Snapshots or screenshots are still images of your laptop or mobile screen that can be used later for reference to explain or show something. They add more context to words and help convey things that would be otherwise difficult to explain in words.

These are an important aspect of any business because they scoop away the potential of misunderstandings and doubts. Be it for use in a blog post to add more context to the content or use in an email to refer to something- they can be quite useful.

However, a screenshot is not just about CTRL+Prtsc and attaching or copy-pasting. Many more elements can amplify a screenshot and enhance its meaning to make it more presentable. This article will talk about some best practices to take stunning screenshots.

1. Consider the purpose

The purpose for which you’re taking a screenshot holds immense importance. You can post an informal screenshot on an Instagram story without any major adjustments, but you will have to make some changes to use it in a work email.

The goal for your screenshot defines how many changes or adjustments it requires. It also determines how you can make it better and appropriate for the receiver. So, consider the purpose while taking a screenshot to make the necessary tweaks.

2. Adjust the brightness

Before you take a screenshot, you must increase the screen brightness. For whatever purpose you’re taking a screenshot, brightness is necessary to enhance its visibility and comprehension. This might look like a small thing initially, as it often gets overlooked in action. However, it holds major importance.

If you’re working in a low-brightness mode, you might forget to adjust it and take a screenshot anyhow. However, make a mental note to maximize the brightness to ensure everything is visible in the screenshot and the viewer doesn’t have a hard time looking at it.

3. Choose the right tool

While every laptop, desktop, and mobile comes with an in-built feature to take screenshots, it’s always best to use a screenshot tool. Many of these tools have features that can serve the purpose you’re trying to resolve.

These tools have options to add text and arrows to highlight or blur something. And also, features to take specific screenshots, by giving you options to capture the whole screen or only specific parts along with other editing features. If you regularly use screenshots, investing in a tool would be best, as it gives you a lot of flexibility to play around.

4. Edit the image for better user experience

It’s unlikely that you’ll always capture perfect screenshots that don’t require any editing. If you’re using them for work purposes, they should be as specific as possible, so the viewer doesn’t have to navigate what you’re trying to say through the screenshot.

For this purpose, it would be best to edit the screenshot as per the purpose or goal by adding elements in this image.

Here are some things you should edit or adjust:

• Brightness
• Sharpness
• Overlays
• Add text or captions
• Blur out sensitive information
• Resize or crop the image to highlight only important aspects
• Use elements like arrow, square, or circle to point out specifics

You might also want to brand the image with your logo or website address as this will prevent people from stealing it.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots isn’t as simple as it looks. However, if you spend some time there and include well-taken screenshots in your emails, blogs, or social media posts, it will significantly improve the way your audience perceives it.

Making them elegant and easy to understand can add context to your words and ensure you and your audience are on the same page. So, use these tips to take attractive screenshots which not only simplify comprehension but also look good.