To copy a print screen, simply press the "Print Screen" (often labeled "PrtSc," "PrtScn," or a similar abbreviation) button on your keyboard. This action captures an image of your entire screen and copies it to your computer's clipboard.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Locate the Print Screen Key: The "Print Screen" key is typically found in the upper-right area of your keyboard, often near the function keys (F1-F12) or the number pad. On some laptops, it might be combined with another function and require you to press the "Fn" key along with "Print Screen."
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Press the Print Screen Key: Press the "Print Screen" key. You likely won't see any immediate visual confirmation that anything has happened.
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Paste the Image: Open an application where you want to paste the screenshot (e.g., Microsoft Word, Paint, image editing software, or even some messaging apps). Press
Ctrl + V(Windows) orCommand + V(Mac) to paste the image from the clipboard into the application.
Alternative Methods (Windows):
- Windows Key + Print Screen: Pressing the Windows key + Print Screen key will take a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it as a file in the "Screenshots" folder within your "Pictures" library.
- Alt + Print Screen: Pressing Alt + Print Screen will capture only the active window (the window you are currently using) and copy it to the clipboard. You can then paste it as described above.
- Snipping Tool (Windows 7 & later) / Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 & later): These built-in tools offer more control over what you capture. You can select a specific area of the screen to capture, rather than the entire screen or the active window. These tools also usually offer basic editing capabilities. To access these, search for "Snipping Tool" or "Snip & Sketch" in the Windows search bar.
Alternative Methods (Mac):
- Command + Shift + 3: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it as a file on your desktop.
- Command + Shift + 4: Turns your cursor into a crosshair, allowing you to select a specific area of the screen to capture. The screenshot is saved as a file on your desktop.
- Command + Shift + 5: Opens the Screenshot toolbar, offering more options for capturing the screen, including recording video.
In summary, pressing the Print Screen key is the first step to copying a screenshot. You must then paste the image into an application to view or save it.
