Capturing a Screenshot on an iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ain't no denyin' it unless you've got the proof. The internet saying "Pics or it didn't happen" extends past just capturing screenshots on an iPhone. You can take screenshots on an iPad too, whether it's a spicy iMessage chat or some tech help for your folks. The latest iPad models, from the traditional iPad to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, all have various ways to screengrab. With the power button on top (except for the iPad Mini, where it's at the top too), and volume buttons on the side, there are several methods to take a screenshot. We'll get into the best ones below.
Screenshots on iPads with no Home button
Thanks to the innovations in modern design, the latest iPads, from the classic iPad to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, look more like an iPhone. Instead of the Side button, you've got the Top button (you know, the one you press to power on the tablet), and volume controls on the side. On the iPad Mini, the buttons are all situated at the top.
To take a screenshot, press the Top and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. After taking the shot, you'll see a thumbnail pop up temporarily in the bottom left-hand corner of the iPad. Tap the thumbnail to open the Markup view, swipe left to dismiss it, or just let it disappear after some time; your screenshot will still be saved.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Screenshots on iPads with a Home button
If you're still using an older iPad with a Home button, you can take screenshots the classic way. Just press the Home and Top buttons together.
Screenshots with keyboard shortcuts
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Just like on a Mac, the iPad can capture screenshots with keyboard shortcuts. This works for Bluetooth keyboards and Magic keyboard accessories.
Command-Shift-3 snaps a screenshot of the entire screen.
Command-Shift-4 promptly opens the Markup view, allowing you to annotate, edit, or crop the screenshot before saving it to the Photos app.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Screenshots using corner gestures
If you're using iPadOS 15 or later, you have access to a cool hidden feature. It's called Corner Gestures.
Navigate to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures. Enable the Swipe Finger from Corner feature, and choose the Screenshot option in the Bottom Left Corner or Bottom Right Corner boxes.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak
Now, swipe in from the bottom left corner, and it will take a screenshot, taking you directly to the Markup feature. You can then crop or annotate it, and use the Share button to save it to the Photos app or share it with other apps.
Screenshots with a tap
If button presses and keyboard shortcuts aren't your jam, or your Volume buttons aren't working, you can use the Accessibility feature to take screenshots with a tap.
Credit: Khamosh Pathak.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch and turn on the AssistiveTouch feature. Now, tap Customize Top level Menu, add a new icon, and choose the Screenshot feature.
Now, tap the floating circle anywhere on the screen, and the Screenshot option will appear.
The process of capturing tech-related information, like spicy iMessages or tech help, is made easy on the latest iPad models, which have multiple methods for taking screenshots. These include pressing the Top and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
Tech enthusiasts also appreciate the convenience of using keyboard shortcuts to capture screenshots on their iPad, similar to how it's done on a Mac. The Command-Shift-3 shortcut takes a screenshot of the entire screen, while Command-Shift-4 opens the Markup view for annotation or editing.
