How to Print a Screenshot of Google Maps

Google Maps gives users turn-by-turn directions.

Google Maps provides users with satellite views and political maps complete with labeled roads, parks and even individual buildings. Typing an address into the search bar will cause the camera to swoop around the world and land on the specified point. The many features included with Google Maps make it an invaluable travel tool. However, one feature is missing -- the ability to take screen shots of a map. Having a map in an image format allows the user to edit it in a graphics program, or even print directions right onto a birthday card.

Things You'll Need

• Image editing software

Instructions

Taking a Screenshot

1. Open your Web browser and navigate to Google Maps (see Resources).

2. Enter an address or point of interest to find the location you wish to take a screen shot of. You can do this by clicking and dragging the map with your mouse to manually travel across the map.

3. Position the map so that it is exactly how you would like it to be seen in the screen shot. Zoom in and out using the "+" and "-" buttons on the left edge of the map, or with your mouse wheel.

4. Center the map on your screen and press the "Print Screen" button on your keyboard.

5. Open an image editing program such Microsoft Paint. All PCs come with Microsoft Paint. Click "Create New Document."

6. When you launch Microsoft Paint, it should open with a blank canvass. If it does not, click the Paint menu to the left of the Home tab, and select "New."

7. Click "Paste" button on the toolbar to insert the screen shot of Google Maps into the image editor. An image of your entire screen, including the map, should be pasted on the screen.

8. Click the "Select" button and choose "Rectangular Selection." Click and drag your cursor around the area that you want to be your final image. Click the "Crop" button.

9. Click the "Paint" menu and select "Print."

Tips & Warnings

• Do not copy any text or press "Print Screen" after taking the original screen shot. Since only one item can be saved on the clipboard at a time, these actions will erase your map.

References

• Microsoft: Using Paint

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Google: Google Maps