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How to take a screenshot?

Introduction

In this article, you will learn how to take a screenshot on macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, and Chromebook devices.

Before you start

During troubleshooting with our Customer Support team, you may need to upload
a screenshot of a specific application or website to help describe the issue at hand – this also helps our Support team efficiently troubleshoot the problems you are facing.

Here's what to do

macOS

NOTE: You can find alternative ways of taking a screenshot on macOS on this official Apple support website.

  • To take a picture of your entire screen:
     
    1. Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 3.

      Group 55.png
       
    2. Find the screenshot as a .png file on your desktop.
       
  • To take a picture of a specific window:
     
    1. Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4. The pointer changes to a crosshair.

      Group 55 (1).png
       
    2. Press the Spacebar. The pointer changes to a camera.

      Group 56.png
       
    3. Move the camera over a window to highlight it.
    4. Click your mouse or trackpad to take a screenshot of the highlighted window. To cancel, press the Esc (Escape) key before you click.
    5. Find the screenshot as a .png file on your desktop.

Linux

  1. Press PrtScn to take a full-screen screenshot. The screenshot will show everything on your display.

    Group 57.png
     
  2. You will need to select where you would like to save the screenshot file.
    NOTE: If this method doesn't work on your specific Linux distribution, you can find other ways to take a screenshot here.

Windows

NOTE: Windows devices include a built-in app to take screenshots called the Snipping Tool.

  1. To open and use the Snipping Tool, select the Start button that looks like the Windows logo. 

    Group 58.png
     
  2. Type in Snipping Tool in the search bar and click on the Snipping Tool to launch the app.

    Group 59.png
     
  3. Once the App launches, you can see a window with screenshot options such as the shape and the timer. Choose Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen Snip and press the Windows logo key + Shift + S (all at the same time).

    Group 60.png
     
  4. Alternatively, you can press New, then choose the shape you wish to make the screenshot in and use your cursor while pressing the left button on your mouse.

    NOTE: When making free-form or rectangular snips, use your mouse to select the area you want to capture. This will usually be your browser window, the NordVPN app, or a specific application.

    2 1.png
     
  5. Click on the pop-up in the bottom right corner of your screen. It will appear once you make a screenshot (snip).


     
  6. The Snipping Tool window will extend. Click the Save button at the top right of the Snipping Tool.


     
  7. Choose a location where you wish to save your screenshot and click Save.

    Group 62.png

Android

  1. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time, and you'll see a brief onscreen animation followed by a confirmation in the notification bar that the action was successful.

    Group 54 (2).png
     

iOS

  • iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch:
     
    1. Press and hold the Top or Side button together with the Home button.

      Group 64.png
       
    2. Release the buttons to take a screenshot.
    3. In iOS 11, a thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail to add drawings and text with Markup, or press and hold the thumbnail to share the screenshot. Swipe left on the thumbnail to dismiss it.
    4. To find the screenshot you just took, along with the ones you've taken before, you can go to Photos > Albums > Screenshots.
       
  • iPhone X or newer:
     
    1. Press and hold the Side button alongside the Volume up button.

      Group 63.png
       
    2. Release the buttons to take a screenshot.
    3. A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail to add drawings and text with Markup, or press and hold the thumbnail to share the screenshot. Swipe left on the thumbnail to dismiss it.

Chromebook

  1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows on your keyboard.


     
  2. Select and drag the desired application/window to take a screenshot.
  3. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, and select a screenshot feature from the toolbar:
     
    1. Take a full-screen screenshot.
    2. Take a partial screenshot.
    3. Take a window screenshot.
      NOTE: If you need additional assistance, check out Chromebook's screenshot-taking guide with pictures.

 

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