Command For Print Screen _best_ May 2026

| Command (Keys) | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | (Print Screen) | Captures entire screen | Clipboard (paste into Paint, Word, etc.) | | Alt + PrtScn | Captures only the active window | Clipboard | | Win + PrtScn | Captures entire screen | Pictures\Screenshots folder + Clipboard | | Win + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch (select area, window, or full screen) | Clipboard + Notification (click to annotate/save) |

Taking a screenshot is one of the most common computer tasks. But the exact command depends on your operating system and what you want to capture. Below is the complete breakdown. 1. Windows (All Versions) Windows offers several built-in commands for print screen. command for print screen

Win + PrtScn is the fastest full-screen command. Win + Shift + S is best for custom selections. 2. Mac (macOS) Mac uses different key commands. The most common is Shift + Command + 3 . | Command (Keys) | What it does |

| Command | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | | Captures entire screen | Desktop (as .png file) | | Shift + Command + 4 | Turns cursor into crosshair – drag to select area | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 4 then Space | Captures a specific window (camera icon appears) | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 5 | Opens Screenshot toolbar (video & screen capture options) | Choose destination | | Control + Shift + Command + 3 | Captures entire screen to Clipboard | Clipboard | Win + Shift + S is best for custom selections

On newer MacBooks with Touch Bar, you can also use Shift + Command + 6 to capture the Touch Bar. 3. Linux (Ubuntu / GNOME / Most Distros) Linux commands vary by desktop environment. Below are the most common for GNOME (Ubuntu default).