askvity

How do I press the Print Screen button?

Published in Screenshots 2 mins read

You press the Print Screen button by quickly pressing the key labeled "Print Screen," "PrtScn," or a similar variation, typically located on the top row of your keyboard. This action captures a screenshot of your current screen.

While the fundamental action is straightforward, here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Location: The Print Screen key is usually situated in the upper-right area of the keyboard, often near the function keys (F1-F12) and the Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys. Its exact placement can vary slightly depending on the keyboard manufacturer.

  • Function: Pressing the Print Screen key copies an image of your entire screen to your computer's clipboard. This captured image isn't automatically saved as a file.

  • What to do after pressing Print Screen: To save the screenshot, you'll need to paste it into an image editing program (like Paint, GIMP, or Photoshop) or a document (like Word or Google Docs).

    1. Open your chosen program.
    2. Use the "Paste" command. You can usually do this by:
      • Right-clicking and selecting "Paste."
      • Using the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac).

  • Variations:

    • Windows: In some Windows versions, pressing Windows key + Print Screen will automatically save the screenshot as a file in your Pictures/Screenshots folder.
    • Laptops: On some laptops, you might need to press the Fn (Function) key in conjunction with the Print Screen key. This depends on the keyboard configuration. Look for a small icon on the Print Screen key that indicates its secondary function.

  • Alternative Method: Using the Snipping Tool (Windows)

    Windows also provides a dedicated tool called "Snipping Tool" (or "Snip & Sketch" in newer versions) that offers more control over the screenshot process. You can search for it in the Windows start menu. This tool allows you to capture specific areas of your screen instead of the entire screen.

In summary, pressing the Print Screen button is the first step. Remember to paste the image into a program to view, edit, or save it.

Related Articles