Almost everyone takes screenshots or video captures on their computer at least once daily. We use the built-in screenshot tools that come with our operating system or search for third-party apps to do the job for us. But many people don’t know that the built-in tools are often not as handy as third-party apps, and they can often be unreliable and unsafe.
This blog post will discuss some of the best tips for taking reliable, safe screenshots and video captures on your computer.
1. Understand the Different Capture Methods
First up, we have the classic “print screen” option, where you hit the print screen button, paste it into your favorite image editing software, and voila! Next, there’s the ever-convenient snipping tool, where you can draw a box around the area you want to capture and save it as an image. But what about all those action-packed moments you want to capture on video? That’s where recording programs come in handy.
Now, for all my fellow MacBook users, you might wonder, “Is there a snipping tool on MacBook?” Well, fear not – you can use the built-in “screenshot” function by pressing Command + Shift + 3 to capture your whole screen or Command + Shift + 4 to select a specific area to capture. With all these options, capturing your computer screen has never been easier!
2. Select the Right Type of File Format
First, we have JPEGs – the all-around workhorse of the digital imaging world. With its ability to compress images while maintaining a decent level of detail, it’s great for photos, graphics, and anything else you want to save without sacrificing quality. Next, we have the ever-powerful RAW – the ultimate choice for professional photographers looking to capture every nuance and detail in their images. And let’s not forget PNGs, the perfect format for images with transparent backgrounds, and GIFs for short, animated clips.
3. Use the Right Resolution & Aspect Ratio
Picture this: you’ve just captured the screen of your dreams, but when you try to share it with the world, it looks like your cat took a stroll across your computer. Fear not, my friend. The issue could be a simple case of improper resolution and aspect ratio settings. The good news? Adjusting the resolution can be as easy as ordering take-out.
Adjust the pixel count until your image displays the best quality possible. As for aspect ratios, think of it like a baking pan – you wouldn’t bake your mini cupcakes in an 8×8 pan, right? The same goes for your screen captures – adjust accordingly to ensure your perfect image doesn’t appear distorted or squished.
4. Take Good Quality Screenshots & Video Captures
First of all, make sure your graphics settings are optimized for screenshots. This may mean sacrificing some frames per second, but it will be worth it when you get that perfect shot. Additionally, don’t rely on the in-game capture system. Instead, use third-party software for video capture and professional online screenshots tools.
5. Use Editing Software to Enhance Your Captures
So you’ve finally captured that perfect shot, but it’s still imperfect. No worries, my friend, editing software to the rescue! With handy features like auto-cropping and color correction, you can take your impressive captures to the next level. You don’t need a professional photographer to use these editing tools. Grab some popcorn, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to turn those captures into masterpieces with just a few clicks.
6. Evaluate Your Captures Before Sharing Them
You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. But what if those thousand words are not what you intended to convey? Before sharing your captures with the world, take a few moments to evaluate them. Just like you wouldn’t send a text message without spell-checking it first, your captures deserve the same attention. In the digital age, everything you share online or send via email is there forever, so make sure that what you’re sharing is precisely what you want to convey.
Plus, who wants to be that person who shares the blurry, out-of-focus photo of their dinner on Instagram? Not you. Do yourself a favor and give your captures the once-over before hitting that “share” button.
When it comes to capturing screens, quality is key. Remember all of the above tips and you’ll be golden!
