How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot in Windows 10
Taking a scrolling screenshot in Windows 10 involves capturing an image of content that extends beyond the visible screen. It’s perfect for saving long web pages, documents, or any other content that requires scrolling. To do this, you’ll need to use a third-party tool like PicPick or ShareX, as Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in scrolling screenshot feature.
How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot in Windows 10
We’ll use the free software called ShareX to take a scrolling screenshot. Follow these steps to capture an entire page or document that extends beyond your screen.
Step 1: Download and Install ShareX
First, head to the official ShareX website and download the software. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the prompts to install it on your system.
ShareX is a powerful open-source tool that offers a variety of screen capture options. It’s free and lightweight, making it a great choice for taking scrolling screenshots.
Step 2: Open the Program
After installing ShareX, open the program from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.
When you launch ShareX, you’ll see a comprehensive interface with multiple options. Don’t be overwhelmed; you’ll only need a few features for this task.
Step 3: Choose Scrolling Capture
In the ShareX interface, click on ‘Capture’ from the left sidebar, then select ‘Scrolling capture’ from the dropdown menu.
The ‘Scrolling capture’ option lets you capture content that requires scrolling, like a long web page or document.
Step 4: Select the Window
A prompt will appear asking you to select the window you want to capture. Click on the window where your content is displayed.
Make sure the window you select is the one containing the scrollable content you want to capture. This could be your web browser, a document viewer, or any other program.
Step 5: Start Scrolling Capture
After selecting the window, another prompt will ask you to start the scrolling capture. Click ‘Start’ and scroll through the content you want to capture.
As you scroll, ShareX will automatically capture each section of the window. Once you’ve reached the end of the content, the program will stitch the screenshots together into one continuous image.
Once you’ve completed these steps, ShareX will save your scrolling screenshot. You can then edit, annotate, or save it in the format of your choice.
Tips for Taking a Scrolling Screenshot in Windows 10
- Use Full-Screen Mode: If you’re capturing a webpage, switch to full-screen mode to avoid capturing unnecessary browser elements.
- Adjust Scrolling Speed: Control the speed at which you scroll to ensure the screenshot captures all content clearly.
- Edit After Capturing: ShareX has built-in editing tools. Use them to cut, annotate, or highlight sections of your screenshot.
- Regular Updates: Keep ShareX updated to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
- Check File Format: Save your scrolling screenshot in a high-resolution format like PNG for better clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scrolling screenshot?
A scrolling screenshot captures an image of content that extends beyond the visible screen, allowing you to save long documents or web pages in their entirety.
Can I take a scrolling screenshot without third-party software?
No, Windows 10 does not have a built-in feature for scrolling screenshots. You’ll need to use third-party software like ShareX or PicPick.
Is ShareX safe to use?
Yes, ShareX is an open-source tool that is widely regarded as safe. However, always download it from the official website to avoid any security risks.
Are there alternatives to ShareX for scrolling screenshots?
Yes, other options include PicPick, Snagit, and Greenshot, each with its own set of features and functionalities.
Can I edit the screenshot after taking it?
Absolutely! ShareX includes editing tools for annotating, cropping, and highlighting your screenshot. You can also use other image editing software if you prefer.
Summary
- Download and install ShareX.
- Open ShareX.
- Choose ‘Scrolling capture’ from the Capture menu.
- Select the window with the scrollable content.
- Start the scrolling capture and scroll through the content.
Conclusion
Taking a scrolling screenshot in Windows 10 is a breeze once you get the hang of it, especially with a tool like ShareX. This guide has walked you through each step, ensuring you can capture entire web pages, documents, or any other long content with ease. Scrolling screenshots are incredibly useful for preserving information you might need later, sharing detailed content with friends or colleagues, or simply saving a visual reference.
If you found this guide helpful, why not explore more features of ShareX and maximize its potential? Whether you’re a student needing to save long articles or a professional documenting detailed workflows, mastering scrolling screenshots is a valuable skill. Happy capturing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.