This article will outline how to take screenshots on Windows and Apple computers, along with iOS and Android mobile devices.
Whether in live chat or a traditional support ticket, screenshots can greatly assist support representatives in effectively (and efficiently) resolving your inquiry.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Mac
Apple computers provide extremely convenient screenshot functionality.
You can press Command-Shift-3 to capture the entire screen, or Command-Shift-4 to open a crosshair pointer which you drag over the portion of the screen you wish to capture.
By default, the captured image will be saved as a .png on your desktop.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC
Different versions of Windows have a number of ways to take screenshots.
The way that works across all versions is to press the Print Screen key, which copies an image of the entire screen. You can then paste the image in an editing program (most likely Paint) by pressing Control-V with the program open.
You can then save the image as is, or use Paint's cropping tools to save only the desired portion.
Windows 7 and above allow functionality similar to Mac's Command-Shift-4 command via the Snipping Tool, located by clicking the Start button, selecting All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then selecting Snipping Tool.
Windows 8 and above allow users to the Windows and Print Screen keys simultaneously to capture the entire screen, and this image is then saved in a special Screenshots folder inside the Pictures library.
How to Take a Screenshot on an iOS Device
Pressing the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons simultaneously on your iPhone or iPad will save a screenshot to your Photos library.
How to Take a Screenshot on an Android Device
Pressing the volume down and power buttons simultaneously on your Android device will take a screenshot. If your device has an iPhone-esque home button instead, pressing power and home simultaneously will take the screenshot.