The print screen key prtsc is a physical key on computer keyboards that captures a screenshot of your current screen. On mobile devices, the equivalent function uses hardware button shortcuts or software options rather than a literal PRTSC key.
Key takeaways
The PRTSC key lets you capture your entire screen or a specific window on a desktop computer. For phone users, the equivalent screenshot methods involve pressing specific button combinations or using on-screen controls, depending on the device model.
How to use the print screen key on a computer
Using the PRTSC key is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Locate the Print Screen key on your keyboard. It is commonly labeled as "PRTSC" or "Print Screen." The Print Screen key may have a secondary label such as 'Print Screen SysRq' or 'Print Screen ScrLk' depending on the keyboard manufacturer.
- Press the Print Screen key to capture a screenshot of the entire screen.
- Open an image editing software, such as Paint or Photoshop, or a word processor like Microsoft Word.
- Paste the screenshot by pressing Ctrl + V or right-clicking and selecting Paste.
- Save the file in your desired format and location.
If you only want to capture the active window instead of the entire screen, press Alt + Print Screen. On some keyboards, you may need to press the Fn key in combination with the Print Screen key to take a screenshot.
How to take screenshots on an iPhone
Apple documents these exact hardware button combinations for taking screenshots on iPhone:
- iPhone with Face ID: Press the side button and volume up button at the same time, then quickly release both.
- iPhone with Touch ID and side button: Press the side button and Home button at the same time, then quickly release both.
After capturing, tap the screenshot thumbnail in the lower-left corner. You can tap Full Page to capture content beyond the visible screen, such as an entire webpage in Safari. Drag the handles to crop, or tap the Markup button to annotate. Tap Done, then choose Save to Photos, Save to Files, or Delete Screenshot. Screenshots save automatically to the photo library and appear in Photos > Collections > Media Types > Screenshots.
Apple also offers alternate methods: you can take screenshots with Siri, AssistiveTouch, or Back Tap instead of hardware buttons.
How to take screenshots on Android phones
Google documents this standard method for Android:
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press Power + Volume down at the same time.
- If that does not work, press and hold the Power button for a few seconds, then tap Screenshot.
- If neither method works, check your phone manufacturer's support site.
The screenshot preview appears at the bottom left. On some phones, Screenshot capture appears at the top of the screen.
How to take screenshots on Samsung Galaxy devices
Samsung documents the basic capture shortcut as pressing Volume down + Power at the same time. On some devices, Samsung labels the button as Side button instead of Power. Samsung also offers a swipe-based method that starts from the Edge panel handle and opens the Tasks panel.
Additional tips and functions
Screenshots are useful for saving important information, troubleshooting issues, or providing visual instructions. Note that Apple's Full Page capture works for content beyond the visible screen, such as a full Safari webpage, but Google's documented Android method does not include a scrolling screenshot feature. If your phone's screenshot method differs from the standard steps, consult your manufacturer's support site. For those using a phone with a built-in stylus, understanding stylus pen usage and basics can provide additional ways to capture and annotate your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Print Screen key work on laptops?
Yes, most laptops include a Print Screen key, though you may need to press the Fn key simultaneously to activate it.
Can I take a screenshot without using the Print Screen key?
Where do screenshots go after using Print Screen?
When you press Print Screen, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard. You must paste it into an image editor or document to save it as a file.
Does the Print Screen key capture multiple monitors?
Yes, pressing Print Screen captures all connected displays in a single screenshot. To capture only one monitor, use Alt+Print Screen to capture the active window.
Can I take a screenshot on a phone without pressing buttons?
Yes, iPhones support screenshots via Siri, AssistiveTouch, or Back Tap. Some Android phones offer palm swipe or voice command options, depending on the manufacturer.
