Are you wondering how to capture a screenshot on your iPhone 7? Taking screenshots on your iPhone can be extremely useful for various purposes, such as capturing important information, saving memorable moments, or sharing content with others. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of taking a screenshot on your iPhone 7.
Using the Physical Buttons
The easiest and most common method to take a screenshot on your iPhone 7 is by using the physical buttons. To capture a screenshot using the physical buttons, follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate the buttons
The Sleep/Wake button, also known as the Power button, is located on the right side of your iPhone 7. The Home button is located on the front of your iPhone, below the screen.
Step 2: Position your fingers
Place your thumb or finger on the Sleep/Wake button and your other thumb or finger on the Home button. Make sure to position them in a way that allows you to press both buttons simultaneously.
Step 3: Press the buttons
Simultaneously press and quickly release the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button. You will hear a camera shutter sound, and the screen will flash momentarily, indicating that the screenshot has been captured.
Step 4: Access your screenshot
Once you’ve taken a screenshot, it will automatically be saved to your Photos app. To access your screenshot, open the Photos app and navigate to the “Screenshots” album. Your screenshot will be displayed there along with any other screenshots you have taken.
Using Assistive Touch
If you find it difficult to press the physical buttons simultaneously or prefer a virtual alternative, you can use Assistive Touch to take a screenshot on your iPhone 7. Assistive Touch is a built-in accessibility feature that creates a virtual button on your iPhone’s screen. To enable and use Assistive Touch, follow these steps:
Step 1: Enable Assistive Touch
Go to your iPhone’s settings and tap on “Accessibility.” Then, tap on “Touch” and select “AssistiveTouch.” Toggle the switch to enable Assistive Touch. A gray and white virtual button will appear on your screen.
Step 2: Customize Assistive Touch
After enabling Assistive Touch, you can customize its appearance and functionality. Tap on “Customize Top Level Menu” to choose what options should be displayed when you tap the Assistive Touch button. For taking a screenshot, ensure that the “Screenshot” option is included in the menu.
Step 3: Take a screenshot with Assistive Touch
To capture a screenshot using Assistive Touch, follow these steps:
Step 3.1: Tap the Assistive Touch button
Locate the Assistive Touch button on your screen. It will appear as a small white circle with a gray border. Tap on the button to open the Assistive Touch menu.
Step 3.2: Tap “Device”
In the Assistive Touch menu, tap on the “Device” option.
Step 3.3: Tap “More”
In the Device menu, tap on the “More” option.
Step 3.4: Tap “Screenshot”
In the More menu, tap on the “Screenshot” option. Your iPhone’s screen will flash briefly, indicating that the screenshot has been captured.
Step 3.5: Access your screenshot
Just like when using the physical buttons, your screenshot will be automatically saved to the Photos app. Open the Photos app and navigate to the “Screenshots” album to view and manage your screenshots.
Saving and Editing Screenshots
After capturing a screenshot, you might want to make some adjustments or enhancements before sharing or using it. Fortunately, your iPhone 7 offers various editing options to help you make the most out of your screenshots. Here’s how you can save and edit your screenshots:
Step 1: Access your screenshot
Open the Photos app on your iPhone and navigate to the “Screenshots” album. Tap on the screenshot you want to edit.
Step 2: Edit your screenshot
Once you have opened the screenshot in the Photos app, tap on the “Edit” button located in the top-right corner of the screen. This will open the editing interface, where you can make various adjustments to your screenshot.
Step 3: Crop and rotate
If you want to crop or rotate your screenshot, tap on the crop icon at the bottom of the screen. You can then drag the corners of the frame to adjust the cropping area or use the rotation dial to rotate the screenshot.
Step 4: Adjust brightness, contrast, and more
To make further adjustments to your screenshot, tap on the adjustments icon (represented by three horizontal sliders) at the bottom of the screen. Here, you can fine-tune the brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of your screenshot.
Step 5: Add text and drawings
If you want to annotate your screenshot with text or drawings, tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen. You can then select the text icon to add text, or the drawing icon to draw on your screenshot using various tools and colors.
