Introduction:

Taking screenshots of an active window is an efficient and useful tool for capturing information displayed on your computer screen. Whether you’re trying to capture a specific image, share details with a colleague, or create a tutorial, knowing how to take screenshots of an active window is essential. In this article, we will discuss three methods of taking screenshots of an active window on various devices.

1. Method 1: Windows Keyboard Shortcut

For those using a Windows PC, the quickest way to take screenshots of an active window is by using built-in keyboard shortcuts. Follow these steps:

a. First, ensure that the window you want to capture is currently selected or active.

b. Press the “Alt” and “PrtScr” (Print Screen) keys simultaneously. The screenshot will be saved in your clipboard.

c. Open any image editor such as Microsoft Paint or even Microsoft Word, and press “Ctrl” and “V” keys together to paste the screenshot.

2. Method 2: MacOS Keyboard Shortcut

If you’re using a Mac computer, there’s also a simple built-in keyboard shortcut that allows you to take screenshots of the currently active window.

a. Ensure that your desired window is the currently selected one.

b. Press “Command,” “Shift,” and “4” keys together on your Mac keyboard.

c. After that, press the spacebar once which would change the cursor’s shape into a camera icon.

d. Finally, click the camera icon on the window that you want to capture; the screenshot will be saved automatically on your desktop.

3. Method 3: Third-Party Applications

Another option is using third-party applications designed for screenshot capturing purposes such as Lightshot, Snagit, or Greenshot (for Windows) or Skitch and Capto (for MacOS). These applications usually offer additional features like advanced editing and capture options. The steps for each app vary, however, most work as follows:

a. Download and install the desired third-party application.

b. Launch the application and follow the instructions or prompts to take a screenshot of the active window.

c. Save or edit the captured image as required by utilizing the application’s inbuilt features.

Conclusion:

These three methods will help you capture the active window on your computer screen for documentation, sharing, or reference purposes. Each method has its advantages – while keyboard shortcuts are quick and straightforward, third-party applications provide extra functionality. Whether you’re working on Windows or MacOS, you now have multiple options for capturing that perfect screenshot.