How to Capture and Save A Screenshot with Zoom


In this day and age of social distancing and remote working or learning, technology plays an important role in our lives. Without services like Zoom, attending an online class or working remotely would be a lot more challenging! Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service that allows teams to stay connected in these troubling times. When it comes to capturing and saving a screenshot while using Zoom, this is what you need to know. 

If you’re using the Zoom desktop software on a device running Windows or macOS operating system, there’s a feature built-in to the software to capture and save a screenshot. If you’re running Zoom on your phone, there is no way to capture a screenshot using Zoom. However, modern phones have built-in screenshotting capabilities to remedy this. 

You can use Zoom practically anywhere; that’s why it is used for remote work. No matter where you’re working, you’ll be able to take a screenshot while on your meeting. This can save the day when you need to quickly capture information from an important presentation, for example. In this article, we’ll break down the ways you can capture and save a screenshot while using Zoom.


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Capturing and Saving A Screenshot with Zoom on a Computer 

If you’re running Zoom on a desktop computer or laptop, there’s a way you can capture a screenshot directly through the Zoom interface. This is ideal if you need to send a screenshot to a team member on Zoom. These steps are universal for those running Zoom on either Windows or macOS operating systems. 

Step #1: Sign In 

The first step is to sign in to your Zoom account from the desktop app on your computer or laptop. 

Step #2: Go to the Relevant Chat 

The next thing you’ll want to do is open the chat where you want to send a screenshot. You have the option of either starting a chat with a recent contact or a new one. 

Step #3: Click ‘Screenshot’ Above the Chat Box 

Above the chatbox, you’ll notice a square icon with a plus sign (+) in the bottom right-hand corner.  This is where the shortcut will always be located in Zoom. Simply click the screenshot icon when you’re ready to take your screen, then…

Step #4: Click and Drag the Area You Wish to Screenshot 

Using your mouse or trackpad, you’ll be able to select your entire screen or a portion thereof to screenshot by clicking and dragging. Once you’re satisfied, click ‘Capture,’ and it will capture your selection. If you’re not happy with it, you can try it again. You’ll also be able to add annotations to your screenshot. 

Step #5: Save it, Send it, or Both 

Once you’ve captured your screenshot, you’ll notice a download icon. This will save your screenshot to your default photo gallery on your computer. You can check or change this location from your settings on Zoom. You will also be able to send your screenshot to your team member on Zoom: do this by simply clicking ‘Enter’ the same way you would send a message. 

If you looked at this article you may wish to know if it can detect whether you are taking a screenshot as well.

IMPORTANT ARTICLE: Can Zoom See If You Screenshot?

Capturing and Saving a Screenshot with Your Computer While Using Zoom 

While Zoom’s built-in screen capture technology can be very handy, it’s always good to have a backup option! Depending on which operating systems your computer or laptop is running, you’ll be able to use one of these methods to capture a screenshot while using Zoom. 

Windows 

If you have a Windows desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, you’ll be able to take a screenshot of your Zoom meeting using a built-in Windows feature. This handy feature is simply known as Snipping Tool. You can locate it by simply searching ‘Snipping Tool’ in your list of applications. 

The user interface of ‘Snipping Tool’ is tiny, so you can position it anywhere on your desktop for quick access whenever you need it. This will come in handy while on a Zoom meeting where you’re trying to capture screenshots.

Once you’ve opened the program, simply click ‘New’ to create a new screenshot and select the area you want to capture. You’ll then be able to save your screenshot! Using this tool, you can screenshot anything on your Windows computer at any time. 

macOS

Apple prides itself on a gold standard of user-friendliness. When it comes to their seamlessly integrated screenshotting functionality, it doesn’t get any more user-friendly than this. Whether you’re on a Zoom call or watching a video on your device running macOS, you can take a screenshot with the press of three buttons. 

The great upside to the screenshotting functionality of Apple’s computers is that you can do it at any time simply by pressing the relevant buttons. This makes it that much quicker for those moments you don’t want to miss. 

Simply pressing Shift, Command, and 3 at the same time will take a screenshot of your entire screen. Pressing Shift, Command, and 4 at the same time allows you to click and drag to select the area you want to screenshot. These screenshots will be saved to your desktop by default. You can then organize them into the relevant folders! 

Capturing and Saving a Screenshot with Your Phone While Using Zoom

Unfortunately, the Zoom mobile software for iOS and Android devices does not have the ability to screen capture integrated into the user interface. That is a feature currently only available to those using the desktop version of Zoom. However, this is how you can capture and save a screenshot while using Zoom on your iOS or Android device. 

iOS 

Whether you have an iPhone, iPad, or even an iPod, it’s possible to attend Zoom meetings on many different Apple devices. This is especially convenient in the fast-paced society we live in! It doesn’t matter where or on which iOS device you’re taking your Zoom call; there’s an easy way to take a screenshot at any time. 

Like with their macOS devices, you only need to press two buttons simultaneously to take a screenshot on your iOS device. If you have an iPhone that uses face ID technology, you can take a screenshot by simply pressing your Volume Up (left-hand side of iPhone) and Power button (on the right-hand side) at the same time. On earlier iPhones (or any iOS devices still using a home button), you can take a screenshot by pressing the Power button and Home button at the same time. 

When you take a screenshot using one of these methods, depending on your specific iOS device, you’ll see a thumbnail of your screenshot pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. If you ignore it or swipe it away, it will be saved to your gallery. You can click on it and edit it or add annotations before saving it, too. 

Android

Android is a popular operating system used on a variety of different devices from companies like Samsung and Huawei. Depending on your specific device running Android, you’ll be able to take a screenshot in one of two ways. Try the first, and then, if it doesn’t work, try the second. You won’t need to minimize your Zoom meeting (or any other activity on your phone) to take a screenshot on your Android device.  

The two-button screenshot technique has become highly common for most phones or tablets. The first method you’ll want to try is by pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. If it works, you’ll see a thumbnail of it appear. If that method does not work, try holding in your Power button for a few seconds in order to take a screenshot. Your screenshots will automatically be saved to your gallery, where you can access them to edit or share them. 

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IMPORTANT ARTICLE: Can Zoom Detect Cheating?

Conclusion

Zoom is a powerful tool for bringing teams together in the age of working remotely. Back in the day, you could use your phone to take a photo of a presentation screen in a meeting. Today, that meeting could be happening on your phone or laptop. However, no matter what device you’re using Zoom on, there’s a way for you to simply capture and save a screenshot! 

Glen Brown

I am a Technical Trainer and Manager with over 20 years experience in IT, Education and Business. I have multiple qualifications on each topic including post graduate qualifications. I have a passion for sharing knowledge and using technology to do this. If you would like to know more about me please see the about page of the website.

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