What To Know
- Whether you’re sharing a funny meme, documenting a bug, or creating a tutorial, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Surface Pro is essential.
- This will capture the entire screen and save it as a PNG file in your “Pictures” folder, usually under a “Screenshots” subfolder.
- From the classic “Print Screen” key to the intuitive Snipping Tool and the precision of the Surface Pen, you have a plethora of options to capture any screen content you need.
The Surface Pro, with its sleek design and powerful performance, is a versatile tool for work and play. But what about capturing those crucial moments on your screen? Whether you’re sharing a funny meme, documenting a bug, or creating a tutorial, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Surface Pro is essential. This guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you’re equipped to capture any screen content with ease.
The Classic Print Screen Key
The most straightforward way to take a screenshot on your Surface Pro is by using the classic “Print Screen” key, often labeled as “PrtScn” or “PrtScr.”
1. Press the “Print Screen” key: This will capture a full screenshot of your entire screen.
2. Open an image editor: Programs like Paint, Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word will work.
3. Paste the screenshot: Use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + V” to paste the captured image into your chosen editor.
4. Save the screenshot: Save the image in your preferred format (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
Using the Windows Key + Print Screen Shortcut
For a more convenient approach, Windows offers a built-in shortcut that directly saves your screenshots to your “Pictures” folder.
1. Press the “Windows” key and the “Print Screen” key simultaneously: This will capture the entire screen and save it as a PNG file in your “Pictures” folder, usually under a “Screenshots” subfolder.
Capturing a Specific Window
Sometimes, you only need a screenshot of a specific window or application. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the window you want to capture.
2. Press the “Alt” key and the “Print Screen” key simultaneously: This will capture only the active window and save it as a PNG file in your “Pictures” folder.
The Snipping Tool for More Control
For greater flexibility and control, Windows provides a dedicated Snipping Tool.
1. Open the Snipping Tool: Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar and launch it.
2. Select a snipping mode: The Snipping Tool offers four modes:
- Free-form Snip: Draw a freehand shape around the desired area.
- Rectangular Snip: Capture a rectangular section of the screen.
- Window Snip: Capture the entire active window.
- Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
3. Capture the screen: Select the desired mode and click “New” to capture the screen.
4. Edit and Save: You can draw, highlight, or add text to the captured image before saving it in your preferred format.
Using the Surface Pen for Precise Screenshots
If you have a Surface Pen, you can utilize its unique features for capturing screenshots with greater precision.
1. Press the Surface Pen button: Press the button on your Surface Pen while hovering over the screen.
2. Select the capture area: A dotted line will appear around the area you’re hovering over. Drag the line to select the desired region.
3. Release the button: The captured screenshot will be saved to your “Pictures” folder.
Beyond the Basics: Third-Party Screenshot Tools
For advanced functionalities like scheduling screenshots, adding annotations, or capturing scrolling web pages, consider using third-party screenshot tools. Popular options include:
- Lightshot: A free and easy-to-use tool that lets you capture any part of your screen and share it instantly.
- Snagit: A powerful tool with advanced features for capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots.
- Greenshot: A versatile tool offering various capture modes, annotation features, and integration with cloud services.
The Bottom Line: Capture Your Screen with Confidence
Mastering the art of taking screenshots on your Surface Pro is a valuable skill. From the classic “Print Screen” key to the intuitive Snipping Tool and the precision of the Surface Pen, you have a plethora of options to capture any screen content you need. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your workflow and enhance your digital experience.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I take screenshots on my Surface Pro without using the keyboard?
A: Yes, you can use the Surface Pen to take screenshots without touching the keyboard.
Q: Where are my screenshots saved?
A: Screenshots taken using the “Windows” key + “Print Screen” shortcut and the Surface Pen are saved in your “Pictures” folder under a “Screenshots” subfolder. Screenshots taken using the Snipping Tool are saved in your chosen location.
Q: Can I edit my screenshots after taking them?
A: Yes, you can edit your screenshots using various tools like Paint, Photoshop, or the Snipping Tool.
Q: How do I share a screenshot?
A: Once you have a screenshot saved, you can share it through email, messaging apps, social media platforms, or by copying the image link.
Q: What are the best screenshot tools for Surface Pro?
A: The Snipping Tool is a great starting point for basic screenshots. For more advanced features, consider exploring third-party tools like Lightshot, Snagit, or Greenshot.
