Capturing screenshots is a fundamental task for preserving digital information, whether for personal use, documentation, or troubleshooting. If you own an Acer laptop or desktop, understanding how to screenshot effectively is crucial. Fortunately, Acer devices offer various methods for taking screenshots, catering to different scenarios and user preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common ways to screenshot on an Acer, providing step-by-step instructions and highlighting the advantages and limitations of each method.
One of the most straightforward methods for taking a screenshot on an Acer is by utilizing the dedicated “Print Screen” button, commonly found on the top row of your keyboard. Simply press the “Print Screen” key, and the entire screen will be captured as an image and stored on your clipboard. This method is quick and effortless, making it ideal for capturing full-screen images. However, it requires you to paste the screenshot into an image editor or document to save it permanently.
Alternatively, if you want to capture only a specific portion of the screen, you can use the “Snipping Tool,” a built-in utility in Windows operating systems. To access the Snipping Tool, simply type “snipping tool” into the Windows search bar. Once the tool is open, you can select the desired capture mode (rectangular, freeform, or window) and then drag the cursor over the area you want to capture. The captured screenshot will be saved as a PNG file in the default downloads folder. The Snipping Tool offers greater precision and flexibility compared to the “Print Screen” method, making it suitable for capturing specific sections of the screen.
Using the Print Screen Key
The Print Screen key is a dedicated button on your Acer keyboard that allows you to capture a screenshot of your entire screen. Here are the detailed steps on how to use it:
1. Locate the Print Screen Key
The Print Screen key is usually located in the upper-right corner of your Acer keyboard, above the function keys. It may be labeled as “PrtScn”, “PrntScrn”, or simply “PrtSc”.
2. Press the Print Screen Key
Once you’ve located the Print Screen key, simply press it once. You won’t see any visible feedback on the screen, but the screenshot will be temporarily stored in your computer’s clipboard.
3. Paste the Screenshot
To save the screenshot as an image file, open any image editor or word processor (e.g., Paint, Photoshop, Microsoft Word). Then, press “Ctrl+V” (or “Command+V” on Mac) to paste the screenshot into the document.
Note: If you only want to capture a portion of the screen, you can use the following key combination: “Alt + PrtScn”. This will copy the active window’s screenshot to your clipboard.
Capturing the Entire Screen with Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch, a native Windows application, provides a convenient method for capturing the complete screen. To access it:
- Press the Windows key + Shift + S: This keyboard shortcut opens the screen capture menu.
- Select the "Rectangular" or "Freeform" option: Choose the desired capture shape.
- Click and drag the cursor: Draw a rectangle or freehand outline around the area you want to capture.
- Release the cursor: The captured screenshot will be saved to your clipboard.
You can also customize the functionality of Snip & Sketch:
Table: Customizing Snip & Sketch
| Setting | Customization |
|---|---|
| Capture delay | Set a delay before the capture is taken |
| Capture audio | Include audio in screen recordings |
| Open captured image in Snip & Sketch | Edit the screenshot using built-in tools |
To access these settings, click the gear icon in the Snip & Sketch window and select “Settings.” Adjust the options as per your preference.
Snipping a Portion of the Screen with Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch is a built-in Windows 10 app that allows you to take screenshots of specific portions of your screen. You can use Snip & Sketch to capture anything from a small portion of a window to the entire screen.
To take a screenshot with Snip & Sketch, follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + Shift + S
- A small menu will appear at the top of your screen. Select the type of snip you want to take.
- Drag your cursor over the area you want to capture.
Snip Type Description Rectangular Snip Captures a rectangular portion of the screen. Freeform Snip Captures a freeform shape of the screen. Window Snip Captures the entire window of the active window. Full-screen Snip Captures the entire screen. - Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
Your screenshot will be saved to your clipboard. You can paste it into any program that supports images, such as Microsoft Word or Paint.
Taking a Screenshot with the Game Bar
The Game Bar is a convenient tool for capturing screenshots while playing games or using other full-screen applications. Here’s how to use it:
Enabling the Game Bar
- Press the Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.
