12 Steps to Screenshot a Certain Area on Windows
Step 1: Press the “Windows + S” Key
The first step is to press the “Windows + S” key on your keyboard. This key combination will launch the snipping tool, which you can use to capture the area you want.Step 2: Select the Type of Snip
Once the snipping tool has launched, you’ll see a drop-down menu next to “New”. Click on it to select the type of snip you want to take. You can choose from options like free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen snip.Step 3: Define the Specific Area to Screenshot
Now, define the specific area you want to capture by clicking and dragging your cursor over the screen. The area you select will be highlighted by a bounding box.Step 4: Highlight or Annotate Your Screenshot
Once you have captured the image, you can highlight or annotate it by using the “Pen” or “Highlighter” tool. These tools come in handy when you want to highlight a specific section or point something out.Step 5: Save Your Screenshot
After you are satisfied with the capture, click on the “Save” button to save the screenshot to your computer. You can choose to save it as a JPG, PNG, or GIF file.Step 6: Use the Print Screen Key
Alternatively, you can use the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard to take a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard.Step 7: Use Windows+Print Screen Key Combination
You can also use the “Windows + Print Screen” key combination to take a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your computer.Step 8: Use the Snipping Tool
The snipping tool also has an option to capture a full-screen screenshot. To do this, click on “New” and select “Full-screen snip”. The snipping tool interface will disappear, and the entire screen will be highlighted.Step 9: Use the Snipping Tool’s Delay Option
The snipping tool also has a useful “Delay” option that you can use to capture pop-up menus or tooltips. To use this feature, click on “Delay” and select the duration you want to wait.Step 10: Use the Snipping Tool’s Pin Option
The snipping tool also has a “Pin” option that you can use to keep the tool open. This comes in handy when you want to take multiple screenshots quickly.Step 11: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to take a screenshot of a certain area on Windows, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Windows + Shift + S”. This will launch the snipping tool and allow you to capture the area you want.Step 12: Use Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for more advanced features, you can use third-party screenshot apps like Lightshot, Greenshot, or Snagit. These apps offer more customization options and are perfect for professionals.Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use the Snipping Tool’s Markup Option
The Snipping Tool has a powerful “Markup” option that allows you to add text to your screenshots. This comes in handy when you want to add context to a screenshot.Tip 2: Use the Snipping Tool’s Save As Option
The “Save As” option in the Snipping Tool allows you to save your screenshots to a specific folder on your computer. This is useful when you want to keep your screenshots organized.Tip 3: Use Third-Party Apps for Advanced Features
As mentioned earlier, third-party screenshot apps like Lightshot, Greenshot, or Snagit offer more advanced features like video capture, GIF creation, and more.Tip 4: Customize Your Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows allows you to customize your keyboard shortcuts, so you can set up your own shortcut to launch the Snipping Tool or capture a screenshot.Tip 5: Use the Print Screen Key with Alt
You can use the “Print Screen” key along with the “Alt” key to capture a screenshot of the active window. This is useful when you have multiple windows open, and you only want to capture a single window.Tip 6: Use Windows 10’s Game Bar
Windows 10’s Game Bar has a built-in screenshot and recording tool that you can use to capture gameplay footage or take screenshots of your screen.Tip 7: Use the Snipping Tool’s Eraser Tool
The eraser tool in the Snipping Tool allows you to delete specific parts of your screenshot. This comes in handy when you want to remove unnecessary elements from your capture.Tip 8: Use the Snip & Sketch App
Windows 10’s Snip & Sketch app is a powerful screenshot tool that allows you to take screenshots, mark them up with a pen or pencil tool, and share them instantly.Tip 9: Use the Clipboard Option
The “Clipboard” option in the Snipping Tool allows you to copy your screenshot to the clipboard, so you can paste it into other applications like MS Word or Paint.Tip 10: Use the Windows Snipping Shortcut
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to launch the Snipping Tool, you can use the “Windows + Shift + S” key combination. This will launch the snipping tool and allow you to capture the area you want. In conclusion, capturing a certain area on Windows can be a simple task if you know the right methods. With the help of the 12 steps we’ve outlined in this article and our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to take screenshots like a pro in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you’ve mastered the art of capturing screenshots on Windows.Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Screenshot a Certain Area on Windows
Advantages
1. More precise – You can select the exact area you want to capture which can be helpful for presentations, tutorials, or illustrations.
2. Time-saving – You don’t have to crop or edit the screenshot afterwards, saving you valuable time.
3. Easier to find – Instead of scouring through a full-screen screenshot, you can easily find the area you need within the cropped screenshot.
4. Privacy – If you’re sharing your screenshot with others, you can ensure that private information is not revealed because you’re only sharing a portion of your screen.
