5 Easy Ways to Screenshot on Acer

Acer computer screen

In the digital age, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for capturing and sharing visual information. Whether it’s for preserving important documents, sharing a funny meme, or providing technical support, knowing how to take a screenshot on your Acer device is a valuable skill. While the process may seem straightforward, there are several methods you can use depending on the model of your Acer device.

For Acer laptops and desktops running Windows 10 or later, the most common method is to use the keyboard shortcut “Windows key + PrtScn.” This will capture a screenshot of the entire screen and save it to your Pictures folder in the “Screenshots” subfolder. If you only want to capture a specific area of the screen, you can use the “Snip & Sketch” tool. To access it, press “Windows key + Shift + S” and drag your cursor to select the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be copied to your clipboard and you can paste it into any application.

For Acer Chromebooks, taking a screenshot is slightly different. Press “Ctrl + Shift + Window Switcher” to capture the entire screen, or press “Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows” and then click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file in the “Downloads” folder. Additionally, some Acer devices may have dedicated screenshot buttons on their keyboards. Consult your device’s user manual or online support resources for more specific instructions.

Quick and Easy Screen Capture

Capturing a screenshot on an Acer device is a straightforward and convenient process that can be accomplished in a few simple steps. By utilizing the built-in screen capture features, you can effortlessly preserve important information, document errors, or share visual content with others.

1. **Using the PrtScn Key:** The most basic method of capturing a screenshot is by pressing the PrtScn key on your keyboard. This key captures the entire screen and stores it in the clipboard.

Key Combination	Action
PrtScn	Captures the entire screen

After pressing the PrtScn key, you can paste the screenshot into an image editing program (such as Paint or Photoshop) or directly into a document or message.

2. **Using the Windows Snipping Tool:** The Windows Snipping Tool provides a more versatile option for capturing screenshots. It allows you to select a specific area of the screen to capture, including rectangular, free-form, or window-specific screenshots.

Key Combination	Action
Windows Key + Shift + S	Opens the Snipping Tool

Once the Snipping Tool is open, you can choose the desired capture mode and then select the area you want to capture.

3. **Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools:** If the built-in screenshot options are not sufficient for your needs, you can explore various third-party screenshot tools available online. These tools often offer advanced features such as annotation, editing, and sharing capabilities.

To use a third-party screenshot tool, simply download and install it on your Acer device. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to capture and manage screenshots.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

The keyboard shortcut is a quick and easy way to take a screenshot on an Acer laptop or computer. Here are the steps:

Locate the PrtScrn key on your keyboard. It is usually located in the top row of keys, next to the F12 key.
Press the PrtScrn key once to capture a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard.
Open an image editing program, such as Microsoft Paint or GIMP.
Paste the screenshot from your clipboard into the image editor.
Save the screenshot to your desired location.

Tips:

If you only want to capture a screenshot of a specific window, press the Alt + PrtScrn keys together.
To capture a screenshot of a selected area of the screen, press the Win + Shift + S keys together. This will open the Snipping Tool, which allows you to select the area you want to capture.

Snipping Tool for Precise Screenshots

Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool

Locate the Snipping Tool using the Windows search bar or by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool. A small window will appear on your screen.

Step 2: Select the Screenshot Mode

The Snipping Tool offers four screenshot modes:
– Rectangular Snip: Captures a specific rectangular area on the screen.

– Freeform Snip: Allows you to draw an arbitrary shape around the area you want to capture.

– Window Snip: Captures the entire active window, including its title bar and borders.

– Full-Screen Snip: Captures the entire desktop area, including all open applications and windows.

Step 3: Customize the Capture Area

Once you have selected the desired screenshot mode, you can customize the capture area as follows:

Rectangular Snip: Click and drag the mouse pointer to select the rectangular area to capture.
Freeform Snip: Click and drag the mouse pointer to freehand draw the outline of the area to capture.
Window Snip: Simply hover over the window you want to capture, and the Snipping Tool will automatically highlight it.
Full-Screen Snip: No additional customization is required since this mode captures the entire screen.

Additional Tips for Precise Screenshots

– Use keyboard shortcuts: You can quickly launch the Snipping Tool by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “snippingtool”. You can also use the keyboard to take screenshots: Windows key + PrtScn (Full-screen Snip) or Alt + PrtScn (Active Window Snip).
– Configure Advanced Options: In the Snipping Tool Settings, you can enable features such as automatic saving, delayed screenshot, and invisible cursor.
– Edit and Annotate: After capturing a screenshot, you can use the built-in editor to crop, resize, or annotate the image before saving or sharing it.

