Perhaps the greatest barrier to resolving problems over the phone is the simple fact that your tech support agent can't see your computer screen. One simple way to work around this barrier is the screen shot. This guide will tell you how to take an image of your screen, or part of your screen, and save it as an image file, which can then be sent via email, added to a Slide Show presentation, or etc. The following includes instructions for Windows, Mac OS X, and Chrome OS. In addition, there are simple guides on using external software for screen shots such as Snagit and Jing
Step-by-Step Guide
You can press the Windows Key and the Prt Sc (Print Screen) key together to automatically take a screenshot of your whole screen that automatically saves to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.
To take a screenshot on a Windows tablet, simultaneously press the Windows Button and the volume-down button.
About the Snipping Tool
You can use Snipping Tool to capture a screen shot, or snip, any object on your screen, and then annotate, save, or share the image.
You can capture any of the following types of snips:
- Free-form Snip: Draw a free-form shape around an object.
- Rectangular Snip: Drag the cursor around an object to form a rectangle.
- Window Snip: Select a window, such as a browser window or dialog box, that you want to capture.
- Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
After you capture a snip, it's automatically copied to the Clipboard and the mark-up window. From the mark-up window, you can annotate, save, or share the snip. The following procedures explain how to use Snipping Tool.
Capturing a Snip
- Click on the Start Button, go to All Programs, Accessories.
- Click the arrow next to the New button, select Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip from the list, and then select the area of your screen that you want to capture.
Annotating a Snip
After you capture a snip, you can write and draw on or around the snip in the mark-up window.
Saving a Snip
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After you capture a snip, click the Save Snip button in the mark-up window.
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In the Save As dialog box, enter a name for the snip, choose a location where to save the snip, and then click Save.
Sharing a Snip
After you capture a snip, click the arrow on the Send Snip button, and then select an option from the list.
- Click the windows button (below the shift key)
- Right click and select All Apps.
- Click on the Snipping tool.
- Click new and you will be able to use the snipping tool!
Taking a Screen Shot of the Entire Screen
Hold command (the apple key) and shift on the keyboard and press the number 3. This will save the screen capture as a file named Picture#.png on your desktop, where # is the number of the picture you've taken, starting with 1.
Taking a Screen Shot of a Single Window
Press command (the apple key) and shift on the keyboard and press the number 4. Press the space bar, and your cursor will change into a camera, which you can then click on an individual window with. This will save a file named Picture#.png on your desktop, where # is the number of the picture you've taken, starting with 1.
Selecting an Area of the Screen to be Captured
Hold command (the apple key) and shift on the keyboard and press the number 4. Your cursor will change to a selection tool. Simply click and drag across the area that you want to select and release the mouse button. This will save a file named Picture#.png on your desktop, where # is the number of the picture you've taken, starting with 1.
Press ctrl and Next Tab key, located directly above the 6. You can then view your screen shots by pressing ctrl and O and clicking on the Screenshots folder.
Snagit is a program that is specifically made to take screen shots. To use Snagit, you must have the program open.
Snagit is available here for purchase. You may also download a free trial.
Taking a Screen Shot with Snagit
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Click the method of capture to select it, and then click the Capture button.
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You will see a thick yellow border around a specific part of your screen. Move your cursor to select the object you want to capture. This object can be as large as the screen, or as small as a button.
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The image will open in the Snagit Editor. From there you can edit your image or Save.
Jing is a program that is specifically made to take screen shots and short video captures. To use Jing, you must have the program open.
Jing is a free product available for download at this website.
Taking a Screen Shot with Jing
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Click the Crosshair button on the Jing sun at the top of your screen.
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You will see a thick yellow border around a specific part of your screen. Move your cursor to select the object you want to capture. This object can be as large as the screen, or as small as a button.
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Once you have chosen your capture area, choose if you want to capture an image or a video. For a screenshot, choose Image.
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The image will open in the Jing Editor. From there you can edit your image or Save.
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When working with images, keep the images between 400-600 pixels if it is an entire screen or a large window.
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Crop to or capture the most specific items. Do not include an entire screen if you only need one button.
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Red is the most effective color for circles and arrows to highlight information.
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Hide sensitive information such as addresses, phone numbers, and BearPass numbers using a Smudge tool in Photoshop or by drawing a red or black shape over the information.
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When resizing images, be sure to resize the image and not the canvas. Resizing the canvas will only change the measurements of the area, not the image itself.
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