Shortcut Key for Screenshot on Windows, Mac and Every Device
You need to capture something on your screen right now, and you cannot remember which keys to press. It happens to everyone.
This guide lists the shortcut key for screenshot on every major device: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, iPhone and Android. The table below gives the fast answer, and the sections after it explain each option.
Screenshot Shortcut Keys at a Glance
| Device | Shortcut | What it captures |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 and 11 | Windows + Shift + S | A selected area, a window or the full screen |
| Windows 10 and 11 | Windows + PrtScn | Full screen, saved as a file |
| Mac | Command + Shift + 3 | Full screen |
| Mac | Command + Shift + 4 | A selected area |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Show Windows | Full screen |
| Linux (GNOME) | PrtScn | Opens the screenshot tool |
| iPhone with Face ID | Side button + Volume Up | Full screen |
| Android | Power + Volume Down | Full screen |
Shortcut Key for Screenshot on Windows
Windows gives you several shortcuts. These work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- PrtScn: copies the whole screen to the clipboard. Paste it into Paint, Word or a chat with Ctrl + V. On many Windows 11 PCs, this key now opens the Snipping Tool instead.
- Windows + PrtScn: captures the whole screen and saves it as a file in Pictures, in the Screenshots folder.
- Alt + PrtScn: copies only the active window to the clipboard.
- Windows + Shift + S: opens the Snipping Tool bar. Choose a rectangle, a freeform shape, a window or the full screen.
- Windows + G: opens the Xbox Game Bar, which can capture games and apps.
On a laptop, the PrtScn key often shares a key with another function. If nothing happens, hold the Fn key as well, for example Fn + PrtScn or Fn + Windows + PrtScn.
Shortcut Key for Screenshot on Mac
- Command + Shift + 3: captures the full screen.
- Command + Shift + 4: turns the pointer into a crosshair. Drag to select an area.
- Command + Shift + 4, then Space: captures a single window. Click the window you want.
- Command + Shift + 5: opens the Screenshot toolbar with options for capture, screen recording, a timer and the save location.
Screenshots are saved to the desktop by default. Hold Control with any of these shortcuts to copy the image to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
Screenshot Shortcuts on a Chromebook
- Ctrl + Show Windows: captures the full screen. The Show Windows key looks like a rectangle with two lines beside it.
- Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows: opens the Screen Capture tool so you can select an area or a window.
- Newer Chromebooks have a dedicated Screenshot key on the top row.
On an external keyboard, use Ctrl + F5 and Ctrl + Shift + F5.
Screenshot Shortcuts on Linux
Shortcuts depend on the desktop environment. On Ubuntu and other GNOME desktops:
- PrtScn: opens the interactive screenshot tool.
- Shift + PrtScn: captures the full screen straight away.
- Alt + PrtScn: captures the active window.
KDE, Xfce and other desktops use similar keys and let you change them in keyboard settings.
How to Take a Screenshot on iPhone and iPad
- iPhone with Face ID: press the Side button and Volume Up at the same time.
- iPhone with a Home button: press the Home button and the Side or Top button together.
- iPad without a Home button: press the Top button and either volume button.
A preview appears in the corner. Tap it to crop or mark up the image.
How to Take a Screenshot on Android
On most Android phones, press Power + Volume Down at the same time and release quickly.
Many brands add extra gestures. Samsung phones support a palm swipe across the screen, and some other phones use a three-finger swipe down. You can switch these on in Settings.
Where Do Screenshots Go?
| Device | Default location |
|---|---|
| Windows | Pictures, then Screenshots. Clipboard shortcuts save nothing until you paste. |
| Mac | Desktop |
| Chromebook | Downloads folder |
| Linux (GNOME) | Pictures, then Screenshots |
| iPhone and iPad | Photos app, Screenshots album |
| Android | Photos or Gallery app, Screenshots folder |
Screenshot Not Working? Try This
- Hold the Fn key together with PrtScn on laptops.
- On Windows 11, check Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard for the option that makes PrtScn open the Snipping Tool.
- Look for an F Lock or Fn Lock key and toggle it.
- Check that your Pictures or Desktop folder is not full or syncing to a cloud service that moved the file.
- Some apps block screenshots for privacy, such as banking apps and streaming services. That is by design.
Need video instead of a still image? See our list of the best screen recorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut key for screenshot on Windows?
The most useful shortcut is Windows + Shift + S, which lets you select any part of the screen. Windows + PrtScn saves the full screen as a file, and Alt + PrtScn copies only the active window.
What is the shortcut key for a screenshot on a laptop?
It is the same as on a desktop, but you may need the Fn key. Try Windows + Shift + S first. If you use the PrtScn key, press Fn + PrtScn or Fn + Windows + PrtScn.
How do I screenshot only one window?
On Windows, press Alt + PrtScn. On a Mac, press Command + Shift + 4, then Space, then click the window. On a Chromebook, use Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows and choose the window option.
How do I take a scrolling screenshot?
Many Android phones show a “Scroll” or “Capture more” button after a screenshot. On iPhone, Safari offers a “Full Page” option in the preview. On a computer, browser tools or extensions can capture a full page.
Final Thoughts
You only need to remember one shortcut key for screenshot on each device. Use Windows + Shift + S on a PC, Command + Shift + 4 on a Mac, and Power + Volume Down on Android.
Bookmark this page for the rest, and check the troubleshooting list if a key ever stops responding.