- If the Game Bar does not appear, you may need to enable it in Windows Settings.
Taking a Screenshot
Once the Game Bar is enabled, you can take a screenshot by pressing the following key combination:
| Keyboard Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn | Captures a screenshot and saves it to the “Screenshots” folder in your Pictures library. |
Customizing Screenshot Options
- Open the Game Bar by pressing the Windows Key + G.
- Click the “Settings” icon (gear-shaped) in the upper-right corner.
- Under the “General” tab, you can customize the following settings:
- Screenshot format: Choose between PNG, JPEG, or BMP.
- Screenshot destination: Specify the default location where screenshots are saved.
Taking a Screenshot in a Specific Window
To capture a screenshot of a specific window or application, follow these steps:
- Open the window or application you want to capture.
- Press the Alt + PrtScn key combination.
- Open any image editing software (e.g., Paint, Photoshop) and paste the screenshot from your clipboard.
Utilizing Third-Party Screenshot Tools
Third-party screenshot tools offer advanced customization and functionality for capturing and editing screenshots. Here’s how to use them:
- Install a third-party screenshot tool: Download and install a screenshot tool from reputable sources like the Microsoft Store or official websites. Popular tools include Snagit, Greenshot, and Lightshot.
- Configure hotkeys: Most screenshot tools allow you to set hotkeys for different capture options. Customize these hotkeys for quick and convenient screenshot taking.
- Capture the entire screen: Use the default hotkey or click the “Capture Fullscreen” option in the screenshot tool’s interface. The tool will capture the entire desktop display.
- Capture specific areas: Select the “Capture Region” or “Capture Window” option. Drag a rectangle or click on the desired window to capture only that portion of the screen.
- Edit and save the screenshot: After capturing the screenshot, you have the option to edit it using the tool’s встроенный editor. You can add annotations, text, crop the image, or adjust its size and resolution. Once edited, save the screenshot in various formats like PNG, JPG, or PDF.
- Additional features: Third-party screenshot tools often offer additional features such as screen recording, automatic image hosting, and cloud storage for easy access and sharing.
Configuring Screenshot Hotkeys in Settings
If you’re an Acer laptop user seeking a convenient way to take screenshots, you can customize the hotkeys to your liking through the Settings menu. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
1. Open the Windows Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
2. Navigate to “Ease of Access” and click on “Keyboard” in the left-hand pane.
3. Scroll down to the “Print Screen Shortcut” section.
4. By default, the “Print Screen” key is set to take a screenshot of the entire screen. You can change this to “Alt + Print Screen” or “Ctrl + Print Screen” if you prefer.
5. If you want to capture only the active window, select “Alt + Print Screen (Active Window)” or “Ctrl + Print Screen (Active Window)” from the dropdown menu.
6. Additionally, Acer laptops come with a dedicated Snipping Tool button on the keyboard, usually located in the upper-right corner. You can press this button alone to take a screenshot of the entire screen, or press it in combination with the “Alt” or “Ctrl” key to capture only the active window or a specific area, respectively. Here’s a table summarizing the different hotkey options:
| Hotkey | Action |
|---|---|
| Print Screen | Captures the entire screen |
| Alt + Print Screen | Captures only the active window |
| Ctrl + Print Screen | Captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard |
| Alt + Ctrl + Print Screen | Captures only the active window and copies it to the clipboard |
| Snipping Tool button | Captures the entire screen |
| Alt + Snipping Tool button | Captures only the active window |
| Ctrl + Snipping Tool button | Opens the Snipping Tool for manual selection of the capture area |
Using the PrtScn Key
Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. This copies a screenshot of the entire screen to your clipboard.
Using the Snipping Tool
Launch the Snipping Tool app from the Start menu or Cortana search. Select the mode (Rectangular, Freehand, Window, or Fullscreen) and drag the cursor over the area you want to capture. Click the Save button to save the screenshot.
Using the Alt+PrtScn Key
Press the Alt+PrtScn keys simultaneously. This copies a screenshot of the active window to your clipboard.
