How to Use the Print Screen Function in the Vista Operating System

You may need to print what's on your screen to share it with someone.

To show someone what you are doing, sometimes it is necessary to copy exactly what you are seeing on your computer screen. In Windows Vista, you can turn what appears on your monitor into a jpg picture.

Instructions

1. Locate the "Print Screen" button on your keyboard. It will likely be in the top row of buttons and marked "Prt Sc" or "Prnt Scrn" or something like that.

2. Press the "Print Screen" button to capture everything on your computer screen. You may need to push the "Fn" button (next to "Ctrl" at the bottom left of the keyboard) at the same time that you press the "Print Screen" button.

3. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories" and "Paint" to open the Paint program.

4. Press "Ctrl"+"V" to paste the saved screen image into the Paint program.

5. Click "File" and "Save" to save the image. Choose the jpg format in the Save As Type, name the file and click "Save."

Tips & Warnings

• To make the image smaller, press "Ctrl"+"W" and change the top two re-size boxes to 80. Hit "Enter." This will re-size the image to a size that is convenient to use for email attachments or insert into document projects.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Take a Screen Capture (Print Screen)
• Microsoft Windows: Using Paint