Using the Built-in Windows Key and Volume Down Button
The Surface Pro offers a convenient and straightforward method for capturing screenshots using the built-in Windows key and the volume down button. This method is quick and easy, requiring no additional applications or tools.
To take a screenshot, simply locate the Windows key on the device. It is typically located at the bottom of the display, in the center of the bezel. At the same time, press and hold the volume down button, which is usually found on the right side of the device. When you press both buttons simultaneously, you will see the screen momentarily dim and hear a camera shutter sound, indicating that the screenshot has been successfully captured.
The captured screenshot will be saved in the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” directory on your Surface Pro. You can access the folder by opening the File Explorer and navigating to the appropriate location. From there, you can easily view, edit, share, or delete the captured screenshots as desired.
This method is especially useful for capturing full-screen screenshots of your Surface Pro’s display. Whether you need to save a picture, capture an error message, or share something interesting, this built-in feature provides a quick and accessible way to capture and save screenshots on your device.
It’s important to note that this method captures the entire screen, including the taskbar and any open windows. If you want to capture only a specific area of the screen, you may need to explore other methods, such as using the Snipping Tool or third-party screenshot tools.
Using the Snipping Tool
Another method to capture screenshots on a Surface Pro is to use the Snipping Tool, a built-in application available in Windows operating systems. This tool provides more flexibility in selecting and capturing specific areas of your screen.
To access the Snipping Tool, you can either search for it in the Windows search bar or locate it in the Windows Accessories folder in the Start menu. Once opened, the Snipping Tool window will appear with several options for capturing screenshots:
- New: Click on this option to capture a new screenshot.
- Mode: Choose from various snipping modes, such as Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen, depending on your preference.
- Delay: If you need to capture a specific action or dropdown menu, you can set a delay before the screenshot is taken.
Once you have configured the desired options, click on the “New” button to initiate the screenshot process. Your screen will fade, and you can then use your mouse or Surface Pen to select the specific area you want to capture. After releasing the mouse button or lifting the Surface Pen, the selected area will be captured, and a preview will open within the Snipping Tool window.
From the preview, you can use various tools in the Snipping Tool to make annotations, highlights, or crops before saving the screenshot. After making any necessary edits, click on the “Save” button to save the screenshot in your preferred location on your Surface Pro.
The Snipping Tool is a versatile and user-friendly option for capturing and editing screenshots on your Surface Pro. Whether you need to capture a specific window, a rectangular area, or a free-form selection, this tool provides the flexibility and functionality to meet your screenshot needs.
While the Snipping Tool is a powerful tool, it may not offer more advanced features like timed captures, scrolling captures, or built-in sharing options. In such cases, you can explore other alternative methods like using third-party screenshot tools or the Windows Game Bar for capturing specific types of screenshots.
Using the Windows Game Bar
The Windows Game Bar, originally designed for gaming purposes, can also be utilized to capture screenshots on a Surface Pro. This built-in feature provides a convenient way to capture both gameplay and other screen activities.
To access the Windows Game Bar, simply press the Windows key + G on your Surface Pro. This will bring up the Game Bar overlay, which provides several options including capturing screenshots.
Once the Game Bar is open, look for the “Capture” button or press the Windows key + Alt + PrtScn on your keyboard to capture a screenshot. Your screen will briefly flash, indicating that the screenshot has been successfully taken. The captured screenshot will automatically be saved in the “Captures” folder within the “Videos” directory on your Surface Pro.
Unlike the previous methods, the Windows Game Bar allows you to capture screenshots of specific windows or applications, rather than the entire screen. To capture a specific window or area, you can use the “Capture” button in the Game Bar overlay, which provides options for capturing the active window or selecting a specific area on the screen.
In addition to capturing screenshots, the Windows Game Bar offers additional features such as recording gameplay, capturing videos, and accessing various settings for gaming purposes. It’s important to note that some functionality may not be available in certain applications or when using the Surface Pro in tablet mode.
The Windows Game Bar is a handy tool for capturing screenshots on your Surface Pro, especially if you’re interested in capturing specific windows or application interfaces. Although primarily designed for gaming, its screenshot functionality can be beneficial for a wide range of screen capture needs.
If the Windows Game Bar doesn’t meet your requirements or you need more advanced screenshot features, there are several third-party screenshot tools available for download that offer additional functionality and customization options.
Using the Print Screen Key and Windows Ink Workspace
On a Surface Pro, you can utilize the traditional Print Screen key in combination with the Windows Ink Workspace for capturing and annotating screenshots. This method allows you to easily capture and edit screenshots using the Surface Pen or touchscreen.
