Capturing screenshots on an Acer computer is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. Whether you’re a seasoned computer user or a novice navigating the digital realm, understanding how to screenshot is essential for documenting information, sharing visual content, and troubleshooting technical issues.
One of the most convenient methods for taking a screenshot is through the ubiquitous “Print Screen” key. Located on the top row of most keyboards, this key captures an image of the entire screen. Simply press the “Print Screen” key, and the screenshot will be copied to your computer’s clipboard. From there, you can paste the screenshot into an image editor or a document for further processing or storage.
Alternatively, you can utilize the Snipping Tool, a built-in Windows application specifically designed for capturing screenshots. The Snipping Tool offers greater flexibility by allowing you to select and capture specific portions of the screen. To access the Snipping Tool, search for it in the Windows search bar, click on the application, and select the desired mode for your screenshot. Whether you want to capture a rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen screenshot, the Snipping Tool provides a user-friendly interface for precise and efficient capturing.
Using the Print Screen Key
The Print Screen key (often abbreviated as PrtScn) is a widely recognized method for capturing screenshots on Acer computers. When activated, it instantly takes a snapshot of your entire screen, copying the image to your computer’s clipboard. Here’s a detailed guide to using the Print Screen key:
Locating the Print Screen Key
Depending on your Acer computer model, the Print Screen key may be situated in different locations on the keyboard. It’s typically positioned in the top-right corner, next to the F12 key. Some models may have a dedicated “PrtScn” key, while others may require the use of a combination key, such as Fn + F12 or Fn + PrtScn.
Capturing a Full-Screen Screenshot
To capture an image of your entire screen, simply press the Print Screen key once. The captured image will be stored in your computer’s clipboard, ready to be pasted into an image editor or word processing program.
Capturing a Partial Screenshot
For situations where you only need to capture a portion of your screen, you can use the Windows Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to select a specific area of the screen and capture it as a screenshot. To access the Snipping Tool, type “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar or click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool.
Saving Your Screenshot
Once you have captured a screenshot using the Print Screen key, you can save it to your computer by pasting it into an image editor (e.g., Paint or Photoshop) or a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word). Alternatively, you can use the “Save As” option in the Snipping Tool to save the screenshot directly to a file.
| Method | Steps | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Print Screen Key (Full Screen) | Press Print Screen key | Copies entire screen to clipboard |
| Snipping Tool (Partial Screen) | Use Snipping Tool to select area | Captures selected area and saves it |
Using the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application that allows you to capture screenshots of specific areas of your screen. It provides more flexibility and customization options compared to the Print Screen key.
Steps to Use the Snipping Tool:
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Open the Start menu and search for "Snipping Tool."
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Once the application opens, you have multiple capture modes to choose from:
- Free-form Snip: Allows you to draw a custom outline around the area you want to capture.
- Rectangular Snip: Captures a rectangular area of the screen.
- Window Snip: Captures the entire window of an active application.
- Full-screen Snip: Captures the entire screen.
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Select the desired capture mode and click on "New."
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Your cursor will transform into a crosshair. Use it to define the area you want to capture.
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Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to the clipboard.
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You can paste the screenshot into any image editing software or document.
Additional Features:
- Delay: You can set a delay timer before taking the screenshot to give yourself time to position windows or menus.
- Annotation: The Snipping Tool allows you to add annotations, such as arrows, rectangles, and text boxes, to the screenshot.
- Save options: You can save the screenshot in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and HTML.
- Keyboard shortcuts: You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly take screenshots:
- Windows Key + Shift + S: Launches the Snipping Tool.
- Windows Key + Print Screen: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it to the Pictures folder.
Using the Windows Key + PrtScn Shortcut
To capture a screenshot of your entire screen using the Windows Key + PrtScn shortcut, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Windows Key and the PrtScn Key
The Windows Key is typically located on the bottom-left corner of your keyboard, between the Ctrl and Alt keys. The PrtScn key (also known as the Print Screen key) is usually situated in the top-right corner of your keyboard, above the function keys.
2. Press the Windows Key + PrtScn Simultaneously
Hold down the Windows Key and press the PrtScn key once. You should hear a camera shutter sound, indicating that a screenshot has been taken.
3. Save the Screenshot
After taking the screenshot, the image will be automatically saved to your computer in the Screenshots folder. Here’s a more detailed look at the process of saving the screenshot:
| Operating System | Saving Location |
|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | C:\Users\user\Pictures\Screenshots |
| Windows 8/8.1 | C:\Users\user\Pictures\Screenshots |
| Windows 7 | C:\Users\user\Documents\My Pictures\Screenshots |
You can access the Screenshots folder from your computer’s File Explorer or by pressing the following keyboard shortcut:
Windows Key + E
Once you open the Screenshots folder, you can find and open the recently captured image using any image viewer software, such as Microsoft Photos or Photoshop.
Using the Game Bar
1. Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Click the “Capture” button in the Game Bar.