Snip & Sketch for Enhanced Editing

Snip & Sketch is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that allows you to take screenshots and edit them. It offers more advanced editing features than the basic screenshot method, making it ideal for capturing and customizing images on your Acer device. Here’s how to use Snip & Sketch for enhanced editing:

Capture a screenshot using Snip & Sketch.
Click on the notification that appears in the lower-right corner of your screen or press Windows key + V.
Snip & Sketch will open with the captured screenshot.

Use the editing tools

Tool	Description
Crop	Trim the screenshot to specific dimensions or aspect ratios.
Annotate	Add text, arrows, shapes, and other markups to the screenshot.
Ink to Text	Convert handwritten notes or text within the screenshot into editable digital text.
Ruler	Measure distances or angles within the screenshot.
Protractor	Measure angles within the screenshot.

Save or share your edited screenshot.

Xbox Game Bar for In-Game Screengrabs

The Xbox Game Bar is a versatile tool that enables you to capture screenshots of your gaming sessions effortlessly. Follow these steps to utilize the Xbox Game Bar’s functionality:

1. Activate the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the Windows + G keyboard shortcut.

2. Click on the “Screenshot” icon located at the top of the Xbox Game Bar’s menu.

3. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + Print Screen shortcut to capture a screenshot directly.

4. By default, screenshots are saved to the “Captures” folder within your Pictures directory.

5. Additionally, you can customize the screenshot destination and file naming options through the Xbox Game Bar’s settings:

a. Click on the “Settings” icon within the Xbox Game Bar.

b. Navigate to the “Captures” tab.

c. Under the “Save Screenshots To” section, select the desired folder.

d. Under the “File Name Prefix” section, specify the preferred file name template.

Screenshot Assistant for Advanced Customization

Acer’s Screenshot Assistant offers various customization options for capturing and editing screenshots. Here are some advanced features:

Customizable Hotkeys

Assign custom hotkeys for different screenshot modes, such as full-screen capture, active window capture, or region selection. This allows for quick and seamless screenshot taking.

Annotation Tools

Freely annotate screenshots with a range of tools, including arrows, lines, text boxes, and more. Highlight important sections, add comments, or draw sketches to convey specific ideas.

Screen Capture Area

Adjust the area of the screen to be captured, allowing you to capture specific portions of the display. This feature is especially useful when capturing screenshots of specific program windows or web pages.

Timer and Delay

Set a timer or delay before the screenshot is taken. This is useful for capturing screenshots of dynamic content or specific steps in a process that require you to trigger the capture at a precise time.

Save and Share Options

Customize the file format and save location for your screenshots. Easily share screenshots via email, social media, or online storage platforms from the Screenshot Assistant.

Customizable Hotkeys Table

Screenshot Mode	Default Hotkey	Customizable Hotkey
Full-Screen Capture	Print Screen	User-defined
Active Window Capture	Alt + Print Screen	User-defined
Region Selection	Ctrl + Print Screen	User-defined

Screen Recording Option

Acer laptops come with a built-in screen recording tool called Acer Screen Recorder. To access it, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + G

2. Click on the “Capture” tab in the Xbox Game Bar that appears

3. Select “Screen recorder” from the drop-down menu

4. Click on the “Record” button

5. To stop recording, click on the “Stop” button

6. The recorded video will be saved to the “Videos” folder on your computer

7. Advanced Options for Screen Recording

You can access additional options for screen recording by clicking on the “Settings” button in the Xbox Game Bar. These options include:

Video quality: You can choose from different video quality settings, including 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
Audio quality: You can choose from different audio quality settings, including mono, stereo, and surround sound.
Recording format: You can choose from different recording formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI.
Capture cursor: You can choose whether or not to capture the cursor in your recordings.

Capture microphone audio: You can choose whether or not to capture microphone audio in your recordings.

By adjusting these settings, you can customize your screen recordings to meet your specific needs.

Third-Party Software for Extended Functionality

If you’re looking for more advanced screenshotting capabilities, there are several third-party software options available that offer a wide range of features. These programs can allow you to capture scrolling screenshots, edit and annotate images, and even create animated GIFs.

Software	Features
ShareX	– Capture scrolling screenshots – Edit and annotate images – Create animated GIFs
Snagit	– Capture scrolling screenshots – Edit and annotate images – Create animated GIFs – OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
Lightshot	– Capture scrolling screenshots – Edit and annotate images – Share screenshots easily

These are just a few of the many third-party software options available for screenshotting on Acer. Explore different programs to find one that meets your specific needs.

Troubleshooting Common Screen Capture Issues

If you’re encountering issues taking screenshots on your Acer device, here are some common problems and potential solutions:

1. Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

Ensure that the “PrtScn” or “PrtScn/SysRq” key is functioning correctly. If the key is damaged, consider using an external keyboard or third-party screenshot software.