To capture a screenshot using the Print Screen key, simply press the key labeled PrtScn or PrtSc on your keyboard. This captures the entire screen and saves the screenshot to your clipboard.
Next, open the Windows Ink Workspace by clicking on the taskbar icon shaped like a pen or by pressing the Windows key + W. Once in the Windows Ink Workspace, click on the “Screen Sketch” option, which resembles a square-shaped sketchpad.
Upon opening Screen Sketch, you will see the screenshot from your clipboard as the background. Here, you can use the Surface Pen or your finger to annotate, draw, or highlight specific areas of the screenshot as needed. You can also use the toolbar at the top of the screen to access additional tools like a pen, eraser, and ruler.
After making your desired edits and annotations, you can save the annotated screenshot by clicking on the disk icon in the top-left corner. In addition to saving the image, you can also copy and share it directly from the Windows Ink Workspace.
The combination of the Print Screen key and the Windows Ink Workspace offers a versatile method for capturing and editing screenshots on your Surface Pro. Whether you need to emphasize specific elements, add handwritten notes, or mark up the screenshot for educational or collaborative purposes, this method provides a seamless way to do so.
If you don’t have access to a keyboard or prefer a more streamlined approach, you can use the Surface Pen in combination with OneNote to capture screenshots and make annotations directly within the note-taking application.
Note that the Windows Ink Workspace may not be available on all Surface Pro models or may require the Windows 10 Creators Update or a subsequent version of Windows to be installed.
Using the Surface Pen and OneNote
If you own a Surface Pro and have a Surface Pen, you can leverage this powerful combination to capture screenshots and seamlessly annotate them using the Microsoft OneNote application. This method is ideal for those who prefer a more interactive and flexible approach to capturing and editing screenshots.
To get started, ensure that your Surface Pro is equipped with a Surface Pen. First, open the OneNote application, which comes pre-installed on Surface devices. Create a new note or open an existing one where you want to insert the screenshot.
Once in OneNote, there are two ways to capture a screenshot using the Surface Pen:
1. Surface Pen Button: On the Surface Pen, there is a small button located near the top. Press and hold this button, then tap your Surface Pen on the screen where you want to capture the screenshot. The screen will momentarily dim, indicating that the screenshot has been captured and saved to your OneNote page.
2. Screen Clipping: Alternatively, you can use the Surface Pen to perform a screen clipping. Tap the eraser end of the Surface Pen twice quickly, and your screen will fade, allowing you to select the specific area you wish to capture. By dragging the Surface Pen tip across the screen, you can create a selection box around the desired area. When you release the Surface Pen, the captured screenshot will be inserted into your OneNote page.
Once the screenshot is inserted into your OneNote page, you can use the Surface Pen to annotate, draw, highlight, or add handwritten notes as needed. OneNote offers a variety of digital ink tools and colors to customize your annotations and enhance the visual appeal of your screenshots.
Furthermore, as OneNote automatically synchronizes across your devices, you can access and edit your captured screenshots on various platforms, making it a convenient option for cross-device usage and collaboration.
The combination of the Surface Pen and OneNote provides an intuitive and interactive method for capturing and annotating screenshots on your Surface Pro. Whether you need to add detailed annotations, brainstorm ideas, or create dynamic presentations, this method offers a versatile solution for all your screenshot needs.
Keep in mind that the availability of the Surface Pen and OneNote may vary depending on your Surface Pro model and the version of Windows installed on your device.
Using the Surface Pro Type Cover Shortcut
If you have a Surface Pro Type Cover, you can take advantage of a convenient keyboard shortcut to capture screenshots quickly and easily. This method eliminates the need to use any additional buttons or tools, making it a seamless option for capturing screenshots on your Surface Pro.
To capture a screenshot using the Surface Pro Type Cover shortcut, follow these steps:
- Press the Fn key located at the bottom left corner of the Type Cover keyboard.
- While holding down the Fn key, press the Spacebar key.
By simultaneously pressing the Fn and Spacebar keys, you will take a screenshot of the entire screen on your Surface Pro. The captured screenshot will be saved to the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” directory on your device.
This shortcut is especially convenient for users who frequently need to capture full-screen screenshots without the need to navigate through menus or use external tools. It allows for quick and efficient capture of everything displayed on your Surface Pro’s screen.
After capturing the screenshot, you can access it by opening the File Explorer and navigating to the “Screenshots” folder. From there, you can easily view, edit, or share the captured screenshots as desired.
