The Ultimate Guide to Taking and Sharing Screenshots on Any Device

Have you ever seen an error message pop up on your screen, but it disappeared before you could write it down? Or needed help or directions on how to get through a particular task?

The easiest way to capture exactly what you see on your screen is by taking a screenshot (literally, a picture of your screen). That’s much better than taking out your phone and taking a picture of your screen - the picture is clearer, the image size is smaller, and it avoids cutting off critical portions of your screen.

Screenshots can be taking on any computer, tablet, or phone. Here is your simple, step-by-step guide to taking and sharing screenshots on Windows, Mac, iPhones, and Android devices.

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How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC

Method 1: The Snip & Sketch Tool (Best for capturing part of the screen)

1. Press these three keys at the same time: Windows Key + Shift + S.
2. Your screen will darken slightly, and a small menu will appear at the top.
3. Click and drag your mouse to draw a box around what you want to capture.
4. The image is now copied! You can open a new email or document and “Paste” it right in.

Method 2: The Print Screen Button (Best for capturing the whole screen)

1. Look for a key on your keyboard that says PrtScn, PrntScrn, or Print Scr (usually near the top right of your keyboard).
2. Press the Windows Key and the PrtScn key at the same time.
3. Your screen will briefly dim to let you know it took a picture.
4. You can find this picture saved in your files under Pictures > Screenshots.

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How to Take a Screenshot on a Mac

Method 1: Capture the Entire Screen

1. Press and hold these three keys together: Command (⌘) + Shift + 3.
2. You will hear a camera click sound.
3. A small picture of your screen will pop up in the corner, and the screenshot will automatically be saved directly to your Desktop.

Method 2: Capture a Portion of the Screen

1. Press and hold: Command (⌘) + Shift + 4.
2. Your mouse arrow will turn into a crosshair target.
3. Click and drag a box around the area you want to capture.
4. Release your mouse button to take the picture. It will also save directly to your Desktop.

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How to Take a Screenshot on an iPhone or iPad (iOS)

If your iPhone/iPad has Face ID (No round Home Button):

1. Press the Side button (on the right side) and the Volume Up button (on the left side) at the exact same time.
2. Quickly release both buttons.

If your iPhone/iPad has a round Home Button:

1. Press the Power button (on the top or side) and the Home button at the exact same time.
2. Quickly release both buttons.

After both methods, a little picture will appear in the bottom left corner of your screen. The picture is saved automatically in your Photos app.

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How to Take a Screenshot on an Android Phone or Tablet

Because there are many different Android brands (Samsung, Google, Motorola), this can vary slightly, but this method works for the vast majority of modern Android devices:

1. Press the Power button and the Volume Down button at the exact same time.
2. Hold them for just a second until your screen flashes.
3. The screenshot is now saved in your Gallery or Google Photos app in a folder called “Screenshots”.

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How to Share or Email Your Screenshot

Taking the picture is only half the battle! Here is how you send it to a friend, family member, or IT support professional.

From a Computer (Windows or Mac)

• The “Paste” Method: If you used the Windows Snip tool, the picture is floating in your computer’s invisible memory. Open a new email message, click inside the empty typing area, and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste the picture right into the email.
• The “Attachment” Method: Open your email and click the Paperclip icon (Attach File). Find where your screenshot saved. Remember, Macs save them to the Desktop, and Windows saves them to Pictures > Screenshots. Double-click the picture to attach it to your email.

From a Phone (iPhone or Android)

• The “Share” Button: Right after you take a screenshot on your phone, a little preview image will appear in the corner. Tap it! You will see an icon that looks like a box with an arrow pointing up (iPhone) or three connected dots (Android). Tap this “Share” button, choose your email or text message app, type in the person’s name, and hit send.
• From the Photos App: If the little preview disappeared before you could tap it, don’t worry! Just open your Photos app, find the screenshot, and look for that same Share button at the bottom of the screen to send it via email or text.

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Need more hands-on help? Whether you have a frustrating error message, a slow computer, or just need a little extra guidance, Potomac Technologies is happy to help. Contact us or give us a call today if we can be of assistance!