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How do you Print Screen a full page?

Published in Web Page Screenshot 5 mins read

Capturing a full webpage, often referred to as a "full page print screen" or "scrolling screenshot," allows you to save an entire web page, from top to bottom, as a single image file. This is incredibly useful for archiving content, sharing detailed layouts, or documenting online information.

To print screen a full page, you typically use your web browser's built-in tools, a browser extension, or specialized screenshot software.

How to Capture a Full Web Page Screenshot

The most straightforward way to capture an entire web page is by utilizing your web browser's native screenshot functionality. This method is often quick and doesn't require installing additional software.

Method 1: Using Browser Built-in Tools

Many modern web browsers offer a built-in feature to take a full-page screenshot. This is often accessible through a shortcut or a context menu.

Quick Steps for Many Browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge):

  1. With the web page you wish to capture open, press Ctrl + Shift + S on Windows or Command + Shift + S on Mac.
  2. Look for an option to "Capture full page" or similar within the screenshot tool that appears.
  3. Click the save icon (often resembling a floppy disk) to save the captured image to your computer.

Let's explore common browser-specific methods in more detail:

1. Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge

These Chromium-based browsers share similar powerful built-in screenshot capabilities, often accessed via their developer tools.

  • Using the Screenshot Tool (Simplified):

    1. Open the web page.
    2. Press Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + S (Mac). This activates the screenshot tool.
    3. Select the "Full page" option within the tool.
    4. The screenshot will be automatically downloaded or presented for saving.
  • Using Developer Tools (Advanced):

    1. Open the desired web page in Chrome or Edge.
    2. Press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) / Command + Option + I (Mac) to open Developer Tools.
    3. Once Developer Tools are open, press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) / Command + Shift + P (Mac) to open the Command Menu.
    4. Type screenshot into the Command Menu.
    5. Select "Capture full size screenshot" from the options.
    6. The browser will automatically capture the entire page and save it as a PNG file to your downloads folder.

    For more details, refer to Google Chrome's official documentation on taking screenshots: Chrome Developer Tools: Capture screenshots

2. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox has a very user-friendly built-in screenshot tool that makes capturing full pages simple.

  • Steps:

    1. Open the web page in Firefox.
    2. Right-click anywhere on the page.
    3. Select "Take Screenshot" from the context menu.
    4. In the screenshot interface that appears, choose "Save full page" on the top right.
    5. You can then either "Download" the image directly or "Copy" it to your clipboard.

    Learn more about Firefox screenshots: Take screenshots in Firefox

3. Safari (Mac Only)

Safari on macOS doesn't have a direct "full page screenshot" option in the same way Chrome or Firefox do. However, you can achieve this using its developer tools.

  • Steps:
    1. First, ensure Safari's Develop menu is enabled: Go to Safari > Settings > Advanced, and check "Show Develop menu in menu bar."
    2. Open the web page you want to capture.
    3. Go to Develop > Show Web Inspector (or press Command + Option + I).
    4. In the Web Inspector, select the "Elements" tab.
    5. Right-click on the <html> tag (or the <body> tag) in the Elements panel.
    6. Select "Capture Screenshot."
    7. Safari will save the full page as a PNG file.

Method 2: Using Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are a popular and often more feature-rich way to take full-page screenshots, offering annotations, editing, and various save formats.

  • Popular Extensions:

  • General Steps for Extensions:

    1. Install your chosen full-page screenshot extension from your browser's add-on store.
    2. Navigate to the web page you wish to capture.
    3. Click on the extension's icon in your browser's toolbar.
    4. Follow the extension's prompts, typically clicking a "Full Page" or "Capture Entire Page" button.
    5. The extension will process the page and usually open a new tab where you can view, edit, or save the screenshot.

Method 3: Using Dedicated Screenshot Software

For more professional needs or if you require advanced editing capabilities, specialized screenshot software offers comprehensive tools.

  • Examples:

    • Snagit (Windows/Mac): A powerful paid tool known for its extensive capture options, editing suite, and organization features. It excels at scrolling captures.
    • ShareX (Windows): A free and open-source tool offering a vast array of capture modes, editing, and integration with many online services. It handles scrolling captures effectively.
  • General Steps for Software:

    1. Install and launch your preferred screenshot software.
    2. Look for a "Scrolling Capture" or "Full Page Capture" option within the software's interface.
    3. Initiate the capture and then click on the window of your web browser containing the page you want to capture.
    4. The software will automatically scroll down the page and stitch together the full image.
    5. You can then edit, annotate, and save the image.

By utilizing these methods, you can efficiently capture any full web page exactly as it appears in your browser.