How to Make Screenshots on Any Device

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 and you can always use a screenshot program and that solves the problem to a large extent. The three main Windows screenshot methods are as follows:

1. “PrtScn” copies the screenshot to the clipboard. “Windows + PrtScn” takes a screenshot, which is then saved to the user’s Pictures/Screenshots folder.
2. The next shortcut to remember is “ALT + PrtScn,” which copies a screenshot of the currently selected window to the clipboard.

Also if you want to quickly share Screenshots on Windows 8.1, use the Share Charm and this method is quick and easy.

1. Lastly, 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:

There are a number of ways to modify or alter how screenshots are taken. The two main screenshots on OS X you need to know are as follows.

“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 allowing you to select an area, which is then saved as an image file to the desktop.

If you simply want to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it, you need to hold down the “Control” key.

Use “Command + Shift + 4" to make the selection crosshairs appear then press “Space” and a camera icon appears. Click and the selected windows screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

If you want to constrain your selection from the center-out press the “Option” key once the crosshairs appear.

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. On the majority of newer Android devices running version 4 or higher, you can execute a screenshot by pressing “Power + Volume Down”. And screenshots will be saved to your devices internal storage and you should be able to access them using your preferred photos or gallery app.

IOS devices (iPhones and iPads):

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.

Also, 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 built-in methods for screenshot taking. Windows users have the usual overabundance of third-party apps to complement their systems. And 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.