Q & A Ask the Experts
Question: While reading your newsletter as well as other electronic and printed documents I notice images that are taken from a computer screen to help the reader know what they should be seeing next. I would like to create a document of steps that students will need to take for an assignment that is to be done on the computer. How can I get these screenshots and how can I insert them into my document?
Answer: Great question! There are several ways to capture screen shots. The most common way is to use the tools that are already provided on your computer. Both Mac (Shift-Apple-3) and Windows (PrintScreen) have options for capturing the screen which we will describe below.
As you mention this is a great way to provide visual directions for steps to be taken on a computer, Internet site, etc. You can also use this function to capture screen shots of error messages that you receive while trying to complete a task on your computer. This allows you to send the error message to your Technology Director/Coordinator, Tech Support, or a tech savvy friend to troubleshoot the problem.
Windows Print Screen Key
The PRINT SCREEN key, often abbreviated Prt Scr, allows you to take a snapshot or picture of your computer screen and copy it to the clipboard. You’ll have to look for this key on your keyboard, it’s placement varies with the type of keyboard.
To capture the entire screen:
- Press the PRINT SCREEN key. The image will be placed on the clipboard.
- Open an application such as Microsoft Word, pull down the Edit menu and choose Paste. Or, press Ctrl-V to paste.
To capture only the currently selected window on your screen:
- Press the ALT + PRINT SCREEN key. This allows you to target that specific window that you have open and nothing else eliminating the need for cropping. The image will be placed on the clipboard.
- Open an application such as Microsoft Word, pull down the Edit menu and choose Paste. Or, press Ctrl-V to paste.
Macintosh Screen Capture
If you have Mac OSX, it’s easy to use the built-in key commands for grabbing a screen.
- Press Command-Control-SHIFT-3 (all at the same time) to save a picture of the screen to the clipboard.
- Later versions of the Mac OS let you capture rectangular portions of the screen using Command-Control-SHIFT-4. The pointer turns into a bull’s eye. Select the area of the screen you wish to capture. If you leave the CAPSLOCK on during this key sequence, you can then just click on a window to capture that window to save a picture of the screen to the clipboard.
- Open an application such as Microsoft Word, pull down the Edit menu and choose Paste.
Screen Capture/Grabber Software Downloads
Although the screen capture options built into Mac and Windows will serve most purposes, you may wish to use a commercial software package for more advanced applications.
For Windows:
- 5 Clicks – Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
- CaptureEze – Windows
- Screen Capture – Windows
- SnagIt – Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
For Macs:
- Screen Catcher – Older Mac (contains lots of choices and options)
- Snapz – Mac -
–Carrie Albin, Co-Editor