Using the Windows Key+PrtScn Key
Press the Windows Key+PrtScn keys simultaneously. This saves a screenshot of the entire screen as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder under Pictures.
Using the Game Bar
Press the Windows Key+G keys to open the Game Bar. Click the Camera icon to take a screenshot of the game or app you’re using. Alternatively, press Windows Key+Alt+PrtScn to save a screenshot automatically.
Troubleshoot Screenshot Issues
My screenshots are black:
Make sure the necessary drivers for your graphics card are installed and up to date. You can check for driver updates in the Device Manager.
My screenshots are pixelated or low-resolution:
Increase the screen resolution under Settings > System > Display.
I can’t paste my screenshots into other programs:
Your clipboard may be full. Close any unnecessary programs and try again.
My PrtScn key doesn’t work:
Check if the Fn key is enabled. Press the Fn+PrtScn keys simultaneously to take a screenshot.
My Windows Key+PrtScn key combination doesn’t work:
Ensure that the Game DVR feature is enabled in the Xbox app settings. Go to Settings > Game DVR > Enable Game DVR.
Saving Screenshots
>Acer Iconia Tab 8 Tablet
Press the Volume Down button while pressing and releasing the Power button. The screenshot will be saved to the Gallery app.
>Acer Aspire Series Laptops
Press the Windows key + PrtScn button. The screenshot will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
>Acer Nitro, Predator, and Helios Gaming Laptops
Press the PrtScn button. The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard. Open a new document or image editor and paste the screenshot.
>Acer Aspire, Swift, and TravelMate Notebooks
Press the Fn + PrtScn button. The screenshot will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
>Acer Veriton and Aspire Desktops
Press the PrtScn button. The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard. Open a new document or image editor and paste the screenshot.
>Acer Chromebooks
Press the Ctrl + Shift + Overview key (F5). The screenshot will be saved to the Downloads folder.
Sharing Screenshots
Using the Windows Share Charm
Open the screenshot that you want to share. Click the Share charm in the right-hand pane. Select the method you want to use to share the screenshot, such as email, social media, or a cloud service.
Using the Xbox Game Bar
Open the screenshot that you want to share. Press the Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar. Select the Screenshot tab and click the Share button. Select the method you want to use to share the screenshot.
Using a Third-Party App
There are many third-party apps that you can use to share screenshots. Some popular apps include Lightshot, ShareX, and CloudApp. These apps allow you to annotate, crop, and share screenshots with ease.
| Method | Acer Iconia Tab 8 Tablet | Acer Aspire Series Laptops | Acer Nitro, Predator, and Helios Gaming Laptops | Acer Aspire, Swift, and TravelMate Notebooks | Acer Veriton and Aspire Desktops | Acer Chromebooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Down + Power | ✓ | |||||
| Windows + PrtScn | ✓ | |||||
| PrtScn | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Fn + PrtScn | ✓ | |||||
| Ctrl + Shift + Overview | ✓ |
Editing and Managing Screenshots
Once you have captured a screenshot, you can edit and manage it using Acer’s built-in screenshot tool or a third-party image editor. Here are some ways to edit and manage screenshots on an Acer laptop or desktop:
Using Acer’s Screenshot Tool
Acer laptops and desktops come with a built-in screenshot tool called “Snipping Tool.” You can use this tool to capture, edit, and save screenshots. To use the Snipping Tool, follow these steps:
- Press the “Windows key” + “PrtScn” keys simultaneously to capture a screenshot.
- The screenshot will be automatically saved to your clipboard.
- Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu or by pressing the “Windows key” + “R” and typing “snippingtool” into the Run dialog box.
- Click on the “Paste” button in the Snipping Tool to paste the screenshot.
- You can now edit the screenshot using the tools in the Snipping Tool, such as the crop tool, the pen tool, and the highlighter tool.
- When you are finished editing the screenshot, click on the “Save” button to save it to your computer.