5. Helps with troubleshooting – Sometimes, customer service or IT support may ask you to take a screenshot of a specific area. With this method, you can easily capture the exact part of the screen they need to see.
6. Provides context – Cropping a certain area can provide more context to the screenshot, making it easier for others to understand what you’re trying to convey.
7. Can be used for all types of media – You can capture the exact area for pictures, videos, or anything else you need to show.
8. Easy to learn – With just a few clicks, this method of capturing a screenshot is easy to use and can be picked up quickly.
9. Improves communication – When you’re able to capture the exact part of the screen you need to show, it can improve communication and understanding between yourself and others.
10. Can be customized – Depending on the software or method you use to take the screenshot, you may be able to customize things like the file format or quality of the screenshot.
Disadvantages
1. Learning curve – If you’re new to taking screenshots or aren’t familiar with the specific method you’re using, there may be a learning curve before you get the hang of it.
2. Requires software – Sometimes, taking a screenshot of a certain area on Windows requires using third-party software which can be a hassle to download and install.
3. Software may be expensive – Depending on the software, it may be costly to use it just for the purpose of taking screenshots.
4. May require extra steps – Depending on the method you use, it may require more steps than a regular screenshot which can be time-consuming.
5. Difficult to capture animations – If you’re trying to capture a particular animation or video, using this method may not be effective because it only captures a still image.
6. Could be less comprehensive – In some cases, a full-screen screenshot may be more helpful in providing context and information.
7. File size – Depending on the quality of the screenshot, the file size may be larger than a regular screenshot, potentially taking up more storage space or causing issues when sending or sharing the screenshot.
8. Limited to Windows – Of course, this method is only applicable to Windows users, which may not be helpful for those with different operating systems.
9. Quality may not be as good – If the method you use to capture the screenshot is not high-quality, the resulting image may not be as clear or detailed as a regular screenshot.
10. Limited to one part of the screen – This method only allows you to capture a certain area of the screen, which may not be helpful if you need to get a wider view of the screen or a particular window.
FAQ
1. Can I take a screenshot on Windows?
Yes, you can take a screenshot on Windows.
2. How do I take a screenshot of my entire screen?
To take a screenshot of your whole screen, press the Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn) key.
3. How do I take a screenshot of a certain area on Windows?
To take a screenshot of a certain area on Windows, press the Windows key + Shift + S.
4. Where are the screenshots saved?
The screenshots are saved in the Pictures folder, under the Screenshots subfolder.
5. Can I change the default location where the screenshots are saved?
Yes, you can change the default location where the screenshots are saved. Open the Snip & Sketch app, go to Settings, and choose a new folder to save your screenshots.
6. How do I open the Snip & Sketch app?
You can open the Snip & Sketch app by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + Shift + S.
7. What is the difference between the PrtScn key and the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut?
The PrtScn key captures the whole screen, while the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut allows you to capture a certain area.
8. Can I edit the screenshot after taking it?
Yes, you can edit the screenshot after taking it. Open the Snip & Sketch app, select the screenshot, and click the Edit button.
9. What editing tools are available in the Snip & Sketch app?
The Snip & Sketch app offers basic editing tools such as crop, highlight, and pen.
10. Can I use third-party screenshot tools on Windows?
Yes, you can use third-party screenshot tools on Windows.
11. What are some popular third-party screenshot tools for Windows?
Some popular third-party screenshot tools for Windows are Greenshot, ShareX, and LightShot.
12. Can I take a screenshot on Windows without using the keyboard?
Yes, you can take a screenshot on Windows without using the keyboard. Open the Snip & Sketch app and click the New button.
13. Can I take a screenshot of a specific window on Windows?
Yes, you can take a screenshot of a specific window on Windows. Click the window to make it active, then press the Alt key + PrtScn key.
How to Screenshot a Certain Area on Windows
If you are a Windows user, you may often need to take screenshots. Screenshots are an easy way to capture what is on your screen and share it with others. However, taking a screenshot of the entire screen may not always be necessary. Sometimes, you only want to capture a certain area of the screen. The good news is that Windows has a built-in tool that makes it easy to take screenshots of a specific area. In this article, we will show you how to screenshot a certain area on Windows.
Conclusion and Closing
Now that you know how to screenshot a certain area on Windows, you’ll be able to take more efficient and effective screenshots. Whether you’re working on a project for work, school, or just for fun, being able to quickly capture what’s on your screen is a valuable skill. The built-in Windows Snipping Tool makes it easy to capture a specific area of the screen, and you can even annotate your screenshots before saving them. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be screenshotting like a pro in no time!
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it informative. If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy screenshotting!