Salam! Welcome to today’s article. Screen shots can be very helpful in different scenarios such as when troubleshooting your computer or when you want to share an error message with a friend or colleague. As a Windows 8 user, you’re in luck because taking a screen shot is fairly easy. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to take a screen shot with Windows 8.
Steps
Step 1: Determine which type of screen shot you want to take.
The first decision you need to make is what type of screen shot you want to take. There are three main types to choose from:
• Full Screen Shot – This type of screen shot captures everything on your screen at that moment.
• Specific Area Shot – This type of screen shot allows you to select and capture a specific area on your screen.
• Window Shot – This type of screen shot captures the active window on your screen.
Step 2: Locate the Print Screen (PrtScn) button on your keyboard.
On most keyboards, the Print Screen button is located in the upper right-hand corner and abbreviated as “PrtScn” or “PrtScr”.
Step 3: Take a Full Screen Shot.
To take a Full Screen Shot, simply press the Print Screen (PrtScn) button on your keyboard. The screen shot will be saved to your clipboard.
Step 4: Take a Specific Area Shot.
To take a Specific Area Shot, press and hold the Windows key and then press the Shift key and S key at the same time. This will bring up a snipping tool. Click and drag the cursor to select the specific area on your screen you want to capture.
Step 5: Take a Window Shot.
To take a Window Shot, click once to select the window you want to capture. Then press Alt and Print Screen (PrtScn) buttons at the same time. The screen shot will be saved to your clipboard.
Step 6: Open Paint.
To access Paint, click on the start menu and search for “Paint”. Once you find it, click to open it.
Step 7: Paste the screen shot to Paint.
Once Paint is open, press Ctrl and V keys at the same time to paste the screen shot from your clipboard to paint.
Step 8: Crop or Resize your screen shot.
To crop or resize your screen shot, click on the “Select” button and drag the cursor over the area you want to crop. Then click on “Crop” from the Home tab. To resize, click on “Resize” and enter the new dimensions.
Step 9: Save your screen shot as an image.
To save your screen shot as an image, click on “File” and then “Save As”. Choose the file type you want to save it as (PNG, JPEG, etc.) and select a location to save the screen shot.
Step 10: Take a Screenshot using the Snipping Tool.
To take a screen shot using the Snipping Tool, click on the start menu and search for “Snipping Tool”. Once you find it, click to open it. Click on “New” to begin your screenshot.
Step 11: Capture your screen shot.
The cursor changes into a cross, drag it around the area you want to take a screen shot of and then release it.
Step 12: Save your screen shot as an image.
Click on “File” and then “Save As”. Choose the file type you want to save it as (PNG, JPEG, etc.) and select a location to save the screen shot.
Explanation
Now that we have gone through the 12 steps of taking a screen shot with Windows 8, let’s look at a brief explanation of some key points:
When you take a Full Screen Shot, the image that is captured will include everything on your screen at that moment.
On the other hand, taking a Specific Area Shot allows you to capture a particular section of your screen that can be quite useful when creating tutorials, manuals, or sharing content.
When taking a Window Shot, it’s essential to click on the window you want to capture before pressing the keys simultaneously.
The Snipping Tool provides an opportunity for more detailed screenshots. One can edit or crop the content before saving it.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use desktop apps to get more advanced screenshot features.
While Windows 8 provides the basic functionality of taking a screenshot, it may not be enough for some needs. Using third-party desktop apps such as Snagit or Lightscreen provides additional functionalities such as editing, annotating, and adding texts to the images.
Tip 2: Use keyboard shortcuts for a quicker process.
Using keyboard shortcuts speeds up the process. For instance, if you frequently take a Full Screen Shot, use the WinKey + PrtScn quick shortcut.
Tip 3: Use the Game Bar if you want to capture your gaming experience.
Windows 8 provides a Game Bar that allows game lovers to capture their gaming experience. To activate the Game Bar, press WinKey + G.
Tip 4: Use the touch screen to take a screenshot.
You can take a screenshot on a Windows 8 touch screen device by simply pressing the Windows button + Volume Down button.
Tip 5: Use the OneDrive integration to save the file.
You can save your screen shot directly to OneDrive by selecting OneDrive as the location in the save dialog box. This method not only ensures that your files are saved, but they can also be accessed from any device that you have signed in to OneDrive with.
Tip 6: Use the print screen button creatively.
If you want to capture a picture on your screen that you cannot copy or save, press the Print Screen button. Then go to Paint and press Ctrl + V, crop the picture and save it.
Tip 7: Capture a video.
You can use the Game Bar to capture a video of your gaming experience on Windows 8. Press the WinKey + Alt + R to start recording your experience and the same button to stop.
Tip 8: Hide your taskbar and desktop icons.
To have a neat screen shot without the taskbar or desktop icons, press F11 to enable full-screen mode before taking the screen shot.
Tip 9: Use the Windows Home button for a shortcut.
Pressing the Windows key + Home button simultaneously is a quick way to minimize all apps on the screen and take a Full Screen Shot.
Tip 10: Take screenshot of command prompt.
To take a screen shot of a Command Prompt window, select the window, press Alt + Print Screen, open Paint and press Ctrl + V to paste it.
