Want the Print Screen key to do more than copy the whole desktop? PrtScr takes over the key so you can grab a window, rectangle or freehand area, draw on it as you capture, and then save, email or print the result. A magnifier reads pixel colors and coordinates too.
Capture and annotate
PrtScr responds to the Print Screen key, Ctrl+Print Screen, or a custom shortcut. Capture the entire screen, the active window, or a rectangle or freehand region; cursor capture and multi-monitor setups are supported. During a capture, draw annotations with the right mouse button, then use the left button to select and finish the area. Ctrl changes the drawing or selection to a rectangle.
The preview offers several next steps: send the image to the clipboard, save it to the desktop or another file location, email it, print it, or open it in the associated image editor. Export choices include JPG, BMP, and PNG, and the image can be resized before export. JPG and BMP produce opaque images; PNG can retain transparency around a freehand selection.
- Use Alt+Print Screen to capture the topmost window.
- Press Space or Return during capture to select the whole screen.
- The capture title can use the active window’s title, and a browser URL can populate the comment.
What does the magnifier mode show?
Magnifier mode zooms into a capture and lets you pan around it by dragging. It can display pixel coordinates, measure a selected rectangle, and read an individual pixel’s color or an average color across a selection. The color value is copied to the text clipboard in hexadecimal RGB form, with the channel order formatted as BBGGRR.
Shortcut and preview workflow
PrtScr can start with Windows and take over the usual Print Screen action, or it can be opened manually with a chosen shortcut. While selecting an area, the left mouse button completes the capture; right-click drawing adds marks beforehand. The mouse wheel adjusts annotation thickness, and Delete or Backspace removes the latest mark. Escape cancels the capture.
After capture, the preview can be dragged into other tools. When a title is supplied, PrtScr can use it in generated filenames; comments appear at the lower-left of the resulting image.
Pros
- Captures full screens, windows, rectangles, and freehand selections
- Supports cursor capture and multiple monitors
- Exports JPG, BMP, and PNG images
- Magnifier reads pixel colors and copies their values to the clipboard
Cons
- No screen video recording
- No cloud upload or share links
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
Does PrtScr replace the Print Screen key?
It can. Set it to start with Windows and it handles Print Screen, Ctrl+Print Screen and Alt+Print Screen, or choose a custom shortcut instead.
How do I draw on a screenshot before completing it?
Draw with the right mouse button during capture, then select the area with the left button. Hold Ctrl for rectangular marks, and use the mouse wheel to change line thickness.
Can PrtScr inspect colors in a screenshot?
Yes. Magnifier mode reads a pixel's color or the average of a selection and copies the hex value to the clipboard.
Which formats can it save?
JPG, BMP and PNG. PNG keeps transparency around freehand selections.