Taking a screenshot on Windows 10 can be a bit frustrating. Granted, there are a few tricks you can use…
For example, you can press the Print Screen key and the Windows key which will save a screenshot directly to your Pictures folder. That's nice, but when it comes to how to edit and annotate a screenshot, you're on your own. Your other option is the Windows 10 Snipping Tool which is simple but, sometimes, too basic.
There's got to be more to PC screen capturing than that, right?
Take a snapshot to copy words or images from all or part of your PC screen. Use Snipping Tool to make changes or notes, then save, and share. Windows 10 has another screenshot app you might also like to try. When you open Snipping Tool, you'll see an invitation and keyboard shortcut to Snip & Sketch. Captures a full page screenshot of a web page and saves it to your Pictures folder. I wrote this app because I needed a way to take a full page screenshot of a web page and existing solutions didn't work for me. Exporting to a PDF doesn't always display the content right and the pagination sometimes cuts off important content. Take a Screenshot of the entire screen. This is the easiest method in taking a screenshot. Use the keyboard shortcut: PrtScn (Print Screen) or CTRL + PrtScn. The first method is also the best.
Right. Actually, there is such an abundance of Windows 10 screenshot tools that you can easily feel overwhelmed when you try to pick just one. To help you save time, we've rounded up the top 7 print screen software (free and easy).
And, if you're too busy to read a top 7, you can watch our top 3 video below.
Contents
1. ScreenRec
Overview
If you're looking for a way to take an instant screenshot on Windows , you'll love ScreenRec. Besides being the easiest and fastest screenshot program on this list, ScreenRec is actually full-featured free screen capture software. This means that you can also use it to record your PC screen.
Why It's Awesome
There is a single hotkey to remember (Alt + S) to either screengrab or record and you can add annotations to your screenshots with a few mouse clicks.
But what's best about ScreenRec is the ability to share your screen captures instantly and securely (via private URL). As soon as you're done taking a screenshot or recording your desktop, a sharing link is copied to your clipboard. You can paste it in an email, a private message or wherever you like.
Press Alt + S -> Capture -> Grab sharing link. Screenrec is as simple as that.
Who's It For
Anyone can benefit from using ScreenRec. Yet, business people stand to gain a lot in productivity when implementing ScreenRec into their daily routine. They can send video email, create tutorial videos, record Skype/Zoom meetings.
2. Windows Snipping Tool
Overview
We know. We said we'd venture beyond the Windows Snipping Tool, but Microsoft has made some changes to the built-in screenshot utility that are worth mentioning. If you want to avoid this program at all costs, continue reading or check out our list of Snipping tool alternatives
Why It's Awesome
In the October 2018 update, Snip & Sketch replaced the Windows Snipping Tool which came with previous versions of Windows. The keyboard shortcut is Windows + Shift + S.
The annotation options in Snip & Sketch include more colors, writing tools, and even a ruler and a protractor. Another plus is that you can use Snip & Sketch on a Windows 10 tablet. Actually, it's somewhat easier to use Snip & Sketch on a tablet than on a PC because it's optimized for doodling rather than annotating with a mouse. But, if you need more editing options, you can open the snip in another app.
Who's It For
Immediate sharing is still a pain in the butt, so we wouldn't recommend this screenshot program for those who need easy and secure access to their captures. But, if you're looking for a quick screen snip (especially if you want to do a free-form selection), this app will work just fine.
3. Lightshot
Overview
Offered by PrntScr.com, Lightshot is a screenshot app for PC that allows you to take quick snaps and edit them online or within the app.
Why It's Awesome
With Lightshot, you have access to an online image editing tools by clicking a single button and uploading your images to their servers. Some people may find this problematic as there is no way to guarantee the privacy of your captures. Nonetheless, once your images are uploaded (and you've created an account), you have full access to your online gallery and Lightshot's editor.
Who's It For
Lightshot is for anyone looking to edit/share their screen snapshots publicly. Due to the general lack of security, we wouldn't recommend uploading images that contain sensitive information. So, Lightshot may not be ideal for business people and companies.
4. Greenshot
Overview
This open source screenshot app for Windows is perfectly suited for productivity while keeping things incredibly simple. Much like Gadwin Printscreen, Greenshot aims to make it easier to take screenshots and save them using the PrtScn key.
Why It's Awesome
Greenshot requires no prior knowledge. In fact, it may be the most basic screenshot program available. And, by 'basic' we mean this screen grab application has all of the necessary features (hotkey functions, annotation, built-in editor, upload/sharing options) without bells and whistles.
Who's It For
If you just need to take a screenshot on Windows 10 and you don't need a bunch of features, Greenshot is a good option. You can upload your captured images to file sharing sites or save them locally. Since Greenshot isn't overly fancy, taking, editing, and sharing your screenshots is a breeze, saving valuable time.
5. ShareX
Overview
Ahh ShareX, the one with the most options… It does everything from capturing the active window or the active monitor, to uploading your content to dozens of predefined sites.