While this method captures the entire screen, including the taskbar and open windows, if you prefer to capture a specific area or window, you may want to explore other screenshot methods, such as the Snipping Tool or the Windows Game Bar.
The Surface Pro Type Cover shortcut provides a convenient and straightforward way to capture full-screen screenshots on your Surface Pro. With a simple key combination, you can capture and access screenshots quickly without the need for additional applications or tools.
Keep in mind that this shortcut is specific to the Surface Pro Type Cover and may not be available on other keyboard covers or devices.
Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools
While the built-in methods for capturing screenshots on a Surface Pro are convenient and effective, there are also third-party screenshot tools available that offer additional features and customization options. These tools can enhance your screenshot capturing experience and provide more flexibility in capturing and editing screenshots on your Surface Pro.
One popular third-party screenshot tool is Snagit. Snagit offers a wide range of features, including the ability to capture a specific region, window, or scrolling area. It also provides various editing options such as annotations, shapes, blur effects, and even screen recording capabilities. With Snagit, you can capture and edit screenshots with precision and easily share them across different platforms.
Another notable tool is Lightshot, a lightweight screenshot tool that allows you to capture and edit screenshots quickly. Lightshot offers instant editing features such as drawing, highlighting, and adding text annotations. It also provides options to save or upload screenshots for easy sharing or storing in the cloud.
If you need to capture screenshots for documentation or technical purposes, Greenshot is a popular choice. Greenshot offers advanced capturing options and productivity features, such as capturing a specific region, an entire window, or the full screen. It also provides extensive customization options for annotations and supports various file formats for saving and exporting screenshots.
These are just a few examples of the many third-party screenshot tools available for Surface Pro users. Each tool offers its own unique features and interface, so it’s important to evaluate your specific needs and preferences when choosing a tool to enhance your screenshot capturing workflow.
Before installing any third-party screenshot tool, it’s essential to conduct research, read reviews, and ensure that the tool is from a reputable source. Additionally, be cautious as some tools may include additional features or functionality that you may not need or want.
Using third-party screenshot tools can significantly enhance your screenshot capturing experience on a Surface Pro. These tools offer advanced features, customization options, and increased efficiency in capturing and editing screenshots, allowing you to tailor your screenshots to your specific requirements.
Remember to explore the features and compatibility of each tool before installation to find the one that best suits your needs and enhances your screenshot capturing experience on the Surface Pro.
Tips for Taking Screenshots on a Surface Pro
When capturing screenshots on your Surface Pro, there are several tips and tricks you can utilize to enhance your screenshot-taking process. These tips can help you capture the desired content, improve the quality of your screenshots, and make the overall experience more efficient.
- Know your options: Familiarize yourself with the various built-in methods for taking screenshots on your Surface Pro. These include using the Windows key and volume down button, the Snipping Tool, the Windows Game Bar, the Print Screen key and Windows Ink Workspace, and the Surface Pen with OneNote.
- Use shortcut keys: Keyboard shortcuts, such as the Print Screen key or the Surface Pro Type Cover shortcut, provide quick and easy ways to capture screenshots without needing to navigate through menus or use additional tools.
- Explore third-party tools: Consider using third-party screenshot tools like Snagit, Lightshot, or Greenshot to access additional features and customization options for capturing and editing screenshots.
- Master the Snipping Tool: If you need to capture specific regions or windows, take advantage of the Snipping Tool and its various snipping modes and editing options.
- Utilize annotation tools: Whether using built-in tools or third-party applications, make use of annotation features to highlight, draw, or add text to your screenshots for better clarity and understanding.
- Consider timing: If you need to capture time-sensitive content or specific actions, utilize delay options available in certain tools to set a short delay before the screenshot is captured.
- Organize your screenshots: Create a dedicated folder or utilize a screenshot management application to keep your screenshots organized for later access or reference.
- Think about file formats: Consider the file format in which you save your screenshots. Choose the format that best suits your needs, whether it is PNG, JPEG, GIF, or others.
- Experiment with settings: Explore the settings of the built-in screenshot tools or third-party applications to customize the output quality, file naming conventions, and other preferences to align with your requirements.
- Share and collaborate: Take advantage of the built-in sharing options or integration with cloud storage platforms to easily share your captured screenshots with others or collaborate on projects.
By following these tips and utilizing the available tools and features on your Surface Pro, you can capture screenshots effectively, efficiently, and tailor them to your specific needs. Remember to practice and experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your preferences and improves your screenshot-taking workflow.