3. Click the “Screenshot” button to take a screenshot.
4. The screenshot will be saved to the “Pictures\Screenshots” folder in your user directory.
You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots using the Game Bar:
| Keyboard Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key + PrtScn | Takes a screenshot of the entire screen. |
| Windows key + Alt + PrtScn | Takes a screenshot of the active window. |
The Game Bar also allows you to record videos and screenshots of your gameplay. To do this, click the “Start recording” button in the Game Bar. To stop recording, click the “Stop recording” button.
Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Window
If you only need to capture a specific window on your screen, you can use the following steps:
1. Locate the window you want to capture.
Make sure the window is active and in focus before proceeding.
2. Press [Alt] + [PrtScn].
This keyboard shortcut will capture a screenshot of the active window only.
3. Open an image editor.
You can use a built-in editor like Paint or a third-party program like Photoshop.
4. Paste the screenshot into the editor.
Use the [Ctrl] + [V] shortcut or right-click and select “Paste” from the context menu.
5. Crop and save the screenshot.
Use the crop tool in the image editor to remove any unnecessary parts of the screenshot. Then, save the cropped image in a desired format, such as PNG or JPG.
| Keyboard Shortcut | Function |
|—|—|
| PrtScn | Capture a screenshot of the entire screen |
| Alt + PrtScn | Capture a screenshot of the active window only |
| Win + PrtScn | Capture a screenshot of the entire screen and save it to the “Screenshots” folder |
| Win + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool for more advanced screenshotting options |
Taking a Scrolling Screenshot
To capture a screenshot of a webpage or document that exceeds the visible screen area, follow these steps:
1. Open the web page or document you want to capture.
2. Press the “Windows” key and “PrtScn” key simultaneously to take a screenshot of the entire screen.
3. Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu or by searching for it in the search bar.
4. Click on the “New” button in the Snipping Tool toolbar.
5. Position the cursor over the edge of the screen and drag it to capture the scrolling content.
6. The Snipping Tool will automatically scroll and capture the entire page or document. The captured area will be indicated by a dotted rectangle.
Additional information for step 6:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scrolling Mode | Allows you to capture a screenshot of a vertically scrolling area. |
| Full Page Mode | Captures a screenshot of the entire webpage or document, even if it extends beyond the visible screen area. |
| Windows Virtualization (Windows 10 and macOS Mojave or later) | Enables you to capture screenshots of virtualized applications, such as those running in virtual machines or remote desktop sessions. |
Editing and Saving Your Screenshot
Crop and Annotate
Customize your screenshot by removing unwanted portions. Open the “Photos” app and select the screenshot. Click “Edit” and choose “Crop” from the menu to fine-tune the size and shape. To add annotations, click the “Draw” tab. Use the provided pen, highlighter, or pencil to mark up your image.
Save Your Edited Screenshot
Once you’re satisfied with your editing, save the updated screenshot. Click the “Save” icon or press “Ctrl + S” to save it in your preferred location. Choose the file format (e.g., PNG, JPG, BMP) from the “Save as type” field.
Using Paint to Save in Additional Formats
If you need to save your screenshot in a format not supported by the “Photos” app, you can use Paint. Open Paint, select “File” > “Open,” and navigate to your screenshot. Make any necessary adjustments and click “File” > “Save As.” In the “Save as type” field, select the desired format and save your screenshot.
| File Format | Description |
|---|---|
| PNG | Lossless format suitable for images with transparent backgrounds and multiple layers. |
| JPG | Lossy format optimized for web use, supports high compression but can result in some loss of quality. |
| BMP | Uncompressed format that preserves all image data, suitable for high-quality printing and editing. |
Finding Your Saved Screenshot
The location of your saved screenshot depends on the method you used to capture it.
Print Screen Key
If you used the PrtScn key, the screenshot will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor or other program for further editing or saving. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screenshot.png.” They can usually be found in the Pictures Library or the Screenshots subfolder.
Snipping Tool
Screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool will be automatically saved in the Screenshots folder in the Pictures Library. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screenshot [date and time].png.”
Screen Sketch
Screenshots taken with Screen Sketch will be automatically saved in the Screen Sketch folder in the Pictures Library. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screen Sketch [date and time].png.”
Windows Key + PrtScn
If you used the Windows key + PrtScn key combination, the screenshot will be automatically saved as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder in the Pictures Library. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screenshot [date and time].png.”
Game Bar
Screenshots taken with the Game Bar will be automatically saved in the Captures folder in the Videos Library. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screenshot [date and time].png.”
Xbox App
Screenshots taken with the Xbox App will be automatically saved in the Captures folder in the Videos Library. The default file name for these screenshots is “Screenshot [date and time].png.”
Third-Party Screenshot Tools
If you are using a third-party screenshot tool, the location of your saved screenshot will depend on the specific tool you are using. Consult the documentation for your screenshot tool for specific instructions on finding your saved screenshots.
| Method | Default Save Location |
|---|---|
| Print Screen Key | Clipboard or Pictures Library > Screenshots |
| Snipping Tool | Pictures Library > Screenshots |
| Screen Sketch | Pictures Library > Screen Sketch |
| Windows Key + PrtScn | Pictures Library > Screenshots |
| Game Bar | Videos Library > Captures |
| Xbox App | Videos Library > Captures |
| Third-Party Screenshot Tools | Varies depending on the tool |
1. Frozen Screen
If your computer’s screen freezes while taking a screenshot, you can try the following steps:
- Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to refresh the screen.
