How to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
Saving or sharing the content of a computer screen can be necessary for many different reasons and is done on a regular basis by users of all experience levels. This can be a simple way to show what you are working on, to keep the present configuration of visual elements for later reference, or to obtain a high resolution image that can be combined with other elements into instructional materials or multimedia presentations.
How to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
That’s why every Windows user should be aware of the screenshot-taking options on his computer and learn how to use different ones effectively. The native Print Screen key is certainly the default method, but there are plenty of other possibilities worth exploring. Every user has a different set of priorities which could be better served with a particular screen capturing approach, so it’s prudent to study the benefits and shortcomings of all methods before choosing which one to use.
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Why Do You Need to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
How to Screenshot on Windows without Using Print Screen
Why Do You Need to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
Some people might wonder why would they ever need to use any method other than the built-in Print Screen function. To be sure, the PrntScn key is fast and direct, but there are situations when it can’t produce the type of content a person needs. Obviously, the key could be broken or the keyboard could be disconnected. Still, even if the hardware works properly the results achieved with this method can’t really compare with advanced screen-grabbing tools of the latest generation.
If you need to create more complex screenshots that include a scroll-down of a webpage, or you want to edit and annotate the images, you might need to look beyond the basic Print Screen feature. Even a free screenshot tool offers far more possibilities for controlling the outcome of your work and enhancing the captured image in various ways, and in some situations, the extra functionalities might be truly necessary. That’s why many advanced users keep a few software tools on their PC’s that endow them with the ability to make more sophisticated screenshots.
How to Screenshot on Windows without Using Print Screen
There is a wide variety of methods you could turn to if you are not satisfied with what can be accomplished with the Print Screen button. Some of the tools necessary for this may already be installed on your PC and you just need to find them and learn how to screenshot on Windows without Print Screen. Depending on the OS version you have, you could use the appropriate screen-grabbing tool that comes as a part of Windows. Here is an overview of the options at your disposal.
Method 1. Snipping Tool (Windows 7 & Windows 8)
Older versions of Windows contain a solid screenshot tool that was named Snipping Tool. To quickly take a screenshot of a rectangular area, it’s enough to press the Windows key together with Shift and S keys, even if the Snipping Tool window is not presently open.
However, this app also allows users to fiddle with settings and take different kinds of screenshots, including full-screen captures and images that cover an irregularly shaped surface. All screenshots created with this method are initially saved on the clipboard and must be pasted into another app and saved on the hard disk before the computer is turned off. Snipping Tool also includes basic editing functions that can be used instantly.
Method 2. Snip and Sketch (Windows 10 or later)
Snip & Sketch is an upgraded version of the native screen-grabbing app in Windows 10 and later versions. It works very similarly to the Snipping tool and lets users take screenshots with a hotkey combination. The same Windows + Shift + S command works in this software as well, but the app can also be run from the taskbar or the start menu. With Snip & Sketch, there are more possibilities for screenshot annotation and editing, which presents a big advantage for business users. Much like the earlier version, the full interface of the app can be called forward from the taskbar or the search field.
7 Great Screenshot Tools for Windows
Gemoo Snap
Gemoo Snap Interface
Almost anyone can create beautiful multimedia using snapshots of the screen made with this convenient and user-friendly software. All commands are very easy to find in the Gemoo Snap interface, while the range of smart features is quite broad. It’s a very useful tool that lets PC owners complete many different tasks without having to learn any design skills.
As a free and lightweight app for taking quick screenshots, Gemoo Snap can provide you with a variety of screenshot needs: quick screenshot, screenshot, and feedback, screenshot immediately beautify the image, pin screenshot top, screenshot upload to the cloud, etc. What’s more, with the Gemoo Snap Chrome extension, you can easily take full-screen or specific-area, screenshot an entire webpage, or scroll screenshots for the Website and stop at any point you need.
Gemoo Snap features:
- Quick and easy screenshot capturing, including full-page screenshots
- Screenshots can be pinned to the screen as floating windows
- It’s possible to extract text from the captured images
- Users can organize their screenshots in several ways
Pricing: completely free
Customer ratings:
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: N/A
Awesome Screenshot
Awesome Screenshot Interface
This lightweight application is worth having on your computer, as you never know when you might need an advanced screenshot tool. Using Awesome Screenshot to demonstrate what you are currently doing or putting together a visual presentation is a smart idea for people in different professions. The app can be added to Chrome browser as an extension and called upon to screenshot webpages that looks interesting.
Essential features:
- Simple and inexpensive screenshot and video recording tool that requires no download
- The app is capable of creating good-looking screen recordings
- OCR capacity allows for the extraction of text from the captured image
- Instant file sharing through several popular online platforms
Significant issues:
- It’s not possible to capture audio with this app
- Screen recordings are limited to just 5 minutes for free users
Pricing: the free version is available, Basic package costs $5 per month, Professional costs $6 monthly
Customer ratings:
- G2: 4.4 (65 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7 (24 reviews)
Greenshot
Greenshot Screen Capture
As one of the most trusted screenshot apps in the market, Greenshot is a good choice for personal or professional purposes. This convenient product strikes a great balance between simplicity and effectiveness, allowing the user to instantly find the right command. It’s no accident that Greenshot is among the few screenshot tools that are nearly unanimously praised by the people who use them daily.
