When was the last time you wanted to take a screenshot but not the entire screen? Maybe you wanted to capture just a window or a part of the screen, but you didn’t know how to do it. Fear not, as we have got you covered. In this article, we will guide you through step by step on how to take selective screenshots on your Windows computer. So let’s get started!
Steps to Take Selective Screenshots on Windows
Step 1: Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) button
The first and foremost step to take a screenshot on your Windows computer is to press the Print Screen key (PrtScn) on your keyboard. This will capture the entire screen and put it in the clipboard.
Step 2: Capture the Active Window
If you want to take a screenshot of a specific window, start by clicking on the window to make it active. Once you have the window open and active, press Alt + PrtScn on your keyboard to capture the active window.
Step 3: Capture a Specific Area
Suppose you want to capture only a specific area of your screen. In that case, you can use the built-in Snipping Tool on Windows computers. To access the Snipping Tool, press the Windows key and type “Snipping Tool” and click on the app to open it. Once the tool is open, select the “New” option and drag the cursor to capture the desired area.
Step 4: Use Windows + Shift + S to Directly Take a Screenshot
If you want to be more efficient while taking screenshots, try using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut. This shortcut will directly open the Snipping Tool and allow you to capture the desired area quickly.
Step 5: Use the Game Bar to Take Screenshots
If you are a gamer, you might find this method handy. The Game Bar feature on Windows 10 allows you to take in-game screenshots. Simply press Windows + G to open the Game Bar, and then click on the camera icon to take a screenshot.
Step 6: Take Screenshots Using the Clipboard History
Windows 10 has a nifty new feature called Clipboard History that allows you to save multiple items to your clipboard. This feature can also be used to take selective screenshots. To enable this feature, go to Settings > System > Clipboard and turn on Clipboard History. Once enabled, press Windows + V to open the Clipboard History and select the desired screenshot.
Step 7: Take Screenshots on Multiple Monitors
If you have multiple monitors connected to your computer, you can take screenshots of each monitor by using the Windows key + Print Screen shortcut. This will capture the entire desktop, including all connected monitors.
Step 8: Use the Snipping Tool to Take Scrolling Screenshots
If you want to take a screenshot of an entire webpage, use the Snipping Tool to take a scrolling screenshot. Open the Snipping Tool, select “New,” and click on the “Delay” drop-down menu. Select either 5 or 10 seconds, depending on how much time you need to scroll down the page. Once the timer is up, start scrolling, and the Snipping Tool will capture the entire webpage for you.
Step 9: Customize Your Screenshots
If you want to customize your screenshots, Windows has got you covered. You can use the Paint app to edit your screenshots and add text, arrows, or other shapes. Alternatively, you could also use third-party apps like Snagit or Lightshot, which offer more advanced editing features.
Step 10: Save Your Screenshots
Once you have taken your screenshot, you need to save it. Windows automatically saves all screenshots in the Pictures folder. Open the folder, and you will find a sub-folder named “Screenshots.” All your screenshots will be saved in this folder by default.
Step 11: Share Your Screenshots
After you have taken and saved your screenshot, you might want to share it with your friends or colleagues. You can do this by attaching the screenshot to an email or uploading it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Step 12: Delete Your Screenshots
Finally, if you want to delete your screenshots, you can do so by going to the Pictures folder and selecting the screenshots you want to delete. Right-click on them and select “Delete” to remove them permanently from your computer.
Explanation
We have discussed twelve different ways to take selective screenshots on your Windows computer. These methods vary in their complexity and functionality, but they all achieve the same goal: to capture a part of the screen. By learning the different ways to take selective screenshots, you can choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. All of these methods are built into Windows, so you don’t need to install any additional software to take screenshots.
Tips and Tricks
1. Customize Your Keyboard Shortcuts
If you don’t like the default keyboard shortcuts, you can customize them to suit your needs. To do this, go to Settings > Devices > Keyboard and select “Advanced Keyboard Settings.” Here you can change or create new keyboard shortcuts.
2. Use the Windows Snipping Tool Shortcut
If you find yourself using the Snipping Tool often, you can create a shortcut to it on your desktop. Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start Menu, right-click on it, and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar.”
