The Print Screen Key: How to Take a Screenshot
Print Screen (PrtSc) takes a picture of your screen, called a screenshot. Then you can paste it into a document, a chat or an email.
Screenshots are great for showing your teacher a problem. Just check there's nothing private in the picture!
Where is the Print Screen?
The highlighted key is the Print Screen on a typical Windows laptop keyboard. Keyboards vary a little by brand.
What the Print Screen does
| Computer | Whole screen | Part of the screen |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Print Screen, or Windows + Print Screen to save a file | Windows + Shift + S |
| Mac | Command + Shift + 3 | Command + Shift + 4 (Command + Shift + 5 for more options) |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Show windows | Ctrl + Shift + Show windows |
Screenshot manners: only share screenshots of your own work, and never share a screenshot that shows someone else's private messages or personal information without asking.
Windows, Mac and Chromebook
Windows
On many Windows 11 computers, Print Screen opens the Snipping Tool so you can choose what to capture. On others it copies the whole screen to the clipboard, ready to paste with Ctrl + V. Windows + Print Screen saves a file in Pictures → Screenshots, and Alt + Print Screen captures just the active window.
Mac
Macs have no Print Screen key. Use Command + Shift + 3 for the whole screen, Command + Shift + 4 to drag a box, or Command + Shift + 5 for the screenshot toolbar. Screenshots save to the desktop.
Chromebook
Chromebooks have no Print Screen key. Press Ctrl + Show windows (the key with a box and two lines) for the whole screen, or Ctrl + Shift + Show windows to open the screen capture tool.
Which finger presses it?
Lift your right hand and press Print Screen with your pointer finger. Some laptops need Fn too.
Fun fact
In the early days of PCs, Print Screen really did send everything on the screen straight to the printer. That is how it got its name.
Keep learning
- Practice the reach in Lesson 26: Numbers 6 to 0.
- More keys: Windows key, Insert key, Function keys, Command key.
- See every keyboard key explained.
- Names of all the symbols: Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
Quick drill: find the Print Screen
Press the key on your keyboard, or click or tap it below, when Rocky asks. Wrong key? We will tell you what it was.
Print Screen FAQ
Where do Print Screen screenshots go?
Print Screen alone usually copies to the clipboard or opens the Snipping Tool. Windows + Print Screen saves to Pictures → Screenshots.
How do I take a screenshot on a Chromebook?
Press Ctrl + Show windows for the full screen, or Ctrl + Shift + Show windows for more choices.
How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
Press Command + Shift + 3 for the whole screen or Command + Shift + 4 for part of it.