Technical Writing Terms

What Is a Screenshot?

A screenshot is a captured image of what appears on a computer screen.

A screenshot is a captured image of what appears on a computer screen. In documentation, screenshots are essential because they show users exactly what they should see and where to click, removing any doubt about the interface.

Screenshots turn abstract instructions into concrete visual guidance, which is why they appear in nearly every effective step-by-step guide. Learn why screenshots make step-by-step guides effective.

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Frequently asked questions

How do screenshots improve documentation?
Screenshots show the exact interface state, reduce misinterpretation, and let readers confirm they are in the right place before acting.

Related terms

Annotation
An annotation is a visual marking added to an image or screenshot to highlight, explain, or draw attention to a specific area.
Callout
A callout is a visual element that points to and identifies a specific part of an image or interface.
Screen Capture Software
Screen capture software is an application that records or captures images of your computer screen.
Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide is a document that breaks a process or task into sequential, numbered steps.

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