I've been asked a number of times over the last few weeks how to take a screenshot. I use screenshots all the time when I create tutorials but you could use them for, well, all sorts of things (including screenshot shenanigans):
(Of course, you can click on that image to see it larger. Although I'm not sure why you would. It's complete nonsense. Seriously.)
OK, reeling myself in. If you want to take your own screenshots, here's how…
How to Take Screenshots on a PC Using Windows
If you use Windows, try the Snipping Tool. You can capture, annotate, save and share. (Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see the steps for each.) Also, check out the FAQ about the Snipping Tool here.
How to Take Screenshots on a Mac
If you're a Mac user, you've got a few options.
Personally, I take screenshots on my Mac using the very handy Skitch. I love it because I can draw on my images, add text to them, resize them easily and all other kinds of wonderful things (see above). It's free, but sadly, only for Mac. Here's a 60-second overview video:
Can't see the video? Watch it here.
Using your Keyboard to Take Quick Screenshots on a Mac
Don't want to get fancy? No worries. You can also take quick screenshots on a Mac with these simple keyboard shortcuts:
- Command-Shift-3 – Hold down to take a screenshot of your whole screen. It will save as a file on your desktop.
- Command-Shift-4 – Hold down. When you see the crosshairs, you can let go of the keys and click and drag your mouse to select a specific area on your screen. It will save as a file on your desktop.
- Command-Control-Shift-3 does the same as #1 above, but saves to your clipboard instead of your desktop.
- Command-Control-Shift-4 does the same as #2 above, but saves to your clipboard instead of your desktop.
Easy peasy!
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
In windows, I always just click ALT and PrintScreen to copy a screenshot, then paste it into word or email or whereever you need it.
I think you just need to hit print screen for it to copy and paste using Ctrl-V. That's how I do it at least!
But does PrintScreen capture not only the screen, but the toolbars and everything else as well? (Not sure, since I don't have PrintScreen on my Mac, but I think that's the case. Let me know I understand that correctly. Or not.
) The options above give you a bit more control over what exactly you capture.
Yes it does. It takes a picture of the entire screen – mouse and all. Whatever is visible it will capture.
I use print screen on my older computer (the snipping tool rocks on the newer pc's). The only problem is it takes a picture of the ENTIRE screen, which usually means some editing afterwards. I use GIMP (FREE) to clip out what I really need. It would be nice if they would create a downloadable version of the snipping tool for older PC models. Do they? Maybe.. I haven't found one.
Good question. Not sure about that. Google it??
I am on windows platform and use ctrl / prtsc to take a snapshot. Next I paste in irfanview (free for private use) and save as jpg file to an appropriate folder. I then crop and resize in same app (rarely edit photo) and save as a different jpg file in whichever folder. I have a self hosted wordpress based website and upload image to post or page. Both gimp and irfanview are excellent freeware apps for windows platform.
Thanks, Ron! Pixlr.com is another place to edit images online.
I'm with the other girls, control + print screen is the easiest way on a PC. It copies it to your clipboard, from there you can paste it into any editing program.
You can use the keyboard to capture screenshots on a P.C. too. It's either ctrl print screen and then you copy it in paint, or alt print screen.
The easiest screenshot software I have ever seen is Jing. Google Jing Project and you will find the free download. I have the patience of a gnat when it comes to learning new software–I want instant proficiency–and I learned Jing in about 15 minutes. I use it daily and I love it!
Thank you! thank you! thank you! I was really wondering how I would do this.