Introduction

Taking screenshots is an essential skill in the digital age. Whether you need to capture an error message for troubleshooting purposes, create a tutorial, or share a memorable moment from a video, knowing how to take a screenshot on your ASUS laptop is crucial. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to help you learn different ways of taking, editing, and sharing screenshots on your ASUS laptop.

Different Methods of Taking Screenshots

Using the Print Screen key

1. Locating the Print Screen key on an ASUS laptop:

The Print Screen key is usually located in the top row of your keyboard, towards the right side. It is labeled as “PrtSc or “PrtScn. On some ASUS laptops, you might need to press the “Fn key along with the Print Screen key.

2. Steps to take a screenshot using the Print Screen key:

Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. This will capture the entire screen and save it to your clipboard. If you want to capture only the active window, press Alt + Print Screen instead.

3. Saving the screenshot:

Open an image editing software, such as Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot from your clipboard. Now you can save the image as a file on your computer.

Using Windows Snipping Tool

1. Opening the Snipping Tool:

Click on the Start button and type Snipping Tool in the search bar. Select the Snipping Tool from the search results to launch it.

2. Different modes available in the Snipping Tool:

The Snipping Tool offers four modes:
– Free-form Snip: Draw a custom shape around the area you want to capture
– Rectangular Snip: Capture a rectangular area of your screen
– Window Snip: Capture a specific window or dialog box
– Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen

3. Capturing and saving a screenshot using the Snipping Tool:

Select the mode you want to use and click New. Your screen will become opaque, and you can use your mouse to select the area you want to capture. Once captured, the screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool window. You can now save it to your computer or edit it further by using the pen and highlighter tools.

Using the Game Bar for screenshots (For Windows 10 users)

1. Accessing the Game Bar:

Press the Windows + G keys on your keyboard to open the Game Bar.

2. Taking a screenshot using the Game Bar:

Click on the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot. The screenshot will automatically be saved to your computer.

3. Locating the saved screenshot:

Open the File Explorer and navigate to the Videos folder. Inside, you’ll find a folder named Captures containing your screenshots.

Editing and Annotating the Screenshot

Using the Snip & Sketch tool (For Windows 10 users)

1. Opening Snip & Sketch:

Press the Windows key and type Snip & Sketch in the search bar. Select the tool from the search results to launch it.

2. Importing the screenshot to Snip & Sketch:

Click on the folder icon in the toolbar to open your screenshots folder. Choose the screenshot you want to edit and click Open.

3. Editing and annotating the screenshot in Snip & Sketch:

You can use Snip & Sketch to add annotations, such as arrows, shapes, or text. You can also crop, rotate or highlight specific parts of the image.

4. Saving the edited screenshot:

Once you’ve made your desired changes, click the Save floppy disk icon to save the edited screenshot to your computer.

Using third-party software

1. Recommended software for editing and annotating screenshots:

Some popular third-party software options for editing screenshots include Greenshot, Snagit, and Lightshot.

2. Comparing the features of different software options:

Each software offers different features and capabilities. Greenshot is known for its simplicity, while Snagit offers a wide range of editing tools. Lightshot is a lightweight option with basic editing functionality. It is recommended to explore multiple options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Sharing the Screenshot

Uploading the screenshot to cloud storage services

1. Popular cloud storage services:

Some popular cloud storage services include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.

2. Steps to upload a screenshot to a cloud storage service:

Open your preferred cloud storage service, sign in to your account, and navigate to the folder you wish to upload the screenshot to. Click on the Upload button and select the screenshot file from your computer. The screenshot will be uploaded and stored in your cloud storage account.

Sharing the screenshot through email or messaging apps

1. Attaching a screenshot to an email:

Create a new email and click on the attachment icon (usually represented by a paperclip). Navigate to the location of your screenshot, select the file, and click Open. The screenshot will be attached to your email.

2. Sending a screenshot through messaging apps:

In most messaging apps, you can click on the attachment or media icon within the chat window. Select the screenshot file from your computer, and it will be sent as a message to your intended recipient.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Screenshot not capturing the correct area

Ensure you are using the correct screenshot method for your desired selection (full-screen, active window, or specific area). If you are still having issues, consider using a third-party screenshot software that offers more precision in selecting screen areas.

Screenshot not saving properly

Ensure you are saving the screenshot using a supported image format (e.g., PNG or JPEG). If the issue persists, check your computer’s storage to ensure you have enough available space.

Screenshot capturing an entirely black screen

Some programs or games may display an entirely black screen when you attempt to take a screenshot. This issue might be due to security measures or limitations of the software you are using. In these cases, try using an alternative screenshot method, such as the Snipping Tool or third-party software, to capture the desired screen.

Conclusion

Taking, editing, and sharing screenshots on an ASUS laptop is an essential skill for various purposes, from troubleshooting to sharing memorable moments. With different methods available, including the Print Screen key, Snipping Tool, and Game Bar, you can find the best option that suits your needs. Take the time to explore these methods and enhance your digital proficiency.

FAQs

1. What is the keyboard shortcut for taking a screenshot on an ASUS laptop?

Press the PrtSc or PrtScn key, usually located in the top right corner of your keyboard.

2. How do I take a screenshot of a specific area on my ASUS laptop?

Use the Windows Snipping Tool, and select either the Free-form Snip or Rectangular Snip mode.

3. Where are my screenshots saved on an ASUS laptop?

Screenshots saved using the Game Bar are saved in the Videos folder, under Captures. Screenshots taken using other methods need to be saved manually in your desired location.

4. Can I edit and annotate screenshots on an ASUS laptop?

Yes, you can use tools like Snip & Sketch or third-party software to edit and annotate screenshots.

5. Can I share a screenshot taken on an ASUS laptop via email or messaging apps?

Yes, you can attach the screenshot file to an email or send it through messaging apps.

6. Can I upload a screenshot to cloud storage services?

Yes, you can upload screenshots to popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.

7. Why does my screenshot capture a black screen?

Some programs or games may block screenshots due to security measures or software limitations. In these cases, try using an alternative screenshot method, such as the Snipping Tool or third-party software.