Hey guys! Ever wondered how to take a screenshot on your Windows machine using a compact 60% keyboard? It might seem tricky at first, especially if you're used to having a dedicated Print Screen key. But don't worry, it's totally doable, and I'm here to walk you through it step by step. This guide will cover everything from the basic methods to some cool alternative techniques. So, let's dive in and unlock the screen-capturing potential of your 60% keyboard!

Understanding the 60% Keyboard Layout

Before we jump into the methods, let's quickly understand what makes a 60% keyboard unique. Unlike full-sized keyboards, 60% keyboards chop off the number pad, function row, and dedicated navigation keys (like the arrow keys, Delete, Insert, Page Up, and Page Down). This compact design saves desk space and makes it more ergonomic for some users. However, this also means that some keys are missing, including the Print Screen key, which is our main focus here.

Missing Keys and the Function Layer

So, where did the Print Screen key go? The answer lies in the function layer. Most 60% keyboards have an Fn key (usually located near the bottom right corner). This key activates a secondary function for other keys on the keyboard. Think of it like holding the Shift key to type capital letters, but instead of changing letters, it changes the function of other keys. The Print Screen function is usually mapped to one of the keys on the number row (the row with the numbers 1 through 0). To find it, look for a small PrtScn label printed on the front or side of one of these keys. It might be combined with another function, like Insert or Scroll Lock.

Why Use a 60% Keyboard?

You might be wondering, why would anyone choose a keyboard that's missing keys? Well, there are several reasons! Many users, especially gamers and programmers, prefer the compact size and the extra desk space it provides. A 60% keyboard allows you to keep your hands closer together, which can be more comfortable and ergonomic for long typing sessions. Plus, they look pretty cool, and you can customize them with different keycaps and layouts to match your style. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your workflow.

Method 1: Using the Fn Key Combination

Okay, let's get to the main event: taking screenshots! The most common method for screen capturing on a 60% keyboard involves using the Fn key in combination with the key that's mapped to the Print Screen function. This is usually the easiest and most direct way to capture your screen.

Steps to Capture a Screenshot

1. Locate the Fn Key: Find the Fn key on your keyboard. It's usually near the bottom left or right corner. It often has a different color or label than the other keys.
2. Find the Print Screen Key: Look for the PrtScn label on one of the keys on the number row. It might be combined with another function, so check the front or side of the key.
3. Press the Key Combination: Hold down the Fn key and press the key with the PrtScn label. This will capture a screenshot of your entire screen and copy it to your clipboard.
4. Paste the Screenshot: Open an image editing program like Paint, Photoshop, or GIMP. You can also use a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Press Ctrl + V (or right-click and select Paste) to paste the screenshot into the program.
5. Save the Screenshot: Save the image to your desired location and format (like JPEG or PNG).

Troubleshooting

• Nothing Happens?: Make sure you're holding down the Fn key while pressing the Print Screen key. Also, double-check that you've located the correct key with the PrtScn label. Some keyboards might have slightly different layouts.
• Incorrect Key Mapping?: If the key combination isn't working, your keyboard might have a different key mapping. Consult your keyboard's manual or software to find the correct key combination for Print Screen.

Method 2: Using the Windows Key + Fn + Print Screen

Sometimes, just using the Fn key and Print Screen key together might not automatically save the screenshot as a file. In this case, you can use a combination of the Windows key, Fn key, and Print Screen key to directly save the screenshot to your Pictures folder.

Steps to Capture and Save a Screenshot

1. Locate the Windows Key: Find the Windows key on your keyboard. It usually has the Windows logo on it and is located near the bottom left corner.
2. Press the Key Combination: Hold down the Windows key and the Fn key, and then press the key with the PrtScn label. The screen might dim briefly, indicating that a screenshot has been taken.
3. Locate the Screenshot: Open File Explorer and navigate to your Pictures folder. Inside, you'll find a folder called Screenshots. Your newly captured screenshot should be there, saved as a PNG file.

Benefits of This Method

This method is super convenient because it automatically saves the screenshot for you, so you don't have to paste it into an image editor. It's great for quickly capturing and saving multiple screenshots without interrupting your workflow. Plus, it keeps your screenshots organized in a dedicated folder.

Method 3: Using the Snipping Tool

Windows has a built-in tool called the Snipping Tool that allows you to capture specific parts of your screen. This is super useful when you don't want to capture the entire screen, but just a specific window or area.

Steps to Use the Snipping Tool

1. Open the Snipping Tool: Type "Snipping Tool" in the Windows search bar and press Enter. The Snipping Tool window will appear.
2. Select the Snip Type: Click on the "Mode" dropdown menu to choose the type of snip you want to create. You can select from:Free-form Snip: Draw a free-form shape around the area you want to capture.
   • Rectangular Snip: Drag a rectangle around the area you want to capture.
   • Window Snip: Capture an entire window.
   • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen (same as the Print Screen key).
3. Capture the Snip: Click the "New" button (or press Ctrl + N) and follow the instructions to capture your snip. For example, if you selected Rectangular Snip, click and drag your mouse to draw a rectangle around the area you want to capture.
4. Save the Snip: The captured snip will appear in the Snipping Tool window. Click the Save button (or press Ctrl + S) to save the snip to your desired location and format.

Advantages of the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool offers more flexibility and control over your screenshots compared to the Print Screen key. You can easily capture specific parts of your screen, add annotations, and save the snips in different formats. It's a great tool for creating tutorials, capturing error messages, or sharing specific information from your screen.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools

If you're looking for even more advanced features and customization options, you can use third-party screenshot tools. There are tons of great options available, both free and paid, that offer a wide range of features.

Popular Screenshot Tools

• Lightshot: A lightweight and easy-to-use tool that allows you to quickly capture screenshots, add annotations, and upload them to the cloud.
• Greenshot: An open-source screenshot tool that offers a wide range of features, including scrolling capture, image editing, and integration with various cloud storage services.
• ShareX: A powerful and versatile screenshot tool that offers advanced features like screen recording, workflow automation, and custom hotkeys.
• Snagit: A professional-grade screenshot and screen recording tool that offers advanced editing features, collaboration tools, and integration with other software.

Benefits of Third-Party Tools

Third-party screenshot tools often offer features that are not available in the built-in Windows tools, such as scrolling capture (capturing entire web pages), advanced image editing, cloud storage integration, and custom hotkeys. They can also streamline your workflow and make it easier to capture, edit, and share screenshots.

Customizing Your Keyboard Layout (Optional)

If you find yourself taking screenshots frequently, you might want to consider customizing your keyboard layout to make the Print Screen function more accessible. This might involve remapping a key to the Print Screen function or creating a custom macro.

Using Keyboard Mapping Software

There are several keyboard mapping software programs available that allow you to remap keys on your keyboard. These programs typically allow you to assign any function to any key, so you can easily move the Print Screen function to a more convenient location.

Creating Custom Macros

Some advanced keyboards and software allow you to create custom macros, which are sequences of actions that can be triggered by a single keypress. You could create a macro that presses the Fn key and the Print Screen key, and then assign that macro to a dedicated key on your keyboard.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Taking screenshots on a Windows machine with a 60% keyboard is totally manageable once you know the tricks. Whether you're using the Fn key combination, the Windows key shortcut, the Snipping Tool, or a third-party app, you've got plenty of options to capture your screen. Experiment with these methods and find the one that works best for your workflow. Happy screenshotting, guys!