3. Use the Windows + Print Screen to Take Screenshots Quickly
The Windows + Print Screen shortcut is the fastest way to take a full-screen screenshot. It captures the screen and saves it automatically in the Pictures folder.
4. Use the Snipping Tool to Annotate Your Screenshots
The Snipping Tool allows you to annotate your screenshots with text, arrows, or other shapes to better communicate your message. Simply select the “Pen” or “Highlighter” from the toolbar and start annotating.
5. Use Third-Party Apps for More Advanced Editing Features
If you need to edit your screenshots extensively, you can use third-party apps like Snagit or Lightshot. These apps offer more advanced editing features and make it easier to annotate and share your screenshots.
6. Use the Game Bar to Record Your Screen
The Game Bar not only allows you to take screenshots but also record your screen. Simply press Windows + G to open the Game Bar and select the record button to start recording your screen.
7. Use the Windows + Shift + S Shortcut to Take Screenshots Quickly
The Windows + Shift + S shortcut is one of the fastest ways to take selective screenshots. It opens the Snipping Tool and allows you to capture the desired area quickly and easily.
8. Use the Snipping Tool to Take Screenshots of Active Menus
If you want to take a screenshot of an active menu, use the Snipping Tool. Open the Snipping Tool and select “New.” Click on the “Mode” drop-down menu and select “Window Snip.” This will allow you to capture the active menu.
9. Use the Snipping Tool to Capture Screen Recordings
The Snipping Tool also allows you to capture screen recordings. To do this, open the Snipping Tool and select “New.” Click on the “Mode” drop-down menu and select “Free-form Snip.” Click on “New” again, and the Snipping Tool will begin recording your screen.
10. Make Use of the Multiple Monitors Feature
If you have multiple monitors connected to your computer, make use of the “Windows Key + P” feature. This feature allows you to choose how you want to use your multiple monitors, including taking selective screenshots on each monitor.
In conclusion, taking selective screenshots on your Windows computer can be a breeze once you become familiar with these methods. By using these tips and tricks, you can become a pro at taking screenshots in no time. Whether you’re a gamer, a business professional, or a casual user, these methods will help you capture the screen the way you want it.
Advantages of Selective Screenshots on Windows
Selective screenshots on Windows allows you to capture only the necessary information on your screen, making it easier for you to communicate and share important messages with others. Here are some of the specific advantages:
1. Saves time and effort
By selecting only the relevant information on your screen, you can save time and effort in editing the screenshot later. It also allows you to communicate your message more effectively and efficiently, without including unnecessary clutter.
2. Increases productivity
Selective screenshots can help increase productivity by allowing you to focus on the task at hand. It is also useful in cases where you need to capture a certain part of your screen, such as a graph or chart, for reference or analysis later.
3. Improves communication
Selective screenshots can help improve communication by allowing you to share only the necessary information with others. This can be especially useful in business meetings, presentations, and tutorials.
4. Enhances clarity
By capturing only the relevant information, the screenshot will be clearer and easier to understand. It also helps eliminate confusion and ensures that the message is conveyed accurately.
5. Provides better privacy
Selective screenshots can help maintain privacy by allowing you to capture only the necessary information without revealing sensitive or private data.
6. Allows for easy editing
Selective screenshots make it easier to edit and annotate the captured information. This is particularly useful in cases where you need to highlight or emphasize certain parts of the screenshot, or add text for clarity.
7. Provides flexibility
Selective screenshots provide greater flexibility by allowing you to capture and save only the necessary information. This also makes it easier to crop, resize, and share the screenshot later.
8. Increases accuracy
By capturing only the relevant information, selective screenshots help increase accuracy and reduce errors. It also ensures that the information is captured in a consistent manner.
9. Makes it easier to collaborate
Selective screenshots can facilitate collaboration by enabling users to capture and share only the necessary information. This is particularly useful in team projects or when working remotely.
10. Allows for easy organization
Selective screenshots can help with organization by allowing you to save only the necessary information and ensure that it is easily accessible when needed.
