How to Take Screenshot on 60 Percent Keyboard

How to Take Screenshot on 60 Percent Keyboard

60% keyboards are ultra-compact mechanical keyboards that remove the function row, number pad, and arrow keys to save space. Taking screenshots requires understanding function layers since the Print Screen key is typically accessed through Fn combinations or custom programming. For other compact keyboard layouts, see our guides on 40% keyboards and 65% keyboards.

Method 1: Fn + Function Layer Print Screen

Access Print Screen through the function layer, commonly mapped to number row keys.

Steps:

1. Look for 'PrtSc' or Print Screen symbol on keys 1-0 or other keys
2. Hold the Fn (Function) key down
3. While holding Fn, press the key with Print Screen function
4. The full screen screenshot is copied to clipboard
5. Open Paint, Word, or any image application
6. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot
7. Save the file in your preferred location and format

?? Pro Tip: Common locations for Print Screen on 60% keyboards include the number keys, particularly around 8, 9, or 0.

Method 2: Windows + Shift + S (Universal Method)

Use Windows' built-in Snip & Sketch tool that works on any keyboard layout. This method works identically to standard Windows desktops and doesn't require any function layer access.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S keys simultaneously
2. Screen dims and selection toolbar appears at the top
3. Choose your capture type: rectangular, freeform, window, or fullscreen
4. Click and drag to select the area to capture
5. Screenshot is automatically copied to clipboard
6. Click the notification to open in Snip & Sketch for editing
7. Save or share directly from the editing interface

?? Pro Tip: This method bypasses the need for Print Screen entirely and works consistently across all keyboard layouts.

Method 3: Custom Key Programming

Program a dedicated screenshot key using keyboard firmware or software.

Steps:

1. Download VIA, QMK Toolbox, or your keyboard's configuration software
2. Connect your 60% keyboard to your computer
3. Open the key mapping interface
4. Select an unused key or create a new function layer
5. Assign 'Print Screen' macro or function to your chosen key
6. Flash the configuration to your keyboard
7. Test your new screenshot key

?? Pro Tip: Many popular 60% keyboards like Anne Pro, Ducky One 2 Mini, and Poker series support custom programming.

Method 4: Alt + Fn + Print Screen for Active Window

Capture only the currently active window using function combinations.

Steps:

1. Make sure the window you want to capture is active and in focus
2. Hold Alt and Fn keys simultaneously
3. Press the Print Screen function key (location varies by keyboard)
4. Only the active window is captured to clipboard
5. Paste into any application using Ctrl + V
6. Edit and save as needed

?? Pro Tip: This method is useful for capturing specific applications without including the desktop or other windows.

Method 5: Windows + Fn + Print Screen for Auto-Save

Automatically save screenshots to Pictures folder using function layer.

Steps:

1. Hold Windows key and Fn key together
2. Press the Print Screen function key
3. Screen will flash briefly to confirm screenshot
4. Screenshot automatically saves to Pictures > Screenshots folder
5. Open File Explorer and navigate to Pictures > Screenshots
6. Find your screenshot with automatic timestamp filename

?? Pro Tip: This method eliminates the need to manually paste and save screenshots.

Method 6: Third-Party Screenshot Applications

Use specialized software with customizable hotkeys for 60% keyboards.

Steps:

1. Download screenshot tools like Greenshot, ShareX, or Snagit
2. Install and launch the application
3. Configure custom hotkeys that work well with your 60% layout
4. Set up capture regions, editing options, and save preferences
5. Use your configured hotkeys to take screenshots
6. Utilize advanced features like scrolling capture or cloud upload

?? Pro Tip: Third-party tools often provide better hotkey flexibility and additional features not available in Windows' built-in tools.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cannot locate Print Screen on 60% keyboard

Solution: Check your keyboard manual or manufacturer website for the exact key mapping. Look for 'PrtSc' symbols on number keys, function keys, or other keys. Some keyboards use different abbreviations like 'PS' or 'PrSc'.

Function layer not working properly

Solution: Verify Fn key is working by testing other function combinations. Some keyboards have Fn lock feature - try Fn + Caps Lock or Fn + Windows key. Check if keyboard software has modified default Fn behavior.

Screenshots not capturing correctly

Solution: Ensure you're holding Fn key before pressing Print Screen key. Try different timing - press and hold Fn, then tap Print Screen. Some keyboards require firmware updates for proper function layer operation.

Keyboard programming software not working

Solution: Verify your 60% keyboard supports the software you're using. Check for driver updates or specific firmware versions. Try different USB ports or cables. Some keyboards require bootloader mode for programming.

Custom screenshot key not responding

Solution: Verify the macro was properly saved to keyboard memory. Test other programmed keys to ensure firmware is working. Re-flash the configuration or try programming a different key. Check for conflicts with existing key assignments.

Conclusion

60% keyboards offer excellent space efficiency while maintaining full screenshot functionality through function layers and alternative methods. Whether using built-in Windows tools or custom programming, you can achieve the same screenshot capabilities as full-size keyboards. For users with different compact layouts, check out our guides for 40% keyboards, 65% keyboards, or standard Windows desktops. After capturing screenshots, explore our tools for editing, format conversion, or learn about organizing screenshots automatically.