Step 6: Save your edited screenshot
Once you are satisfied with the edits you have made to your screenshot, tap on the “Done” button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Your edited screenshot will be saved alongside the original screenshot in the “Screenshots” album.
Sharing Screenshots
Sharing screenshots with others is a great way to quickly convey information or capture memorable moments. Your iPhone 7 provides several methods for sharing screenshots, depending on your preferences and the apps installed on your device. Here are some ways to share your screenshots:
Step 1: Access your screenshot
Open the Photos app on your iPhone and navigate to the “Screenshots” album. Tap on the screenshot you want to share.
Step 2: Tap the share icon
Once you have opened the screenshot in the Photos app, tap on the share icon. The share icon is represented by a square with an arrow pointing upward and is located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Choose a sharing method
After tapping the share icon, a sharing menu will appear, displaying various options for sharing your screenshot. Here are some common sharing methods:
Step 3.1: Messages or Mail
If you want to send the screenshot via a message or email, tap on the Messages or Mail icon in the sharing menu. This will open a new message or email draft with the screenshot attached. Simply enter the recipient’s details and send the message or email as usual.
Step 3.2: Social media
If you want to share the screenshot on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, tap on the corresponding social media icon in the sharing menu. This will open the selected social media app, where you can add a caption or make any additional adjustments before posting the screenshot.
Step 3.3: Other apps
If you have other compatible apps installed on your iPhone that support sharing, you will see their icons in the sharing menu. Tap on the app’s icon to share the screenshot through that particular app. The sharing process may vary depending on the app.
Step 3.4: Save to Files or Notes
If you want to save the screenshot to your Files app or Notes app, tap on the Files or Notes icon in the sharing menu. This will prompt you to choose a location or select a note where you want to save the screenshot.
Step 3.5: AirDrop
If you want to share the screenshot with another nearby iOS device or Mac, tap on the AirDrop icon in the sharing menu. This will open the AirDrop interface, where you can select the recipient’s device and send the screenshot wirelessly.
Taking Screenshots of Specific Content
While taking a screenshot of your iPhone’s screen is straightforward, you might also want to capture specific content, such as a webpage, a chat conversation, or a specific section of an app. Here are some tips for taking screenshots of specific content on your iPhone 7:
Webpages
If you want to capture a screenshot of a webpage, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Safari
Launch the Safari app on your iPhone and navigate to the webpage you want to capture.
Step 2: Position the content
Scroll and adjust the webpage to display the specific content you want to capture in the screenshot. Make sure the content is fully visible on the screen.
Step 3: Follow the screenshot methods
Once the desired content is on the screen, follow one of the previously mentioned methods (using the physical buttons or Assistive Touch) to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will capture the entire visible portion of the webpage.
Chat Conversations
If you want to capture a screenshot of a chat conversation, such as in the Messages app or a messaging app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the chat
Launch the chat app and navigate to the conversation you want to capture.
Step 2: Scroll if necessary
If the conversation contains more messages than what is initially visible on the screen, scroll upward to load and display more messages. Make sure all the desired messages are visible on the screen.
Step 3: Follow the screenshot methods
Once the desired conversation is on the screen, follow one of the previously mentioned methods (using the physical buttons or Assistive Touch) to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will capture the visible portion of the conversation at that moment.
Specific App Sections
If you want to capture a screenshot of a specific section within an app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the app
Launch the app that contains the specific section you want to capture.
Step 2: Navigate to the section
Explore the app and navigate to the desired section. Make sure the section is fully visible on the screen.
Step 3: Follow the screenshot methods
Once the desired section is on the screen, follow one of the previously mentioned methods (using the physical buttons or Assistive Touch) to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will capture the visible portion of the app’s section at that moment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while taking a screenshot on your iPhone 7, such as the screenshot not being captured or the screen freezing, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
Restart your iPhone
If you are experiencing any issues with taking screenshots, a simple restart of your iPhone can often resolve the problem. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the “Slide to power off” slider appears. Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone, and then press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears to turn your iPhone back on.
