If you need to take a screenshot in Windows quickly and easily, you can do so right from your computer without the need for expensive graphics software and capture utilities. Today’s blog post will show you how to take a screenshot using the software you already have, in 4 easy steps.
First, you’ll need to already be on the web page or area where you want to make the screenshot. On your computer, press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key. It will appear as if nothing has happened but in the background, your computer has taken a snapshot of what was on your screen at the time.
Second, open up Microsoft Paint by going to Start > Accessories > Paint. Once it loads, go to Edit > Paste and your screenshot should appear on the canvas.
If you don’t mind people seeing what’s on your screen, you can save this file and you’re finished. Be sure to save it as a JPEG and not a BMP (Bitmap) to help keep the file size small.
If you want to cut out all the other stuff like the other programs and documents you have open, simply select the rectangular marquee (looks like a dashed box) or the free-form select (looks like a dashed star) tool and click and drag to cut out the picture. You’ll see a dashed box surrounding your selection.
From there, just go to Edit > Copy – then go to File > New to open up a new canvas. Paint will ask if you want to save, click No.
Then go to Edit > Paste to paste in the new selection without the outside screen clutter. Save it as a JPEG and you’re done!
Screenshot Software
Of course, if you’d like a much more elegant way to take screenshots (including screenshots of individual applications, or the entire scrolling length of a web page), it doesn’t get any easier than using TechSmith’s SnagIt software. Like the method above, SnagIt, in a sense, replaces your Print Screen key with more functionality.
In addition to defining an area, window or a scrolling web page, you also have the ability to keep the links inside of the page screenshot (although it takes awhile to capture everything if it’s a long page). You can export your finished screenshot to a variety of applications including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Instant Messenger.
You can download a free trial of SnagIt by clicking here.
Tags: screenshot, snagit, take screenshot
Great tutorial!
I use Paint for all of my screen shots–it may not be as high tech as other methods, but it definitely gets the job done. With the state of the economy, a lot of people can’t afford to spend money on software (although free trials help), so thanks for writing about this low cost way of creating screen shots!
This sounds simple enough. Let me try it out.
It worked! I love it. Thanks for this post!
I never knew that MS Paint would accept a screen capture! Now there is no excuse when dealing with a client to show me a pic of what they are seeing on their screen! Thanks for a universal fix to one of my problems! ~ Brad
liked this tutorial its so simple and anyone can do this thanks will make taking and editing screenshots quicker for me
Very cool. Great post. I tried it out and it’s great.
i also use paint for my screen shots, but never heard of the Techsmit software… thanks for the tip on techsmith…
Nice tutorial. Its really clear explanation.
Tried it now. It works great…Thanks!
I always used this method, and it does work really well. But with Vista there is a little tool that you can use, which eliminates the need for the program step. Still, good tutorial.
I will test SnagIt, anyway I believe that take a screenshot is’nt hard.
This is a very helpful article. I know a lot of people that don’t know how to do this simple task. However, this simple task can be very necessary when trying to show another person something via email. I may have to give snagit a try to see if it adds a lot of functionality.
Great! I have just gone through the above, and managed to grab some amazing in-game action shots from Half-Life for my desktop background!
Thanks so much!
Downloaded it…
working just classic…
Thanks
Tamil
I also do this. very simple and easy.
btw, if you want to take screenshot of the foreground only you have to hold “alt” key while pressing the “PrtScr” key