| Command (Keys) | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | (Print Screen) | Captures entire screen | Clipboard (paste into Paint, Word, etc.) | | Alt + PrtScn | Captures only the active window | Clipboard | | Win + PrtScn | Captures entire screen | Pictures\Screenshots folder + Clipboard | | Win + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch (select area, window, or full screen) | Clipboard + Notification (click to annotate/save) |
| Command | Action | | --- | --- | | | Screenshot dialog (choose area, window, or full screen) | | Shift + PrtScn | Select area to capture | | Alt + PrtScn | Capture active window | | Ctrl + PrtScn | Copy full screen to clipboard | | Ctrl + Shift + PrtScn | Copy selected area to clipboard | command for print screen
On newer MacBooks with Touch Bar, you can also use Shift + Command + 6 to capture the Touch Bar. 3. Linux (Ubuntu / GNOME / Most Distros) Linux commands vary by desktop environment. Below are the most common for GNOME (Ubuntu default). | Command (Keys) | What it does |
Use the Flameshot or GNOME Screenshot Tool for more options. 4. Chromebook (Chrome OS) | Command | Result | | --- | --- | | Ctrl + Show Windows (or Ctrl + F5 ) | Full screen screenshot | | Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows | Select area on screen | | Ctrl + Alt + Show Windows | Capture a specific window | Below are the most common for GNOME (Ubuntu default)
| Command | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | | Captures entire screen | Desktop (as .png file) | | Shift + Command + 4 | Turns cursor into crosshair – drag to select area | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 4 then Space | Captures a specific window (camera icon appears) | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 5 | Opens Screenshot toolbar (video & screen capture options) | Choose destination | | Control + Shift + Command + 3 | Captures entire screen to Clipboard | Clipboard |
Win + PrtScn is the fastest full-screen command. Win + Shift + S is best for custom selections. 2. Mac (macOS) Mac uses different key commands. The most common is Shift + Command + 3 .