Essential features:
- Image-snipping app that can capture images from any part of the screen, including those that are not currently visible
- Built-in image editor is suitable for simple annotation or data obfuscation
- This is an open source software that can be easily improved by custom plug-ins
- Screenshots can be saved locally or exported with just a few clicks
Significant issues:
- This is a screenshot-only tool, so it can’t record videos or create GIFs
- Screenshots can only be edited with built-in tools before they are saved
Pricing: Completely free
Customer ratings:
- G2: 4.8 (146 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.9 (19 reviews)
TinyTake
TinyTake Interface
A great screenshot tool doesn’t have to eat up a lot of resources, and TinyTake proves this rule quite decisively. This is a small app that works well on almost every machine and it does exactly what you would expect it to. Creating screenshots and video recordings is extremely easy with this tool, and it’s equally effortless to add visual elements and comments to the raw images.
Essential features:
- Versatile and flexible snipping app that allows quick content capturing
- Solid annotation tools are provided to instantly add text or graphics to the screenshot
- A historical archive of screenshots and videos can be stored in the cloud
- Keyboard shortcuts can be customized by each user
Significant issues:
- This is not the most cost-effective screenshot app in the market
- It can be difficult to install the app on a corporate network protected with a firewall
Pricing: free version is available, Standard plan costs $29.95 per year, Plus plan costs $59.95 per year
Customer ratings:
- G2: 4.3 (17 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6 (7 reviews)
Screenpresso
Screenpresso Interface
If you want a screenshot tool that is fun to use and creates great looking images, look no further than Screenpresso. This amazing software lets you capture any detail from your screen in high resolution, and empowers you to shape it into the final form without the need for external tools. Even first-time users are able to create magnificent images with this smart and feature-rich app.
Essential features:
- Effective screenshot tool that automatically highlights the area to be included
- Screen recordings or web cam video can be captured in HD quality
- Built-in editor can be used to add text boxes, border effects, speech bubbles, etc.
- Workspace feature ensures continuity and lets you organize the images
Significant issues:
- Screen recording function doesn’t always work as smoothly as expected
- User interface is not visually appealing and can be confusing
Pricing: free version is available, Pro version is priced at $14.99
Customer ratings:
- G2: 4.5 (28 reviews)
- Capterra: 5.0 (14 reviews)
Apowersoft
Apowersoft Interface
Users who select this app as they go-to screenshot utility can count on consistent and reliable service regardless of the type of task they put it to. It can capture still images or videos, and it also provides some entry-level editing capacities. Since it is a part of a suite that also includes a PDF converter and other tools, this screen recorder can be a surprisingly powerful business asset.
Essential features:
- Online screen recorder that requires no download and allows for a lot of screenshot options
- Images and videos can be saved locally or uploaded directly to the cloud
- Simple interface that allows snapping screenshots with one click
- Real time editing capacity with a solid range of annotation tools
Significant issues:
- This app doesn’t properly capture content from a dual-monitor system
Pricing: free version is available, entire Apowersoft Pro suite is offered at $59.95 per year
Customer ratings:
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: N/A
Loom
Loom Interface
While this software may be too advanced to use strictly for screenshots, it is more than capable of snipping images from your screen. Loom is a fully-fledged platform for asynchronous communication, with impressive collaborative features. Naturally, it supports taking screenshots and recording videos as core functionalities. If you are using your Windows-based PC for work, having Loom on it could be wise.
Essential features:
- Collaborative platform that supports asynchronous communication with screenshots and videos
- Great tools for brainstorming, exchanging ideas, and managing conversations
- Can be installed as a browser extension and used to capture entire web pages
- Comments and interactive elements can be added to screenshots and recordings
Significant issues:
- Desktop application can sometimes crash
- Customer support can be slow to respond to complaints
Pricing: Starter pack is free, Professional pack costs $8 per person
Customer ratings:
- G2: 4.7 (965 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7 (321 reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions about Screenshots
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot is a two-dimensional image that includes the content of the computer screen or its limited part. While most screenshots are rectangular, it’s possible to create them in a lot of different shapes and to include content from the desktop or any particular apps the user might have open.
What can screenshots be used for?
People use screenshots for dozens of different purposes, from simple memorizing something they see on the screen to creating building blocks for serious visual presentations. Screenshots are commonly utilized to create how-to tutorials, conduct software troubleshooting, collaborate on the completion of business tasks, and many other things.
Which screenshot app is best for me?
Every user has different needs and should download the screenshot app that most closely meets them. For beginners, Snip & Sketch might provide excellent functionality without requiring any skills. More advanced apps are feature-rich and more flexible in terms of file sharing, making them better suited for professional content creators.
Final Thoughts
While taking a screenshot is a very basic action, advanced tools can make it even easier and introduce some useful options. A majority of PC owners should consider installing one of the apps recommended in this article to complement the built-in screenshot tools already present on the computer. High-end software of this kind has editing and online sharing functionalities, so you can use it not only to create the screenshot but also to process it into its final shape. The best way to choose the most appropriate app might be to download a free version and test it firsthand.
