Take a screenshot

Create smaller image files by using your device’s screenshot function

Some applications will generate large image files. To create a smaller version, you can capture a screenshot of the image and use that file instead. This can be helpful when using platforms like Canvas that employ storage quotas or limits.

On a Macintosh, you can either:
–          save the screenshot as a file: This will save the file as a .png to your computer. Then you can upload it to Canvas or another app.
or
–          copy it to your clipboard: This allows you to quickly paste the image in any application that will allow you to do so (e.g. most Microsoft apps such as Word), as opposed to uploading it.

On Windows, the screenshot will generally save to your clipboard. Then you can save it as a file by opening an image editing app (e.g. Paint), then pasting the image and saving the file.

Please note that Canvas will not allow you to paste a screenshot. Instead, the image must be saved as a file before being uploaded.

The steps for taking a screenshot will vary by device. Below are the instructions for Mac and Windows.

Macintosh computers

Take a screenshot and save it as a file

1. To save a portion of the screen to your computer, on your keyboard press Command–Shift–4 simultaneously:
2. Your cursor will change to a cross-hair. Click and drag to select the area you wish to capture.
3. Release the mouse button.
4. The image will automatically save by default as a .png file to your desktop. It will be called Screen Shot with the date and time, for example:
5. You can upload it to another app as needed.

Take a screenshot and paste it

1. To copy a portion of the screen to the clipboard, on your keyboard press Command–Control–Shift–4 simultaneously:
2. Your cursor will change to a cross-hair. Click and drag to select the area you wish to capture.
3. Release the mouse button.
4. In your other application (e.g. Word), paste the screenshot.

Windows computers

1. To copy a portion of the screen to the clipboard, on your keyboard press the Windows key + Shift + S:
2. Your cursor will change to a cross-hair. Click and drag to select the area you wish to capture.
3. Release the mouse button.
4. In your other application (e.g. Word), paste the screenshot.

   If you wish to save it as a file instead of copy-pasting it, then open an image editing program (e.g. Paint). Paste it there, then save it as a .png or .jpg file.

   A JPG file should be fine in most cases. (While the quality of JPEG files might be slightly diminished due to compression, the file size will be smaller.)