How to Take Screenshot on 65 Percent Keyboard

How to Take Screenshot on 65 Percent Keyboard

65% keyboards are compact mechanical keyboards that remove the function row and number pad while keeping arrow keys and some navigation keys. Taking screenshots on these keyboards requires understanding the modified key layouts and function combinations since the traditional Print Screen key is often accessed through function layers. For other compact layouts, see our guides on 40% keyboards and 60% keyboards.

Method 1: Fn + Print Screen Key

Most 65% keyboards place Print Screen on a function layer, typically on the Delete key.

Steps:

1. Locate the key with 'PrtSc' or 'Print Screen' printed as a secondary function (usually on Delete key)
2. Hold down the Fn (Function) key
3. While holding Fn, press the key with Print Screen function
4. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard
5. Open an image editor like Paint and press Ctrl + V to paste
6. Save the screenshot in your desired format

?? Pro Tip: The exact key combination varies by manufacturer. Check your keyboard manual or look for 'PrtSc' labels on keys.

Method 2: Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch)

Use Windows built-in screenshot tool that doesn't require Print Screen key. This method works the same as on standard Windows desktops and provides consistent functionality across all keyboard layouts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S simultaneously
2. Your screen will dim and a selection toolbar appears
3. Choose rectangular, freeform, window, or fullscreen capture
4. Select the area you want to capture
5. The screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears
6. Click the notification to edit in Snip & Sketch
7. Save or share your screenshot

?? Pro Tip: This method works on all keyboards regardless of layout and provides immediate editing options.

Method 3: Alt + Fn + Print Screen

Capture only the active window using function layer combination.

Steps:

1. Click on the window you want to capture
2. Hold Alt + Fn keys together
3. Press the Print Screen function key (usually on Delete)
4. The active window screenshot is copied to clipboard
5. Paste into any application with Ctrl + V
6. Save the image as needed

?? Pro Tip: This combination captures just the active window without the desktop background.

Method 4: Windows + Print Screen Alternative

Save screenshots directly to Pictures folder using function combinations.

Steps:

1. Hold Windows key + Fn key
2. Press the Print Screen function key
3. Screen will briefly dim indicating screenshot was taken
4. Screenshot automatically saves to Pictures > Screenshots folder
5. Navigate to the folder to find your image
6. File will be named with date and time stamp

?? Pro Tip: This method saves time by automatically storing screenshots without needing to paste them.

Method 5: Keyboard Software Customization

Program a dedicated screenshot key using keyboard software.

Steps:

1. Download your keyboard's software (VIA, QMK, or manufacturer software)
2. Open the key mapping interface
3. Select an unused key or create a new layer
4. Assign Print Screen function to your chosen key
5. Save the configuration to your keyboard
6. Use your custom screenshot key without function combinations

?? Pro Tip: Popular 65% keyboards often support VIA or QMK for easy key remapping.

Method 6: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

Use software that provides custom hotkeys for screenshots.

Steps:

1. Download tools like Greenshot, ShareX, or LightShot
2. Install and configure the software
3. Set custom hotkeys that work well with your 65% layout
4. Use the configured hotkeys to capture screenshots
5. Take advantage of advanced features like editing and cloud upload

?? Pro Tip: Third-party tools often provide more flexibility in hotkey assignment for compact keyboards.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Can't find Print Screen on 65% keyboard

Solution: Look for 'PrtSc' printed as secondary function on keys like Delete, End, or Page Down. Check your keyboard manual for the exact location. Some keyboards use different symbols or abbreviations.

Function key combinations not working

Solution: Ensure you're pressing Fn first, then the target key. Some keyboards have Fn lock - try pressing Fn + Caps Lock to toggle. Check if your keyboard software has remapped the Fn key behavior.

Screenshots saving in wrong format or location

Solution: Use Windows + Shift + S for more control over capture area and format. Check Windows screenshot settings in Settings > System > Storage > Configure Storage Sense for default save locations.

Keyboard software not recognizing device

Solution: Ensure your 65% keyboard supports the software you're using. Try different USB ports or cables. Some keyboards require specific drivers or firmware updates for software compatibility.

Conclusion

65% keyboards provide an excellent balance between compactness and functionality, maintaining easy access to screenshot capabilities through function layers and alternative methods. The presence of arrow keys and navigation keys makes these keyboards more intuitive than smaller layouts while still saving significant desk space. For users with different compact keyboards, check out our guides for 40% keyboards, 60% keyboards, or standard Windows desktops. After capturing your screenshots, explore our tools for editing, converting to different formats, or learn about organizing your screenshots automatically.