2. Screenshots Not Saved

Verify that the default screenshot folder is set correctly. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Pictures to check the folder path.

3. Captures Insufficient Screen Area

For partial screenshots using “Alt + PrtScn,” make sure to press and hold the “Alt” key before selecting the screen area.

4. Blurred Screenshots

Ensure the device is steady while capturing the screenshot. Consider using a tripod or disabling any trembling features.

5. Screenshots Not Displayed in Preview/Recent

The screenshot may be too large to store in the clipboard. Try saving it directly to the Screenshots folder using “Windows key + PrtScn.”

6. Screenshot Tool Not Showing Thumbnails

Go to Settings > System > Notifications & Actions and select “Get screenshots as” to enable thumbnails in the notification.

7. Screenshots Unavailable After Update

Uninstall and reinstall the latest Windows updates or graphics drivers. Check for any pending system updates that may resolve compatibility issues.

8. Third-Party Software Conflict

Disable or uninstall any third-party screen capture software that may be interfering with the default screenshot functionality.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If all else fails, try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:

Step	Description
1	Run the System File Checker (SFC) command in an elevated Command Prompt to scan and repair any corrupted system files.
2	Perform a clean boot to eliminate software conflicts that may be preventing screenshots.
3	Check the Device Manager for any outdated or disabled graphics drivers. Update or reinstall the drivers as necessary.

Using the Keyboard

Press the “Print Screen” key. This will capture a screenshot of the entire screen and copy it to the clipboard.

Using the Start Menu

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Type “Snipping Tool” into the search bar.
3. Click on the “Snipping Tool” icon.
4. Select the type of screenshot you want to take: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Fullscreen.
5. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
6. Click on the “Save” button to save the screenshot.

Using the Action Center

1. Open the Action Center by clicking on the notification icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Click on the “Screenshot” button.
3. The screenshot will be saved to the “Pictures” folder.

Using a Third-Party Screen Capture Tool

There are many third-party screen capture tools available, such as Lightshot, Snipaste, and Greenshot. These tools offer a variety of features, such as annotation, editing, and sharing.

Additional Tips for Effective Screenshots

1. Use a clear and concise title

The title of your screenshot should be descriptive and easy to understand. Avoid using vague or generic titles.

2. Crop the screenshot to remove unnecessary information

If your screenshot contains any unnecessary information, crop it to remove it. This will make the screenshot easier to read and understand.

3. Use annotations to highlight important details

If you want to highlight specific details in your screenshot, use annotations. You can add arrows, text boxes, and other annotations to make your screenshot more informative.

4. Use a consistent style

To make your screenshots look professional, use a consistent style. This includes using the same font, size, and colors throughout all of your screenshots.

5. Save your screenshots in a consistent location

To keep your screenshots organized, save them in a consistent location. This will make it easier to find them later.

6. Use a tool to organize and share your screenshots

If you take a lot of screenshots, consider using a tool to organize and share them. There are many tools available, such as CloudApp, Gyazo, and Imgur.

7. Use a screen recorder to capture videos

If you need to capture a video of your screen, you can use a screen recorder. There are many screen recorders available, such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, and Screencast-O-Matic.

8. Use a virtual machine to capture screenshots of websites

If you need to capture a screenshot of a website that is not accessible on your computer, you can use a virtual machine. Virtual machines allow you to create a virtual environment that is isolated from your computer. This can be useful for capturing screenshots of websites that are blocked by your firewall or that are not compatible with your operating system.

9. Use a screenshot API

If you need to capture screenshots on a regular basis, you can use a screenshot API. Screenshot APIs allow you to programmatically capture screenshots of websites and other applications.

10. Take advantage of built-in screenshot features in specific applications

Application	Screenshot Shortcut
Microsoft Word	Alt + PrtScn
Google Chrome	Ctrl + Shift + PrtScn
Mozilla Firefox	Ctrl + Shift + PrtScn
Safari	Command + Shift + 3

How to Screenshot on Acer

Acer laptops and desktops offer several methods to capture screenshots. Here’s a guide on how to do it:

**Using the PrtScn key:** Press the “PrtScn” (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. This will capture an image of your entire screen.
**Using the Snipping Tool:** Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar. With the tool open, you can select a specific area of the screen to capture.
**Using the Xbox Game Bar:** Open the Xbox Game Bar by pressing “Win + G.” Click on the “Capture” button to take a screenshot of your entire screen. You can also record videos using this method.
**Using the Snip & Sketch app:** Search for “Snip & Sketch” in the Windows search bar. This app provides more advanced options for capturing and editing screenshots.
**Using third-party software:** There are numerous third-party screenshot tools available. Some popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot, and ShareX.