle from an upper corner to the opposite lower corner of the space you want to capture. This makes more sense if you just try it.)

Upon releasing the mouse, the capture will be displayed in an editing window where you can add some simple "pen" marks. You can also "Save" or "Copy to Clipboard" your capture to use in the item of your choice.

These are just 2 methods built into the Windows operating system. There are numerous other applications you can find to use, but be careful downloading and installing software from an unknown source. This is how most malware and viruses are introduced!