What To Know
- You can easily capture your screen on your Surface Pro using the keyboard, making it a breeze to share information, document work, or simply capture a funny meme.
- This key, often located in the top right corner of your keyboard, captures a full image of your screen and copies it to your clipboard.
- With the Windows + Print Screen (PrtScn) combination, you can take a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it as a PNG file.
The Surface Pro, with its sleek design and powerful performance, has become a popular choice for professionals and students alike. But what about taking screenshots? You can easily capture your screen on your Surface Pro using the keyboard, making it a breeze to share information, document work, or simply capture a funny meme. This guide will walk you through the different methods of taking screenshots on your Surface Pro, ensuring you’re equipped to capture anything on your screen with ease.
The Classic Method: Using the Print Screen Key
The most straightforward way to take a screenshot is by using the Print Screen (PrtScn) key. This key, often located in the top right corner of your keyboard, captures a full image of your screen and copies it to your clipboard.
1. Open the application or window you want to capture.
2. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key. You’ll hear a subtle click, indicating the screenshot has been captured.
3. Open an image editing program like Paint or Photoshop.
4. Paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V) into the program.
5. Save the screenshot in your desired format.
Capture a Specific Window: The Alt + Print Screen Combination
For capturing only a specific window rather than the entire screen, you can use the Alt + Print Screen (PrtScn) combination. This method is particularly useful when you need to capture a specific application or window without including other elements on your desktop.
1. Open the window you want to capture.
2. Press and hold the Alt key.
3. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key.
4. Release both keys.
5. Open an image editing program and paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V).
6. Save the screenshot in your desired format.
The Power of the Windows Key: The Windows + Print Screen Method
With the Windows + Print Screen (PrtScn) combination, you can take a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it as a PNG file. This method eliminates the need to open an image editor and paste the screenshot.
1. Press the Windows key and the Print Screen (PrtScn) key simultaneously.
2. A brief animation will appear in the bottom right corner, indicating the screenshot has been saved.
3. The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file in your Pictures folder under the “Screenshots” subfolder.
Taking Screenshots with the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application that provides more control over your screenshots. It allows you to capture a rectangular area, a free-form selection, or a full-screen screenshot. You can also add annotations and save the screenshot in various formats.
1. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Select the type of snip you want to take.
3. Click “New” to start capturing.
4. Use your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
5. Once you’ve captured the area, the Snipping Tool window will open, allowing you to edit, save, or share your screenshot.
The Modern Approach: Using the Snip & Sketch Tool
Windows 10 introduced the Snip & Sketch tool, an enhanced version of the Snipping Tool. It provides more features and a user-friendly interface.
1. Open the Snip & Sketch tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click “New” to start capturing.
3. Select the type of snip you want to take (rectangular, free-form, full-screen, or a specific window).
4. Use your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
5. Once you’ve captured the area, the Snip & Sketch window will open, allowing you to edit, save, or share your screenshot.
Using Your Surface Pen for Precise Screenshots
If you have a Surface Pen, you can use it to take screenshots with even greater precision.
1. Press the button on your Surface Pen while hovering over the screen.
2. A small menu will appear, offering options like “Snip & Sketch” or “Snipping Tool.”
3. Select the desired option to activate the tool.
4. Use the Surface Pen to draw a free-form selection around the area you want to capture.
5. The selected area will be captured and opened in the chosen tool for further editing and saving.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Screenshot Techniques
While the methods discussed above are sufficient for most scenarios, there are additional techniques you can explore for taking more advanced screenshots:
- Using the Xbox Game Bar: If you’re a gamer, the Xbox Game Bar allows you to capture screenshots while playing games. You can access the Game Bar by pressing the Windows key + G.
- Third-party Screenshot Tools: Several third-party screenshot tools offer advanced features such as scheduling screenshots, capturing scrolling web pages, or adding watermarks.
Mastering the Art of the Screenshot: Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with different methods: Try each method to find the one that suits your workflow best.
- Use the keyboard shortcuts for faster capture: Remember the shortcuts for the different methods to save time.
- Customize the Snipping Tool: You can adjust the Snipping Tool’s settings to change the default saving location, format, and other options.
- Explore advanced features: Take advantage of the advanced features offered by the Snip & Sketch tool or third-party applications.
- Practice makes perfect: The more you practice taking screenshots, the more comfortable and efficient you’ll become.
Popular Questions
Q: How do I find my screenshots after taking them with the Windows + Print Screen method?
A: The screenshots taken with Windows + Print Screen are automatically saved as PNG files in your Pictures folder under the “Screenshots” subfolder.
Q: Can I take a screenshot of a specific area of the screen without using the Snipping Tool?
A: Yes, you can use the Shift + Windows + S shortcut to open a selection window. You can then draw a free-form shape or select a rectangular area to capture.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen to take a screenshot of a specific window?
A: While you can use the Surface Pen to take screenshots, it doesn’t directly support capturing a specific window. You’ll need to use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch for that purpose.
Q: What are the best third-party screenshot tools available?
A: Some popular third-party screenshot tools include Lightshot, ShareX, and Greenshot. These tools offer a range of features, including advanced editing tools, scrolling capture, and automatic uploading.
Q: How do I take a screenshot of a scrolling webpage?
A: You can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch to capture a scrolling webpage by selecting the “Full-screen” option. Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool like Lightshot or ShareX that specifically supports scrolling capture.
Taking screenshots on your Surface Pro is a valuable skill that can enhance your productivity and help you share information effectively. By mastering the various methods and techniques discussed in this guide, you’ll be able to capture any content on your screen with ease and precision. Remember to experiment with different approaches, customize your settings, and explore advanced features to find the perfect screenshot solution for your needs.