- If that doesn’t work, restart your computer.
2. Blank Screenshot
If your screenshot comes out blank, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure the Print Screen key is not disabled on your keyboard.
- Try taking a screenshot in a different program.
- Update your graphics drivers.
3. Partial Screenshot
If your screenshot only captures part of the screen, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure you have selected the correct region to capture.
- Try taking a screenshot in a different program.
- Update your graphics drivers.
4. Screenshot Not Saved
If your screenshot is not saved, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure you have enough space on your hard drive.
- Try saving the screenshot in a different location.
- Try using a different screenshot program.
5. Keyboard Shortcut Not Working
If the Print Screen key or the Snipping Tool shortcut is not working, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure the keyboard shortcut is not disabled on your computer.
- Try using a different keyboard.
- Update your keyboard drivers.
6. Third-Party Screenshot Program Not Working
If a third-party screenshot program is not working, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure the program is installed correctly.
- Try restarting the program.
- Contact the program’s support team.
7. Screenshot Quality Poor
If the quality of your screenshots is poor, you can try the following steps:
- Increase the resolution of your screen.
- Try taking a screenshot in a different format.
- Update your graphics drivers.
8. Screenshot Too Large
If your screenshots are too large, you can try the following steps:
- Reduce the resolution of your screen.
- Try taking a screenshot in a different format.
- Use a third-party screenshot program that allows you to resize screenshots.
9. Troubleshooting Multiple Monitors
If you have multiple monitors, you may need to adjust your screenshot settings to capture the correct screen:
- In the Settings app, go to System > Display.
- In the “Multiple displays” section, select the monitor you want to capture.
- Take a screenshot using the Print Screen key or the Snipping Tool.
Additional Tips and Tricks
In addition to the basic screenshot methods, Acer computers offer several useful features for capturing and managing screenshots.
1. Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application that allows you to capture specific portions of the screen. To use it, type “snipping tool” into the search bar and open the application. You can then select a rectangular, free-form, or window-specific capture.
2. Game Bar (For Windows 10 and 11)
The Game Bar is a utility designed for gamers, but it also includes a handy screenshot feature. Press the “Windows Key + G” to open the Game Bar and click the camera icon to capture a full-screen screenshot.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts
Acer laptops typically include dedicated shortcut keys for taking screenshots. On most models, “Fn + PrtSc” captures the full screen, while “Fn + Alt + PrtSc” captures the active window.
4. Dropbox
If you have Dropbox installed on your Acer computer, you can use its screenshot feature to capture and automatically save screenshots to the cloud. Press “Ctrl + Shift + PrtSc” to trigger the screenshot and it will be uploaded to your Dropbox account.
5. Cloud Clipboard
Acer computers with the “SwiftKey” keyboard app have a cloud clipboard feature that allows you to store and access screenshots across multiple devices. To enable it, open the SwiftKey app and go to “Settings” > “Cloud Clipboard”.
6. Greenshot
Greenshot is a free and open-source screenshot tool that offers advanced features. It allows you to capture specific areas of the screen, annotate them, and save them in various formats.
7. ShareX
ShareX is another comprehensive screenshot tool that provides a wide range of options for capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots. It also includes integration with popular cloud services like Imgur and Dropbox.
8. Crop and Adjust
After capturing a screenshot, you can crop it to remove unwanted areas using the built-in Snipping Tool or other image editing software. You can also adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings to improve the image quality.
9. Save in Different Formats
Acer computers allow you to save screenshots in various image formats, such as PNG, JPEG, and BMP. Choose the format that best suits your needs based on compression, file size, and compatibility.
10. Organize Screenshots
To prevent your screenshots from cluttering your computer, create a dedicated folder for them and organize them by date, project, or topic. You can also use third-party software like Eagle or TagSpaces to tag and manage your screenshots for easy retrieval.
How to Screenshot on a Computer Acer
There are a few different ways to take a screenshot on an Acer computer. The most common method is to use the “Print Screen” key. This key is typically located in the upper-right corner of the keyboard, next to the “F12” key. When you press the “Print Screen” key, a screenshot of the entire screen will be copied to the clipboard.
Another way to take a screenshot is to use the “Windows Snipping Tool”. This tool allows you to select a specific area of the screen to capture. To use the Snipping Tool, press the “Windows” key + “S” to open the search bar. Then, type “Snipping Tool” and click on the “Snipping Tool” app.
Once the Snipping Tool is open, you can use the cursor to select the area of the screen that you want to capture. You can also use the “Mode” menu to choose between different types of screenshots, such as a full-screen screenshot, a window screenshot, or a rectangular screenshot.
