Print screen (often abbreviated, such as Prt Scr) is a key present on most computer keyboards, typically situated in the same section as the break and SysRq keys. Under earlier command-line based operating systems, this caused an exact copy of the current screen output to be sent to the standard printer port, usually LPT1. In essence, whatever was currently on the screen when the key was pressed was printed.

Use today

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Newer-generation operating systems using a graphical interface tend to copy a bitmap image of the current screen to their clipboard or comparable storage area, which can be inserted into documents as a screenshot. Some shells allow modification of the exact behaviour using keys such as control. In Microsoft Windows, pressing print screen will capture the entire screen, but pressing the Alt key in combination with print screen will capture the currently selected window. You can then 'paste' in such programs as Microsoft Paint, and you will get a 'paste' of the screen or window that was previously on your screen. Proceeding to save the Microsoft Paint document will create a screenshot of what was selected when you pressed 'Prt Scr'.

Computer keys

Print screen | Print Screen