This article contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. In 1988, Polaroid introduced Spectra film with a 9.2 × 7.3 image size more suited to the 4:3 aspect ratio of CRT screens.īuilt-in screenshot functionality Polaroid film was popular for capturing screenshots, because of the instant results and close-focusing capability of Polaroid cameras. Screenshot kits were available for standard (film) cameras that included a long antireflective hood to attach between the screen and camera lens, as well as a closeup lens for the camera. Most screenshots are raster images, but some vector-based GUI environments like Cairo are capable of generating vector screenshots. Systems with composite video output could be connected to a VCR, and entire screencasts preserved this way. Some systems had a BSAVE command that could be used to capture the area of memory where screen data was stored, but this required access to a BASIC prompt. Sometimes text-only screens could be dumped to a text file, but the result would only capture the content of the screen, not the appearance, nor were graphics screens preservable this way. Through the 1980s, computer operating systems did not universally have built-in functionality for capturing screenshots. The first screenshots were created with the first interactive computers around 1960.

Screenshot techniques Digital techniques A screenshot is created by the operating system or software running on the device powering the display.Īdditionally, screenshots can be captured by an external camera, using photography to capture contents on the screen. A screenshot (also known as screen capture or screen grab) is a digital image that shows the contents of a computer display.

Screen cut on mac samsung tv