What’s the Easiest Way to Screen Grab Anything?

How To Quickly Take a Screen Grab on Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone – And What To Do With It Next

Screenshots are one of the simplest ways to capture and share what’s on your screen. Whether you’re saving a receipt, showing a tech issue to a colleague, or sharing a funny moment from a video call, knowing how to take a screen grab on your device can save time and reduce confusion.

This guide walks you through how to take a screenshot on any device – Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone – and what to do with it once it’s captured. You’ll also learn how to send screenshots via email or text, so you can share them quickly and easily.

Windows: Capturing and Saving Screenshots

Windows offers several built-in methods for taking screenshots. Here’s how to use them:

1. Full Screen

• Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key.
• This copies the entire screen to your clipboard.
• Open an app like Paint or Word and press Ctrl + V to paste.
• Save the file if needed (Ctrl + S).

2. Active Window Only

• Press Alt + PrtScn.
• This captures just the window you’re currently using.
• Paste it into an app to view or save.

3. Custom Selection

• Press Windows + Shift + S.
• Your screen will dim, and you can click and drag to select the area you want.
• The image is copied to your clipboard.
• Paste it into an app or click the notification to open it in Snip & Sketch.

Where It Goes

• Clipboard (for all methods above).
• If you use Snip & Sketch and choose to save, it goes to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.

macOS: Simple and Flexible Screenshot Tools

Mac users have a few powerful shortcuts built in:

1. Full Screen

• Press Command + Shift + 3.
• The entire screen is saved as a file on your desktop.

2. Selected Area

• Press Command + Shift + 4.
• Your cursor turns into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area.
• The screenshot is saved to your desktop.

3. Screenshot Menu

• Press Command + Shift + 5.
• A toolbar appears with options to capture the full screen, a window, or a selected portion.
• You can also record your screen from here.

Where It Goes

• By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop.
• If you hold Control while capturing, the image is copied to your clipboard instead.

Android: Quick and Convenient Screen Grabs

Most Android phones follow a similar process, though some features vary by brand.

1. Button Combo

• Press Power + Volume Down at the same time.
• You’ll see a quick animation and hear a shutter sound.

2. Gesture or Shortcut

• On some phones, swipe three fingers down or use the screenshot button in the quick settings menu.

3. Edit or Share Immediately

• After taking the screenshot, a preview appears in the corner.
• Tap it to crop, draw, or share right away.

Where It Goes

• Screenshots are saved in the Photos or Gallery app, usually under a folder called Screenshots.
• You can also find them in your file manager under Pictures > Screenshots.

iPhone: Fast and Intuitive Screenshot Options

iPhones make it easy to capture and share your screen.

1. Face ID Models

• Press the Side Button + Volume Up at the same time.

2. Touch ID Models

• Press the Home Button + Side Button.

3. Edit or Share

• A thumbnail appears in the bottom-left corner.
• Tap it to crop, mark up, or share.

Where It Goes

• Screenshots are saved in the Photos app under the Screenshots album.

How To Send a Screenshot via Email or Text

Once you’ve taken your screenshot, sharing it is straightforward. Here’s how to send a screenshot via email or text on any device.

Email

1. Open your email app (like Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail).
2. Start a new message.
3. Tap the paperclip or image icon to attach a file.
4. Navigate to your screenshots folder or paste from the clipboard.
5. Add your recipient and message, then send.

Text Message

1. Open your messaging app (Google Messages, Messages, WhatsApp, etc.).
2. Tap the image icon or + to attach media.
3. Select the screenshot from your gallery or files.
4. Add your message and send.

Tips for Sharing

• If you’re pasting from the clipboard, make sure the app supports image pasting.
• For sensitive content, double-check what’s visible in the screenshot before sending.
• If the file is large, consider compressing it or using a cloud link.

Why This Matters

Knowing how to take a screenshot on any device is a practical skill that helps you communicate more clearly. Whether you’re helping someone troubleshoot a problem, saving a confirmation page, or sharing a visual idea, screenshots are a reliable tool.

And once you’ve captured the image, being able to send it via email or text ensures it gets to the right person quickly. No extra apps or complicated steps – just a few taps or clicks.

Keep This Handy

Screenshots are part of everyday communication. With these simple steps, you can take a screen grab on Windows, macOS, Android, or iPhone and send it wherever it needs to go. Bookmark this guide from Google Keith or save a copy so you can refer back to it whenever you need a refresher.