Why It's Awesome
Like ScreenRec, ShareX has the ability to not only capture screenshots but also to record your screen. However, the long list of uploading options is worth mentioning. Pretty much every social media and file sharing site you can think of is available in the ShareX app. It certainly isn't private sharing, but it is convenient.
Free Screen Capture Software Windows 10
Who's It For
ShareX can be used by anyone who isn't afraid to browse a ton of options and menus. Those who love to (or need to) share via social media will love this app.
6. PicPick
Overview
A buffet of features in a single app? Yes, please! PicPick is so full of various features that it's more of a photo editor than a screenshot app. With its ability to capture scrolling screenshots when you need to snip entire webpages, this app is hard to ignore.
Why It's Awesome
PicPick will require a bit of exploration first, but with a list of edit tools almost as big as Photoshop's, it's worth giving it a once-over. When you're done editing your screenshot, you can save it as an image or upload it to a public sharing site such as imageshack.us. What's more interesting about PicPick is that it is portable. You can move this print screen program onto a jump drive and open it up anywhere without needing to install it.
Who's It For
PicPick is best suited for those who are looking for an advanced editor and a screen grab app rolled into one.
7. Awesome Screenshot
Overview
Awesome Screenshot is a browser extension that gives you everything an installed screenshot app offers. The downside? It could make your computer run slow.
Why It's Awesome
Forget the downside for a moment. The upside is that, as long as you are signed in, you can use the app on any PC and upload your screen captures to Google Drive. This screenshot software can also capture web pages. Keep in mind, though, that you are allowed only 30 images per project and only 30 seconds of screen recording time.
Who's It For
Anyone who is constantly on the go can benefit from using Awesome Screenshot. As long as you can log in to your personalized browser, you're good to go. Zuma revenge heroic frog.
Compare The Best Free Windows 10 Screenshot Tools
| Capture Full Screen | Capture Screen Area | Edit Screenshots (Annotation) | Automatic Upload | Instant Sharing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screenrec | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, 2 Gb free private cloud storage |
| Windows Snipping Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Lightshot | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Greenshot | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, but not secure |
| ShareX | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but not secure |
| PicPick | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, but not secure |
| Awesome Screenshot | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, if you're connected to Google Drive |
And the Winner for Best Screenshot Software for Windows is…
YOU DECIDE!!!!
In all seriousness, choosing the best app depends on what you need. In our opinion, ScreenRec works for anyone, no matter the requirements. If you're looking to snap the full screen or just a section; ScreenRec has it covered. Want to record a video? ScreenRec can do that, too. What about editing and sharing securely? Only ScreenRec can do both. Let's not forget that it's completely free with an included 2 GB of free storage. Feel free to download it and check it out for yourself!
How to take a screenshot without using Print Screen?
To take a screenshot without using Print Screen, try a third-party app like ScreenRec. With ScreenRec in particular, you can take a screenshot, save it and share it by pressing a single hotkey Alt + S.
How to take a screenshot with high resolution quality?
Full Screen Capture Pc
To take a screenshot with high resolution, set your screen resolution as high as possible. This is done through the display settings.
What is the best free screen capture software for Windows?
The best free screen capture software is the one that fits your needs perfectly. We'd suggest ScreenRec because it's super-fast, lightweight and gives you a sharing link instantly. It can take screenshots and record your screen. All screen captures are stored in your private cloud account (2Gb free storage included).
References and Further Reading
© Crystal Cox/Business Insider It's easy to take a screenshot on Dell computers. Crystal Cox/Business Insider- You can take a screenshot on a Dell laptop or desktop computer in several ways, but the easiest is to simply press the Print Screen key, which Dell usually abbreviates as 'PrtScn' or 'prt sc.'
- There are several ways to customize your PrtScn screenshot using keyboard combos.
- You can find the Print Screen key in the top row of your Dell's keyboard.
- Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.
Whether you have a Dell laptop or desktop computer, it's easy to take and save a screenshot.
The process is the same no matter what kind of PC you own, so once you learn the process you can repeat it on any computer.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:
Dell XPS 17 Laptop (From $1,499.99 at Dell)
Dell 27-Inch LED FreeSync Monitor (From $289 at Walmart)
How to take a screenshot on an Dell desktop or laptop
There are several ways to take a screenshot on any Windows computer. But the quickest way is to use the Print Screen key.
Dell typically labels this key 'PrtScn' or 'prt sc' (though the exact label may vary from model to model) and is found along the top row of keys. On most Dell laptops, you'll find the Print Screen key beside the Delete key.
© Dell; skitching by William Antonelli/Business Insider The Print Screen key is found in the top row near the Delete key on this Dell Inspiron laptop. Dell; skitching by William Antonelli/Business InsiderOnce you press the Print Screen key, a picture of your entire screen will be copied to your computer's clipboard. Once it's there, you can paste it into another program (like Paint) to save it.
You have many options for how you use the Print Screen key – using keyboard combos, you can screenshot specific windows or just a portion of the screen.
For details on getting the most out of it and how to save your screenshot once you use the key, see the article 'How to take a screenshot on Windows 10 computers in several different ways.'
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