How Large Language Models and Automation Give Developers Superpowers: 2.14 of 10: Automate the little things you do: Screen Shots
Types of Shortcuts in Software
Screen Shots (This article)
macros within software tools
operating system automation (Automator for Mac) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/ui-automation/ui-automation-overview
Bash scripting
Text editors
Dev Toys
If you write software, you probably have to take 30 screenshots a day to show somebody what you are doing.
Whether you use the built-in tools or buy an app, you should spend an hour practicing taking screenshots and annotating them. After you do this, you will be a screenshot master.
In 2024, the native Mac screenshot functionality is better than Windows. Third-party apps make this easier on Windows and can add functionality to the Mac.
Mac
Taking Screenshots (documentation).
There are two commands for taking a screenshot of a portion of a page. They both bring up a crosshair. When you drag the crosshair into a rectangle shape and let go:
Shift-Command-4 opens the image in Preview for annotating and saving as a file.
Shift-Control-Command-4 copies it to the clipboard. This is great for quickly adding an image to an email, Teams or Slack.
Practice marking up images:
Add solid lines and shapes:
Take note of the keyboard shortcuts and learn to use them or assign them to macro keys:
Screenshots App (documentation).
The screenshot app allows you to take single frames or videos of portions of the screen or entire screens.
Shift-Command-5 opens the menu:
Windows 11:
Press the Windows logo key+Shift+S to open the Snipping Tool directly.
Press Print Screen to capture the whole screen to the clipboard
Press ALT+Print Screen to capture the current window.
Use screenshots to compare before and after. Use screenshots for communication.
Next:
Software Marcos!