Plenty of things could go horribly wrong or funny when playing a video game. Or you may encounter a rare event that you want to share with your friends. The easiest to do is by taking a screenshot from the game screen.
We have learned that there are many ways to take a screen picture from a computer display. But those methods are far from practical considering video games are normally run in a fullscreen mode. Not to mention we often have to control our characters in a battle, making traditional screenshot methods are rather difficult.
Lucky for Steam users, the launcher has equipped with its own screenshot mode where we only need to press one button on a keyboard and it will save the result automatically to the computer and your online Steam account. Here’s how you can take a screenshot in Steam.
1. Launch Steam Client, then navigate to Steam > Settings.
2. Under In-Game, make sure the screenshot button is configured. You may change other settings, such as a screenshot notification, sound, screenshot folder, and more. Then, hit OK.
3. Launch a game from Steam and press the assigned screenshot button (default is F12). You may see a notification at the lower right corner of the screen. That means the screenshot has been captured and saved.
4. To see the screenshot, go to Steam Client > View > Screenshots.
5. Select the game, then hit Show on Disk.
6. A File Explorer window will appear, showing the saved screenshot files.
Screenshots in Steam are separated based on the game where they were taken from. The default location of the Steam screenshot is C:\Program Files\Steam\userdata but this directory is rather hard to explore as each screenshot folder is named with a string of numbers, not the game title. Therefore, accessing screenshots from Steam Client is a lot easier.
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Exploring Alternative Screenshot Methods for Steam Gamers
While Steam’s built-in screenshot feature is incredibly convenient, there are other methods and tools that can enhance your screenshot-taking experience, especially if you’re looking for more flexibility or higher-quality captures.
Using NVIDIA GeForce Experience
If your system is equipped with an NVIDIA graphics card, you can leverage the GeForce Experience software for advanced screenshot capabilities. Simply press Alt + F1 to capture a screenshot, which will be saved in the GeForce Experience gallery. For an even more immersive experience, try NVIDIA Ansel by pressing Alt + F2, which allows you to freeze gameplay and adjust camera angles, filters, and resolution settings.
Xbox Game Bar for Windows Users
Windows 10 and later versions come with the Xbox Game Bar, a versatile tool for capturing screenshots and recording gameplay. To use it:
- Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon to take a screenshot.
Screenshots will be saved in the “Captures” folder under your Videos directory.
Third-Party Tools for Enhanced Features
For those seeking additional functionality, third-party tools like iTop Screen Recorder or RecMaster can be excellent choices. These tools allow you to:
- Customize screenshot areas.
- Add annotations or text overlays.
- Save screenshots in various formats with high quality.
Quick Tips for Better Screenshots
- Adjust your game’s graphics settings to the highest quality your system can handle before taking screenshots.
- Experiment with in-game photo modes if available, as they often provide advanced options for framing and editing shots.
- Keep your screenshot shortcuts easily accessible but avoid conflicts with other game controls.
FAQ
How do I change the default Steam screenshot folder?
To change where Steam saves screenshots:
- Open Steam and go to Steam > Settings > In-Game.
- Click on Screenshot Folder and select your desired directory.
What should I do if my screenshots appear blurry?
Ensure your screen resolution matches your game’s resolution settings. For sharper images, consider using PNG format instead of JPEG when saving screenshots.
Can I take screenshots of non-Steam games using Steam’s overlay?
Yes, if you’ve added the game to Steam as a non-Steam shortcut. Enable the overlay in the game’s properties within Steam settings.
Are there any tools for capturing 360-degree screenshots?
Yes, NVIDIA Ansel supports 360-degree screenshots in compatible games. Use it by pressing Alt + F2 during gameplay.
For more advanced tools or tips, explore options like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or iTop Screen Recorder. Happy gaming!