Disadvantages of Selective Screenshots on Windows
While selective screenshots may have numerous advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the specific drawbacks:
1. May not capture all necessary information
In some cases, selective screenshots may not capture all of the necessary information. It is important to review the screenshot carefully to ensure that all relevant information has been captured.
2. May require additional editing
Selective screenshots may require additional editing to ensure that the captured information is clear and accurately conveyed. This can be time-consuming and may add an extra step to the process.
3. Requires skill and practice
Selective screenshots require a certain level of skill and practice to master. It may take some time to learn how to capture only the necessary information and ensure that it is clear and concise.
4. Can be challenging with complex information
Selective screenshots may be challenging to use with complex information, such as graphs or charts. It may be necessary to capture multiple screenshots to ensure that all of the necessary information is conveyed.
5. May not be suitable for all users
While selective screenshots may be useful for some users, they may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consider the user’s needs and preferences before selecting a screenshot method.
6. May require additional software
Depending on your needs, selective screenshots may require additional software or tools to properly capture and edit the screenshot.
7. May have compatibility issues
Selective screenshots may have compatibility issues with certain applications or software. It is important to test the screenshot function in different environments to ensure that it works properly.
8. May not work for real-time information
Selective screenshots may not work for real-time information, such as video or audio. In these cases, it may be necessary to use other methods to capture and share the information.
9. May not work for touchscreen devices
Selective screenshots may not work for touchscreen devices, such as tablets or smartphones. It is important to ensure that the screenshot method is compatible with your device before use.
10. May not work for all operating systems
Selective screenshots may not work for all operating systems or may require additional steps to properly capture the information. It is important to review the screenshot function for your specific operating system before use.
FAQ
1. What is a selective screenshot?
A selective screenshot is a screenshot of a particular area of your computer screen instead of the entire screen.
2. How do I take a selective screenshot on Windows?
You can take a selective screenshot on Windows by using the Snipping Tool or the Print Screen key.
3. What is the Snipping Tool?
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to take selective screenshots by selecting the area you want to capture.
4. How do I open the Snipping Tool?
You can open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the start menu or by pressing the Windows key + Shift + S.
5. How do I use the Snipping Tool?
To use the Snipping Tool, simply open it and select the area of your screen that you want to capture. Then, save the screenshot to your computer.
6. What is the Print Screen key?
The Print Screen key is a key on your keyboard that allows you to take a screenshot of your entire screen.
7. How do I take a selective screenshot using the Print Screen key?
To take a selective screenshot using the Print Screen key, simply press the Windows key + Print Screen, then use a photo editing software to crop the image.
8. What are some photo editing software I can use to crop my screenshot?
Some photo editing software you can use to crop your screenshot include Paint, Photoshop, and GIMP.
9. How do I open Paint?
You can open Paint by searching for it in the start menu or by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “mspaint” in the Run dialog box.
10. How do I crop my screenshot in Paint?
To crop your screenshot in Paint, simply select the area of your screenshot that you want to keep, then click on “Crop” in the “Image” menu.
11. What is Photoshop?
Photoshop is a photo editing software developed by Adobe that allows you to edit and enhance your photos and images.
12. How do I open Photoshop?
You can open Photoshop by searching for it in the start menu or by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
13. How do I crop my screenshot in Photoshop?
To crop your screenshot in Photoshop, simply select the area of your screenshot that you want to keep, then click on “Crop” in the “Image” menu.
How to Take Selective Screenshot on Windows
Have you ever wanted to take a screenshot of just a specific part of your screen? Whether it’s for work, school, or personal purposes, taking selective screenshots can be incredibly useful and efficient.
Luckily, Windows has a built-in tool that allows you to easily take selective screenshots. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to take selective screenshot on Windows.
Conclusion and Closing
Now that you know how to take selective screenshot on Windows, you can start using this tool to improve your productivity and make your life easier. Whether you’re capturing an image for a project or saving a snapshot of an important document, taking selective screenshots can be a valuable skill to have.
Remember, if you ever need to take a screenshot of just a specific part of your screen, simply follow the steps outlined in this article. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative!
Thanks for reading and happy screenshotting!