What To Know
- Whether you’re showcasing a stunning image, highlighting a specific point in a document, or simply wanting to share a funny meme, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Surface RT is essential.
- This handy tool allows you to select a specific area, making it perfect for highlighting specific information or capturing a particular part of a webpage.
- Sometimes, you only need to capture the content of a specific window, like a webpage or a document.
The Surface RT, with its sleek design and powerful performance, is a fantastic device for both work and play. But what about capturing those crucial moments on your screen? Whether you’re showcasing a stunning image, highlighting a specific point in a document, or simply wanting to share a funny meme, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Surface RT is essential. This guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring you’re equipped to capture anything and everything you need.
The Classic Shortcut: Using the Windows Key
The most straightforward way to take a screenshot on your Surface RT is by using the Windows key. This method allows you to capture the entire screen in a single click. Here’s how it works:
1. Press and hold the Windows key. This key is typically located in the bottom left corner of your keyboard.
2. Press the Volume Down button. This will immediately capture a screenshot of your entire screen.
3. Locate your screenshot. The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file in your Pictures folder, specifically in a subfolder named “Screenshots.”
Capturing Specific Regions: The Snipping Tool
For times when you need to capture just a portion of your screen, the Snipping Tool comes to the rescue. This handy tool allows you to select a specific area, making it perfect for highlighting specific information or capturing a particular part of a webpage.
1. Open the Snipping Tool. You can find it by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu.
2. Choose your snipping mode. The Snipping Tool offers various options:
- Free-form snip: Allows you to draw a freehand shape around the area you want to capture.
- Rectangular snip: Creates a rectangular selection, ideal for capturing text or images.
- Window snip: Captures the content of a specific open window.
- Full-screen snip: Captures the entire screen, similar to the Windows key method.
3. Select the area you want to capture. Use your mouse to drag and select the desired region.
4. Save your screenshot. Once you’ve selected the area, the screenshot will be automatically saved to your clipboard. You can then paste it into any application or save it as a file.
The Power of the Print Screen Key
While the Windows key method is convenient, the classic Print Screen (PrtScn) key offers another way to capture your screen. This method is particularly useful for capturing the entire screen and then editing it later.
1. Press the Print Screen key. This key is usually located in the top right corner of your keyboard.
2. Open an image editor. You can use any image editor like Paint, Photoshop, or even a web-based editor.
3. Paste the screenshot. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into your image editor. You can then edit the image as needed.
Utilizing the Charms Bar for Quick Screenshots
For those who prefer a visual approach, the Charms Bar offers a convenient way to take screenshots. This method provides a quick and easy way to capture your screen without navigating through menus.
1. Open the Charms Bar. Swipe in from the right edge of your screen or press the Windows key ++ C.
2. Select the “Devices” option. This will open a menu with various device-related settings.
3. Click on “Projector.” This will display a list of available projectors, but it also includes a “Screenshot” option.
4. Click “Screenshot.” This will immediately capture your entire screen and save it as a PNG file in your Pictures folder.
Taking Screenshots of Specific Windows
Sometimes, you only need to capture the content of a specific window, like a webpage or a document. The Surface RT provides a dedicated method for this.
1. Open the window you want to capture. This could be a webpage, a document, or any other application window.
2. Press Alt + Print Screen. This combination will capture the contents of the current window.
3. Paste the screenshot. Similar to the Print Screen method, you can paste the screenshot into an image editor using Ctrl + V.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Screenshot Techniques
While the methods mentioned above are excellent for basic screenshots, the Surface RT offers more advanced options for capturing dynamic content or specific elements.
1. Recording a Video of Your Screen:
For capturing a sequence of actions or a demonstration, you can record your screen using the built-in Xbox Game Bar.
- Open the Xbox Game Bar: Press Windows key + G.
- Start recording: Click the “Record” button to begin recording your screen.
- Stop recording: Click the “Stop” button to finish recording.
2. Capturing a Specific Element:
For situations where you need to capture only a specific element on your screen, such as a button or a text box, you can use the “Snip & Sketch” app.
- Open Snip & Sketch: Search for “Snip & Sketch” in the Start menu.
- Select the “New” button. This will open a Snip & Sketch window.
- Choose your snipping mode: Similar to the Snipping Tool, you can select from various snipping modes.
- Select the element you want to capture. Use your mouse to select the specific element.
- Save your screenshot: The screenshot will be automatically saved in the Snip & Sketch app.
A Final Word: Choosing the Right Method
Now that you’re equipped with various screenshot methods, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. For quick captures of the entire screen, the Windows key shortcut is ideal. The Snipping Tool offers flexibility for capturing specific regions, while the Charms Bar provides a visual approach. The Print Screen key is useful for editing screenshots later, and the Alt + Print Screen combination focuses on individual windows. Remember, the Surface RT offers a range of options to ensure you can capture any screen content with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are my screenshots saved?
A: Screenshots taken using the Windows key, Charms Bar, or “Screenshot” option in the Projector settings are saved as PNG files in your Pictures folder, specifically in a subfolder named “Screenshots.” Screenshots captured using the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch are saved within the respective applications.
Q: Can I edit my screenshots after taking them?
A: Absolutely! You can edit your screenshots using any image editor, such as Paint, Photoshop, or a web-based editor. You can crop, resize, add text, or apply filters to your screenshots.
Q: What if I need to capture a scrolling webpage?
A: While the default screenshot methods capture only the visible portion of a webpage, you can use third-party tools or extensions designed for capturing long webpages. These tools typically allow you to scroll through the entire page and capture it as a single image.
Q: Can I take a screenshot of a video playing on my Surface RT?
A: Unfortunately, the built-in screenshot methods do not capture video frames. However, you can use third-party video screen recording software to capture videos playing on your Surface RT.
Q: How do I share my screenshots?
A: Once you’ve taken a screenshot, you can share it in various ways. You can email it, upload it to cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive, or share it on social media platforms.
