The screen image will be saved to a predetermined folder. The other main alternative is saving direct to a file. Remember that Office has some image editing tools, like cropping, that can be very useful. A lot faster than saving to a file then inserting into a document. I often take screen shots to the clipboard because it’s the fastest way to get a screen image into a document or email. From there you can paste the image into any picture editor or document you like. Clipboard or File?Īfter taking a screenshot, the image will be placed somewhere for you to work on, either the clipboard or a file. Windows Paint has basic tools to hide personal info. Use whichever suits you and is available in the image editor you use.

It’s possible to take an image of the entire computer screen but it’s rarely helpful. As you might imagine, at Office Watch we take a lot of screen shots across many computers and devices. The main use for screen shots is for computer support or teaching about software. Taking a quick screen image of an order or other reference number on a web page … just temporary until an email arrives as a more permanent record. There are other opportunities for screen shots. Taking screen shots should be taught in all beginners computer classes. It’s truly a case where a picture is worth a thousand words … and a great time saver. Instead of trying to describe what is happening, an image of the problem or error message is usually very helpful.

More people should use screen shots when they’re asking for computer help. Taking an image of what’s on your computer screen is something everyone with a computer should know novice or experienced. Here’s a guide to some of the many screen shot options and shortcuts available on Windows, Mac, Apple iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Screen capture on ipad