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How do you take a picture of Zoom?

Published in Zoom Meeting Screenshots 5 mins read

How to Take a Picture of Zoom?

Taking a "picture of Zoom" typically refers to capturing a screenshot of your active Zoom meeting or the Zoom application window. This can be useful for various purposes, such as saving important information, capturing memorable moments, or troubleshooting.

Capturing Your Zoom Meeting on a Mac

If you are using a Mac, you can easily take a screenshot of your active Zoom meeting window with a specific key combination. This method targets a single window, ensuring you capture only what's relevant in your Zoom session.

To quickly take a picture of your Zoom meeting window on a Mac:

  1. Open the Zoom meeting you wish to capture. Ensure the Zoom window is active and visible on your screen.
  2. Press and hold the Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 + Space bar keys at the same time.
  3. Your mouse cursor will change into a camera icon. Move this camera icon over the Zoom meeting window you want to capture.
  4. Click on the Zoom meeting window with the camera icon to take the screenshot.
  5. A thumbnail preview of your screenshot will appear in the corner of your screen. You can click on this thumbnail to edit, annotate, or share the image. By default, the screenshot is saved as a .png file on your desktop.

For more detailed information on macOS screenshots, you can refer to Apple's official support page.

General Methods for Taking Screenshots of Zoom Meetings

While the Mac method provides precise window capture, other operating systems and devices offer various ways to take screenshots of your Zoom sessions.

For Windows Users

Windows provides several built-in tools for taking screenshots:

  • Print Screen (PrtScn) Key:
    • Press the PrtScn key (often labeled "Print Screen" or "PrtSc") to copy the entire screen to your clipboard.
    • To capture only the active window (e.g., your Zoom meeting), press Alt + PrtScn.
    • You then need to paste the image into an image editor (like Paint) or a document to save it.
  • Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch:
    • These tools offer more control, allowing you to select a specific area, window, or the entire screen.
    • To open Snip & Sketch, press Windows Key + Shift + S. Your screen will dim, and you can select the screenshot mode (rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip) and drag to select the area.
    • For more information on Windows screenshot tools, visit Microsoft Support.

For Mobile Devices (iOS & Android)

Taking screenshots on smartphones and tablets is usually straightforward:

  • iPhone/iPad:
    • Newer models (Face ID): Simultaneously press the Side button and the Volume Up button, then quickly release both.
    • Older models (Home button): Simultaneously press the Home button and the Top or Side button, then quickly release both.
    • A thumbnail will appear, which you can tap to edit or share. Learn more at Apple's iPhone support.
  • Android Devices:
    • The most common method is to press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time for a couple of seconds.
    • Some Android phones may have different gestures or quick settings options (e.g., swiping down with three fingers or a screenshot button in the notification shade).
    • Thumbnails usually appear briefly, and screenshots are saved in your Photos or Gallery app. Find more details on Android screenshots at Google Support.

Why Screenshot Your Zoom Meeting?

People take pictures of their Zoom meetings for several practical reasons:

  • Note-taking: Quickly capture important slides, shared documents, or whiteboard sessions without pausing the meeting.
  • Capturing Moments: Save a snapshot of a special event, family gathering, or a memorable webinar speaker.
  • Troubleshooting: Take a picture of an error message or a technical issue to share with IT support.
  • Record-keeping: Document attendance, discussions, or specific visual information for future reference.

Tips for Effective Zoom Screenshots

To ensure your screenshots are clear and useful, consider these tips:

  • Privacy Awareness: Be mindful of sensitive information displayed on screen and respect the privacy of other participants. If sharing publicly, consider blurring faces or private data.
  • Minimize Distractions: Close unnecessary applications or browser tabs before taking a screenshot to ensure only the Zoom window is visible.
  • Optimal View: Adjust your Zoom view (e.g., Speaker View or Gallery View) to best capture what you need.
  • High Quality: Ensure your screen resolution is set appropriately for clear captures.

Quick Reference: Common Screenshot Shortcuts

For a quick overview of common screenshot methods across different operating systems:

Operating System Entire Screen Specific Window Custom Area
macOS Shift + Command + 3 Shift + Command + 4 + Space bar Shift + Command + 4
Windows PrtScn Alt + PrtScn Windows Key + Shift + S
iOS Side/Power Button + Volume Up/Home (N/A - captures full screen) (N/A - captures full screen)
Android Power Button + Volume Down (N/A - captures full screen) (N/A - captures full screen)