Whether you need to save a receipt, show IT support an error message or share a funny message, knowing how to take a screenshot saves a lot of time. Here's a quick guide for every common device.
Quick reference
| Device | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows (part of screen) | Windows key + Shift + S |
| Windows (full screen, save file) | Windows key + Print Screen |
| Mac (full screen) | Command + Shift + 3 |
| Mac (part of screen) | Command + Shift + 4 |
| iPhone with Face ID | Side button + Volume up |
| iPhone with Home button | Side or top button + Home button |
| Android | Power + Volume down |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Show windows key |
How to take a screenshot on Windows
- Windows key + Shift + S opens the snipping toolbar. Choose a rectangle, a free-form shape, a window or the full screen. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and a notification lets you edit and save it in the Snipping Tool.
- Windows key + Print Screen (PrtSc) captures the whole screen and saves it automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Print Screen on its own copies the full screen to the clipboard (on newer versions of Windows 11 it may open the Snipping Tool instead — you can change this in Settings).
- Alt + Print Screen copies just the active window.
On laptops, you may need to hold the Fn key with Print Screen.
How to take a screenshot on a Mac
- Command + Shift + 3 — captures the whole screen.
- Command + Shift + 4 — turns the cursor into crosshairs so you can drag to select an area. Press the Space bar to capture a single window.
- Command + Shift + 5 — opens the screenshot toolbar with options for screen recording, timers and where to save files.
Screenshots are saved to your desktop by default. Add Control to any shortcut to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead.
How to take a screenshot on an iPhone
- iPhone with Face ID: press the side button and volume up at the same time, then release quickly.
- iPhone with a Home button: press the side (or top) button and the Home button together.
A thumbnail appears in the corner — tap it to crop, mark up or share. To capture a whole web page in Safari, tap the thumbnail and choose Full Page.
How to take a screenshot on Android
Press Power and Volume down at the same time. On many phones you can also:
- swipe down and tap the Screenshot tile in Quick Settings;
- use a three-finger swipe down (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus and others, if enabled);
- tap Capture more or Scroll capture to grab a long page.
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
- Ctrl + Show windows (the key with stacked rectangles) — full screen.
- Ctrl + Shift + Show windows — choose an area or window.
- On tablets and convertibles, press Power + Volume down.
How to take a scrolling or full-page screenshot
- Chrome and Edge: use the browser's built-in "Capture full size screenshot" or "Web capture" tools.
- iPhone Safari: choose Full Page after taking a screenshot.
- Android: tap Capture more after the screenshot is taken.
Screenshot privacy tips
- Crop out personal details — names, addresses, card numbers — before sharing.
- Remember screenshots are saved to your photo library and may sync to the cloud.
- Don't screenshot one-time passcodes or banking details.
Need more tech help? Read our guide to making a website, our pick of the best VPNs in the UK, or browse all our guides.
