How to take a screenshot

Introduction

In this article, you will learn how to take a screenshot on macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, and Chromebook devices.

Before you start

During troubleshooting with our Customer Support team, you may need to upload a screenshot of a specific application or website to help describe the issue at hand – this also helps our Support team efficiently troubleshoot the problems you are facing.

Here's what to do

macOS

To take a picture of your entire screen:

1. Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 3.
   
   
    
2. Find the screenshot as a .png file on your desktop.

To take a picture of a specific window:

1. Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4. The pointer changes to a crosshair.
   
   
    
2. Press the Spacebar. The pointer changes to a camera.
   
   
    
3. Move the camera over a window to highlight it.
4. Click your mouse or trackpad to take a screenshot of the highlighted window. To cancel, press the Esc (Escape) key before you click.
5. Find the screenshot as a .png file on your desktop.
6. Alternatively, check out this guide for additional ways of taking a screenshot on a macOS device.

Linux

1. Press PrtScn to take a full-screen screenshot. The screenshot will show everything on your display:
   
   
   
    
2. You will need to select where you would like to save the screenshot file.
   
   NOTE: If this method doesn't work on your specific Linux distribution, you can find other ways to take a screenshot here.

Windows

Windows devices include a built-in app to take screenshots called the Snipping Tool:

1. To open and use the Snipping Tool, select the Start button that looks like the Windows logo. 
   
   
    
2. Type in Snipping Tool in the search bar and click on the Snipping Tool to launch the app.
   
   
    
3. Once the App launches, you can see a window with screenshot options such as the shape and the timer. Choose Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen Snip and press the Windows logo key + Shift + S (all at the same time).
   
   
    
4. Alternatively, you can press New, then choose the shape you wish to make the screenshot in and use your cursor while pressing the left button on your mouse.
   
   NOTE: When making free-form or rectangular snips, use your mouse to select the area you want to capture. This will usually be your browser window, the NordVPN app, or a specific application.
   
   
    
5. Click on the pop-up in the bottom right corner of your screen. It will appear once you make a screenshot (snip).
   
   
    
6. The Snipping Tool window will extend. Click the Save button at the top right of the Snipping Tool.
   
   
    
7. Choose a location where you wish to save your screenshot and click Save.
   
   

Android

If you wish to screenshot NordLocker application, you have to disable the “Block screenshots in-app” feature by following these steps:

1. Open the NordLocker application, log in to your NordAccount, and unlock the application.
2. Click on the “Profile” button, located at the bottom right corner, and select the “Settings” option.
3. Disable the toggle button for “Block screenshots in-app” option.
4. Afterward, press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time, and you'll see a brief onscreen animation followed by a confirmation in the notification bar that the action was successful:
   
   

iOS

iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad, or iPod touch:

1. Press and hold the Top or Side button together with the Home button.
   
   
    
2. Release the buttons to take a screenshot.
3. In iOS 11, a thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail to add drawings and text with Markup, or press and hold the thumbnail to share the screenshot. Swipe left on the thumbnail to dismiss it.
4. To find the screenshot you just took, along with the ones you've taken before, you can go to Photos > Albums > Screenshots.

iPhone X or newer:

1. Press and hold the Side button alongside the Volume up button.
   
   
    
2. Release the buttons to take a screenshot.
3. A thumbnail of your screenshot appears in the lower-left corner of your device. Tap the thumbnail to add drawings and text with Markup, or press and hold the thumbnail to share the screenshot. Swipe left on the thumbnail to dismiss it.

Chromebook

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows on your keyboard.
   
   
    
2. Select and drag the desired application/window to take a screenshot.
3. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, and select a screenshot feature from the toolbar:
   • Take a full-screen screenshot.
   • Take a partial screenshot.
   • Take a window screenshot.
     
     NOTE: If you need additional assistance, check out Chromebook's screenshot-taking guide with pictures.