Check button functionality
If you are using the physical buttons to take screenshots, ensure that both the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button are functioning properly. Test each button separately by pressing them to see if they respond correctly. If any of the buttons are unresponsive or sticky, you may need to have your iPhone serviced or repaired.
Reset settings
If the issue persists, you can try resetting your iPhone’s settings. Keep in mind that this will reset all settings on your iPhone, but it will not erase your data. To reset your iPhone’s settings, go to “Settings,” tap on “General,” select “Reset,” and choose “Reset All Settings.” You may need to enter your passcode and confirm the reset.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and help diagnose any underlying problems with your iPhone’s hardware or software.
Taking Screenshots with One Hand
If you find it challenging to simultaneously press the physical buttons with one hand, Assistive Touch can be especially useful. By enabling Assistive Touch, you can access a virtual button on your iPhone’s screen, making it easier to take screenshots with just one hand. Here’s how you can take screenshots with one hand using Assistive Touch:
Step 1: Enable Assistive Touch
If you haven’t already enabled Assistive Touch, follow the steps mentioned earlier in this guide to enable Assistive Touch on your iPhone 7.
Step 2: Position the Assistive Touch button
After enabling Assistive Touch, you can position the Assistive Touch button anywhere on your iPhone’s screen. Tap and hold the Assistive Touch button, then drag it to your desired location. It’s recommended to position it within reach of your thumb or finger to ensure easy access.
Step 3:
Step 3: Enable “Customize Top Level Menu”
Once you have positioned the Assistive Touch button, go to your iPhone’s settings, tap on “Accessibility,” then select “Touch,” and finally choose “AssistiveTouch.” Within the AssistiveTouch settings, tap on “Customize Top Level Menu.”
Step 4: Add “Screenshot” to the menu
In the Customize Top Level Menu menu, tap on the “+” icon to add a new item. Scroll down and select “Screenshot” from the list of available options. This will add the Screenshot option to the Assistive Touch menu.
Step 5: Use Assistive Touch to take a screenshot
With Assistive Touch enabled and the Screenshot option added to the menu, you can now take a screenshot with just one hand. Follow these steps:
Step 5.1: Tap the Assistive Touch button
Locate the Assistive Touch button on your screen (the white circle with a gray border) and tap on it.
Step 5.2: Tap “Device”
In the Assistive Touch menu, tap on the “Device” option.
Step 5.3: Tap “More”
In the Device menu, tap on the “More” option.
Step 5.4: Tap “Screenshot”
In the More menu, tap on the “Screenshot” option. Your iPhone’s screen will flash briefly, indicating that the screenshot has been captured.
Step 5.5: Access your screenshot
Just like when using the physical buttons, your screenshot will be automatically saved to the Photos app. Open the Photos app and navigate to the “Screenshots” album to view and manage your screenshots.
Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Screenshot Options
While the built-in screenshot methods on your iPhone 7 offer basic functionality, there are several third-party apps available on the App Store that can enhance your screenshot capabilities with additional features and options. Here are some popular third-party apps to consider:
1. Lightshot
Lightshot is a powerful screenshot tool that allows you to capture screenshots, annotate them with text and drawings, and share them easily. It offers various editing options, including cropping, highlighting, blurring, and adding arrows or shapes to your screenshots. Lightshot also provides cloud storage for your screenshots, making it convenient to access them from any device.
2. Snagit
Snagit is a comprehensive screenshot and screen recording tool that offers advanced options for capturing and editing screenshots. It provides a wide range of annotation tools, such as text, shapes, arrows, and stamps, as well as advanced editing features like resizing, cropping, and applying effects. Snagit also allows you to record videos and create GIFs from your screen, making it a versatile tool for capturing and sharing visual content.
