How to Take Screenshot on Steam Deck

How to Take Screenshot on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is Valve's handheld gaming PC that runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. Taking screenshots on the Steam Deck is essential for sharing gaming moments, troubleshooting, or creating content. The device offers multiple methods to capture your screen, whether you're in gaming mode or desktop mode. For more information about Steam screenshots, see our guide on where Steam screenshots are saved.

Method 1: Steam Button + R1 (Gaming Mode)

The primary method for taking screenshots while gaming on Steam Deck.

Steps:

1. While playing a game or on the Steam interface, locate the Steam button (bottom left)
2. Hold down the Steam button
3. While holding Steam button, press R1 (right shoulder button)
4. You'll hear a camera shutter sound and see a brief notification
5. The screenshot is automatically saved to your Steam screenshots folder
6. Access screenshots through Steam > View > Screenshots in gaming mode

?? Pro Tip: This method works in all Steam games and the Steam interface, making it the most universal option for gaming screenshots.

Method 2: Quick Access Menu Screenshot

Use the Steam Deck's quick access menu for screenshot options.

Steps:

1. Press the Quick Access button (...) on the right side of the device
2. Navigate to the 'Performance' tab in the quick access menu
3. Look for the screenshot icon (camera symbol)
4. Tap the screenshot icon to capture the current screen
5. The screenshot will be saved automatically
6. Close the quick access menu to return to your game

?? Pro Tip: This method provides visual confirmation and is useful when you want to see the screenshot option clearly.

Method 3: Desktop Mode Screenshots

Take screenshots when using Steam Deck in desktop mode with KDE Plasma. This method works similarly to Linux desktop screenshots on other distributions.

Steps:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode by holding the power button and selecting 'Switch to Desktop'
2. Press Print Screen key (accessible through on-screen keyboard or external keyboard)
3. Alternatively, use the KDE screenshot tool: press Meta + Shift + S
4. Select the area you want to capture using the selection tool
5. The screenshot will be saved to your Pictures folder
6. Access through the file manager in desktop mode

?? Pro Tip: Desktop mode uses standard Linux screenshot methods, similar to other KDE Plasma desktop environments.

Method 4: Steam Overlay Screenshot

Use Steam's in-game overlay for screenshots with additional options.

Steps:

1. While in a game, press Steam + X to open the Steam overlay
2. Navigate to the screenshot option in the overlay menu
3. Choose between 'Take Screenshot' or 'Take Screenshot (No Notification)'
4. Select your preferred option to capture the screen
5. The screenshot will be processed and saved to Steam's screenshot folder
6. View and manage screenshots through the Steam overlay or main Steam interface

?? Pro Tip: The Steam overlay method allows you to choose whether to show notifications and provides immediate access to screenshot management.

Method 5: External Keyboard Shortcuts

Use connected keyboard for traditional screenshot methods.

Steps:

1. Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to your Steam Deck
2. In gaming mode: Use Steam + R1 as usual, or try Print Screen if supported
3. In desktop mode: Press Print Screen for full screen capture
4. Use Alt + Print Screen for active window capture
5. Use Shift + Print Screen for area selection in some applications
6. Screenshots will save according to the current mode (Steam folder or Pictures folder)

?? Pro Tip: External keyboards provide more traditional screenshot options and can be faster for users familiar with PC shortcuts.

Method 6: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

Install additional screenshot software in desktop mode for advanced features.

Steps:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck
2. Open Discover (app store) or use Flatpak to install screenshot tools
3. Install applications like Flameshot, Spectacle, or Ksnip
4. Configure the tool with your preferred hotkeys and settings
5. Use the tool's interface or hotkeys to capture screenshots
6. Take advantage of advanced features like annotation, cloud upload, or delayed capture

?? Pro Tip: Third-party tools offer advanced editing, annotation, and sharing features not available in the default Steam screenshot system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Steam + R1 not working for screenshots

Solution: Ensure you're holding the Steam button first, then pressing R1. Check Steam settings under Interface > Screenshot settings to verify the hotkey is enabled. Try restarting Steam or the device if the issue persists.

Screenshots not saving or can't find them

Solution: In gaming mode, screenshots save to Steam's screenshot folder. Access them through Steam > View > Screenshots. In desktop mode, check the Pictures folder. Verify you have sufficient storage space on your device.

Screenshot quality is poor or wrong resolution

Solution: Check your display settings and game resolution. Screenshots capture at the current display resolution. For better quality, ensure your game is running at native resolution (1280x800 for Steam Deck).

Can't take screenshots in certain games

Solution: Some games block screenshots due to DRM or anti-cheat systems. Try using desktop mode or external capture software. Check if the game has its own screenshot function in the settings menu.

Desktop mode screenshot tools not working

Solution: Ensure the screenshot tool is properly installed and configured. Check hotkey conflicts with Steam Deck controls. Try using the on-screen keyboard to access Print Screen if external keyboard isn't working.

Conclusion

Steam Deck provides flexible screenshot options for both gaming and desktop modes, making it easy to capture your handheld gaming experiences. Whether using the built-in Steam + R1 shortcut or desktop mode tools, you have multiple ways to preserve your gaming moments. For more gaming screenshot guides, check out PS5 screenshots, PS5 screen recording, where Steam screenshots are saved, and capturing fullscreen games. After capturing, explore our tools for editing, converting to different formats, or organizing screenshots automatically.