Using a Third-Party Image Editor
You can also use a third-party image editor to edit and manage screenshots. There are many different image editors available, both free and paid. Some popular image editors include:
- GIMP
- Paint.NET
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Paint
- Pixlr
Once you have installed an image editor, you can open your screenshot in the editor and use the tools in the editor to edit the screenshot. When you are finished editing the screenshot, you can save it to your computer.
Managing Screenshots
Once you have captured and edited your screenshots, you can manage them by organizing them into folders, renaming them, or deleting them. You can also share your screenshots with others by uploading them to the cloud or sending them via email.
Here are some tips for managing screenshots:
- Create a dedicated folder for your screenshots.
- Rename your screenshots with descriptive names so that you can easily find them later.
- Delete any screenshots that you no longer need.
- Share your screenshots with others by uploading them to the cloud or sending them via email.
| Screenshot Format | File Extension |
|---|---|
| JPEG | .jpg |
| PNG | .png |
| BMP | .bmp |
| GIF | .gif |
Advanced Screenshot Techniques
In addition to the basic screenshot methods, Acer laptops offer a range of advanced techniques for capturing your screen:
SnagIt
A powerful screen capture tool that allows you to capture full screens, regions, or even scrolling windows. It provides a wide range of features for editing, annotating, and sharing screenshots.
Snip & Sketch
A built-in Windows app that offers a simple interface for capturing and editing screenshots. It’s perfect for quickly capturing a specific area of your screen.
Xbox Game Bar
A feature designed for gamers, but it can also be used for capturing screenshots in any application. It offers a convenient shortcut and allows you to record videos of your screen.
GreenShot
An open-source screenshot tool that provides advanced features such as auto-naming, annotation tools, and customizable shortcuts.
LightShot
A lightweight tool that’s easy to use and allows you to quickly capture and share screenshots. It features a built-in editor for adding annotations and sharing directly to social media.
ShareX
A comprehensive screenshot tool that offers a wide range of features, including image editing, annotation, and automatic uploading to various cloud services.
Gyazo
A cloud-based screenshot tool that allows you to share and collaborate on screenshots with others. It provides a web-based editor and a browser extension.
Jing
A screen recording and screenshot tool that’s perfect for creating tutorials and presentations. It allows you to capture both videos and screenshots and add annotations.
PicPick
A feature-rich screenshot tool that offers various capture modes, editing features, and color picker tools. It’s a great option for designers and developers.
Screenpresso
A professional screenshot tool that provides advanced features for capturing, editing, and organizing screenshots. It offers a wide range of options for customization and workflow automation.
How to Screenshot on an Acer
Taking a screenshot on an Acer laptop or desktop is a simple process that can be done in a few short steps. Whether you need to capture an error message, save a website for later, or share a funny moment, knowing how to take a screenshot is an essential skill.
Here are the steps on how to screenshot on an Acer:
- Use the keyboard shortcut: Press the PrtScn key (usually located in the top-right corner of the keyboard) to capture a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard, so you can paste it into any image editing program or document.
- Use the Snipping Tool: Click on the Start menu and type “Snipping Tool.” This will open the Snipping Tool, which allows you to capture screenshots of specific areas of the screen. Use your mouse to select the area you want to capture, and then click on the “New” button to take the screenshot.
- Use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 only): If you are running Windows 10, you can use the Xbox Game Bar to take screenshots. Press the Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar, and then click on the “Screenshot” button.
People Also Ask About How to Screenshot on an Acer
How do I take a screenshot on an Acer laptop?
You can take a screenshot on an Acer laptop by using the keyboard shortcut PrtScn or by using the Snipping Tool.
How do I take a screenshot on an Acer desktop?
You can take a screenshot on an Acer desktop by using the keyboard shortcut PrtScn or by using the Snipping Tool.
How do I save a screenshot?
Once you have taken a screenshot, you can save it by pasting it into an image editing program or document, or by saving it to a file.
Where are screenshots saved?
Screenshots are typically saved to your clipboard, so you can paste them into any image editing program or document. If you save the screenshot to a file, it will be saved to the Pictures folder by default.