3. Nimbus Screenshot
Nimbus Screenshot is a feature-rich screenshot tool that offers various capture options, including capturing the entire webpage, selected areas, or the visible part of the screen. It provides a built-in editor with tools for cropping, resizing, adding text, arrows, and shapes, as well as blurring sensitive information. Nimbus Screenshot also offers cloud storage and sharing options, making it easy to save and distribute your screenshots.
4. GoFullPage
GoFullPage is a browser extension that enables you to capture full-page screenshots of webpages, even those that require scrolling. It automatically stitches together multiple screenshots to create a single, seamless image of the entire webpage. GoFullPage also offers basic editing options, such as cropping and annotating, and allows you to save or share your full-page screenshots with ease.
5. Awesome Screenshot
Awesome Screenshot is a popular screenshot tool that offers a wide range of capture options, including full-page screenshots, selected areas, or visible parts of the screen. It provides an intuitive editor with tools for cropping, adding text, arrows, shapes, and blurring sensitive information. Awesome Screenshot also offers cloud storage and sharing capabilities, making it effortless to save and distribute your screenshots.
Taking Multiple Screenshots in Sequence
Sometimes, you may need to capture multiple screenshots in sequence, such as when creating a step-by-step tutorial or documenting a process. Fortunately, taking multiple screenshots on your iPhone 7 is as simple as repeating the screenshot methods outlined earlier. Here’s how you can take multiple screenshots in sequence:
Step 1: Capture the first screenshot
Follow one of the previously mentioned methods (using the physical buttons or Assistive Touch) to capture the first screenshot in the sequence. The screenshot will be automatically saved to the Photos app.
Step 2: Prepare for the next screenshot
Once you have captured the first screenshot, prepare your iPhone’s screen for the next screenshot by adjusting the content or navigating to the desired section of an app or webpage.
Step 3: Capture the next screenshot
Repeat the screenshot method you used for the first screenshot to capture the next screenshot in the sequence. Continue this process until you have captured all the necessary screenshots.
Step 4: Access and manage your screenshots
All the screenshots you have taken will be saved to the Photos app. Open the Photos app and navigate to the “Screenshots” album to view and manage your screenshots individually. You can rearrange, delete, or edit each screenshot as needed.
Comparing Different Methods and Choosing the Best One for You
Now that you are familiar with the various methods and options for taking screenshots on your iPhone 7, you may be wondering which method is the best for you. Here’s a comparison of the different methods to help you make an informed decision:
Physical Buttons
The physical buttons method is the most straightforward and universally available option. It requires no additional setup or configuration. However, it may be challenging for some users to press the buttons simultaneously, especially if they have dexterity or mobility issues. Additionally, using the physical buttons can sometimes lead to accidental screenshots if the buttons are pressed unintentionally.
Assistive Touch
Enabling Assistive Touch provides a virtual alternative to the physical buttons, making it easier to take screenshots for users who find it challenging to press the buttons simultaneously. Assistive Touch allows you to access the screenshot function with a single tap on the on-screen Assistive Touch button. However, enabling Assistive Touch adds a persistent virtual button on your screen, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer a clutter-free interface.
Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps offer additional features and customization options for capturing and editing screenshots. They provide more extensive annotation tools, advanced editing capabilities, and often integrate with cloud storage or sharing platforms. However, using third-party apps requires downloading and installing them from the App Store, which takes up storage space on your device. Additionally, some third-party apps may include advertisements or require a paid subscription for accessing all features.
Consider Your Needs and Preferences
When choosing the best method for taking screenshots on your iPhone 7, consider your specific needs and preferences. If simplicity and accessibility are crucial, the physical buttons method may be the most suitable option. If you prefer a virtual alternative or have difficulty pressing the buttons simultaneously, enabling Assistive Touch can provide a convenient solution. On the other hand, if you require advanced editing features or want to tailor your screenshot workflow, exploring third-party apps can offer more flexibility and customization.
Ultimately, the choice of method depends on your individual circumstances and the specific tasks you want to accomplish with your screenshots. Feel free to experiment with different methods and explore additional options to find the best screenshot solution that suits your needs.