Making screenshots of your screen

Well I own the laptop that is in my signature, but one thing I have never been able to figure out is how to do the thing where you take oh I'm not sure exactly what you would call it, a "screenshot" of your screen. Like a picture of what you are viewing on your screen. I am not sure if this has to do with the laptop itself or the OS but any help as to how I could do this would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

If I am not mistaken, there should be a 'PrtSc" (Print Screen) key on the top row of your keyboard. Pressing it once should either automatically save an image of the screen onto your desktop OR it should ask you for a location where you want to store the image.

This is how it works on my Acer, but I think it is pretty standard across all laptops/ manufacturers.

 

Not sure if you have Windows Vista, but if you do, there's a small app that's in-built into Vista called Snipping Tool. It can be accessed from the Accessories folder or by pressing Win+R then typing "snippingtool". With Snipping Tool, you can choose what part of the screen you want to cut out or even select the whole screen. Then, you can edit it a little bit and then save it into a JPEG, PNG or GIF format.

 

I don't think I've seen a print screen button - but something pretty close.

Ctrl+print = copy whole screen to clipboard
Ctrl+Alt+Print = copy open, selected window to clipboard

The open paint and press Ctrl+v to past it in.

Save it and you're done

 

The "print screen" key only copies the entire screen contents to the clipboard. You have to open some application and then paste the contents to be able to save it. If you hold down the Alt key while you do the screen shot you will get a copy of just the active window.

But if you have Vista, as mentioned above Snipping tool is the ticket!

Gary

 

Many keyboards have a "PrtSc" key. I don't think you need the ctrl key to make it function though.

Gary

 

Actually, just tested on Vista - works without Ctrl.

...strange... I knew it as "wit Ctrl".

 

Thanks for the helpful tips guys. Yes I do have vista on the laptop and I am not sure about the Prt Scrn Key as I am not on the laptop at the moment but when I get on it I'll try a few of the ideas. The laptop was purchased from Best Buy about 2 months ago so It should have the key.

 

Strange. When I hit the "PrtSc" key on my keyboard (Acer 5920 w/ Vista HP), it directly deposits a file onto my desktop and I have not done anything to it. I can then open that file in a viewer or in paint or etc...

 

some keyboards require you to fit the Fn key to get to the PrtScn function.

 

It definitely wasn't the Fn key for me... strange anway... key thing it works
if with or without Ctrl

 

Same here

10 char

 

If you have Vista, forget the PrtSC key nonsense, the "Snipping tool" is the ONLY way to go. Much easier to use and a lot more functionality.

Gary

 

Well, the snipping tools is technically a tablet add on - but enabled by default.

 

Another reason not to uninstall "optional features."

 

Your laptop should have a Prt Sc button.