There you have it, folks! Taking a screen shot with Windows 8 is not rocket science, and we hope that our article provides you with the information you need to capture every essential detail on your screen effortlessly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Take a Screen Shot with Windows 8
Advantages
Taking screenshots is an important feature in Windows 8 and it comes with various advantages:
| Advantages | Description |
| Easy to use | Taking a screenshot in Windows 8 is relatively easy, and it can be done with just a few steps. |
| Multiple options | Windows 8 comes with a few options to take a screenshot. You can take a screenshot of the full screen, specific windows, or content on the screen. |
| Saves time | Screenshots can help you communicate better and faster, making it a time-saving feature. |
| Helpful for troubleshooting | Screenshots can be helpful when you need to troubleshoot or report a problem that you encounter in software applications or on the internet. |
| Can enhance productivity | Screenshots can be helpful when you need to demonstrate to someone how to use a computer feature or show results of your work. |
| Can help you remember | Screenshots are a great way to capture information or ideas that can be easily lost or forgotten. |
| Can be encrypted for security | Screenshots can be encrypted for security purposes, making it harder for unauthorized users to access sensitive information. |
| Can be shared easily | You can easily share screenshots with others through email, cloud storage, or social media platforms. |
| Compatible with most image editing software | Screenshots can be edited using most image editing software, allowing you to crop, annotate, or highlight important information on the screen. |
| Can be automated for faster execution | You can automate the process of taking screenshots with external software or scripts, making it easier to manage multiple screenshots at once. |
Disadvantages
Despite its many benefits, taking screenshots with Windows 8 also has a few drawbacks:
| Disadvantages | Description |
| Can take up storage space | Taking screenshots can take up storage space on your hard drive, especially if you take multiple screenshots regularly. |
| Can be time-consuming | Taking screenshots can be time-consuming if you need to take multiple screenshots or edit them afterward. |
| Can slow down your computer | Taking screenshots can slow down your computer, especially if your computer is already running multiple applications or is low on memory. |
| Not always accurate | Screenshots may not always capture the exact information or image that you need, especially if the screen is constantly changing. |
| Not suitable for all situations | Screenshotting may not be the best option in some situations, such as capturing fast-moving images or videos that require sound. |
| Requires practice to master | Taking screenshots with Windows 8 may need some practice to master since there are different methods and shortcuts that can be employed. |
| May require additional software to edit screenshots | Screenshots taken with Windows 8 may need additional software to edit, annotate, or enhance, depending on what you want to do with the image. |
| Cannot capture 3D content effectively | Screenshots may not be able to effectively capture 3D content since they only capture a flat image of what is displayed on the screen. |
| May require permission to capture images | Depending on your company policy or ethical considerations, taking screenshots may require you to obtain permission from others before capturing their images or information. |
| May have accessibility issues | People with disabilities may face accessibility issues when trying to take screenshots or understand the content of the screenshots, especially if the images are not properly annotated or described. |
Overall, taking screenshots with Windows 8 can be a useful feature, but it is important to weigh its advantages and disadvantages before using it.
FAQ
1. What is a screen shot?
A screen shot is an image taken of whatever is displayed on your computer screen at a particular moment in time.
2. How do I take a screen shot with Windows 8?
To take a screen shot with Windows 8, press the Windows key and the Print Screen key at the same time.
3. Where does the screen shot get saved?
The screen shot will be saved in a folder called “Screenshots” within your “Pictures” folder.
4. What if I only want to capture a specific part of the screen?
You can use the “Snipping Tool” which is a built-in app in Windows 8. Open the app, select the area you want to capture, and save the image.
5. Can I change the default save location for my screen shots?
Yes, you can. Right-click the “Pictures” folder, select “Properties”, and click the “Location” tab. From there, you can choose a new folder to save your screen shots.
6. How do I open the “Snipping Tool”?
You can search for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar or find it within the “Accessories” folder in the “Start” menu.
7. Does Windows 8 have a built-in screen recorder?
No, but you can use third-party apps such as OBS Studio or Camtasia to record your screen.
8. Can I take a screen shot on my Windows 8 tablet?
Yes, you can. You can take a screen shot by pressing the Windows key and the Volume Down key at the same time.
9. How do I edit my screen shot?
You can use the built-in “Paint” app in Windows 8 to edit your screen shot. Open the app, click “File” and select “Open” to locate your screen shot.
10. Are there any keyboard shortcuts for the “Snipping Tool”?
Yes, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:
Ctrl + N – Open a new snip
Ctrl + S – Save the snip
Ctrl + C – Copy the snip to clipboard
Ctrl + P – Print the snip
Ctrl + Z – Undo the last action
11. Can I take a screen shot without the Windows key?
Yes, you can use the “Snipping Tool” or a third-party app to take a screen shot without using the Windows key.
12. Can I take a screen shot in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can. The keyboard shortcuts for screen shots work in Safe Mode as well.
13. How do I paste my screen shot?
After taking a screen shot, you can paste it into an app such as “Paint” or “Word” by pressing Ctrl + V or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”.
How to Take a Screen Shot with Windows 8
Taking a screen shot is an essential function that every computer user should know. Whether you want to save an important moment or document something on your screen, knowing how to take a screen shot is vital.
If you are using Windows 8, taking a screen shot is easy. All you need to do is follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and Print Screen key
Pressing the Windows key and the Print Screen key together will take an instant screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it to a folder called Screenshots in your Pictures folder.
2. Use the Snipping Tool
If you want more control over your screen shot, you can use the Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to take a screenshot of a specific area on your screen rather than the entire screen.
To use the Snipping Tool, follow these steps:
- Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click on “New” to start a new screen shot.
- Click and drag to select the area of your screen that you want to capture.
- Save your screen shot.
Using the Snipping Tool is a great way to capture specific parts of your screen, such as a particular window or a specific area on a webpage.
Conclusion and Closing
Taking a screen shot is a simple process that can save you time and effort in the long run. Whether you are documenting something important or just want to save a memory, knowing how to take a screen shot is an essential computer skill.
If you are using Windows 8, taking a screen shot is as easy as pressing two keys on your keyboard or using the Snipping Tool. By following these simple steps, you can capture important moments and documents with ease.
Thank you for reading, and happy screen shotting!