Screenshot Shortcuts for Windows and Mac

Windows: The Shortcuts You Need

• Windows + Shift + S: opens the Snipping Tool with options for rectangular, freeform, window, and full-screen captures. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard (press Ctrl+V to paste it), and a notification appears so you can edit and save it. This is the most versatile shortcut.
• Windows + PrtScn: captures the entire screen and saves it automatically to the Pictures › Screenshots folder. The screen flashes to confirm.
• Alt + PrtScn: copies only the active window to the clipboard.
• PrtScn by itself: on recent versions of Windows 11, opens the Snipping Tool; on other versions, copies the entire screen to the clipboard. You can change this behavior in Settings › Accessibility › Keyboard.

On laptops, the PrtScn key may share a key with another function and require Fn. The key name also varies: PrtSc, Print, PrntScrn.

Mac: The Shortcuts You Need

• Cmd + Shift + 3: captures the entire screen and saves it as a file.
• Cmd + Shift + 4: turns the cursor into crosshairs so you can select an area. Press the space bar afterward to capture an entire window, including its shadow.
• Cmd + Shift + 5: opens the screenshot panel, with options for the screen, a window, an area, and screen recording. Under Options, you can choose where to save the capture and set a timer.
• Add Control to any of these shortcuts to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it as a file.

By default, screenshots on a Mac are saved to the Desktop with the name "Screenshot" followed by the date and time.

Chromebook and Linux

• Chromebook: Ctrl + the Show windows key captures the entire screen; Ctrl + Shift + Show windows opens the menu for capturing an area or window.
• Linux: In popular desktop environments like GNOME, pressing PrtScn opens the screenshot tool. Shortcuts vary by distribution.

After the Screenshot: Edit Before Sharing

A well-prepared screenshot communicates more clearly and reveals less. These three edits cover almost everything:

1. Crop to the important part. The taskbar, browser tabs, and other windows can be distracting and reveal information. Use Crop image to keep only what matters.
2. Hide sensitive information. Remove email addresses, customer names, ID numbers, and account balances. Blur image pixelates the areas you select; use a high intensity for text.
3. Add a note. A short phrase pointing out the problem ("the error appears here") can save you from having to explain it. Add text to image lets you place text anywhere and adjust its font, color, and size.

The Windows Snipping Tool and Mac Markup also include a pen and highlighter. The highlighter is translucent, so don't use it to hide sensitive information.

Screenshots for Support Requests

• Capture the entire screen or window, including the full error message and, if possible, the browser's address bar.
• Include the date and time in your support request; this can often help support staff find the error log.
• Send the screenshot as a PNG to keep text sharp. JPG can blur small letters.
• If the issue involves a series of steps, consider recording your screen instead of sending multiple screenshots.

A good habit is to give the file a descriptive name, such as error-message-12-10.png, instead of using the automatic filename. If support asks for "that screenshot of the error" a week later, you'll find it in seconds.

Frequently asked questions