Screenshot: Definition, Uses & How to Take One

A screenshot is a digital image capture of what’s currently shown on a device screen, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Screenshots are commonly used to save information, document steps, and share what you see on screen.

What is a screenshot used for?

People take screenshots for many practical reasons, including:

• Explaining how software works (tutorials, guides, onboarding steps)
• Saving important details (receipts, confirmations, addresses, settings)
• Reporting bugs and troubleshooting (error messages, broken layouts, app crashes)
• Capturing social media content (posts, comments, messages, conversations)
• Keeping visual proof or records (orders, chats, support tickets)

Screenshot vs screen recording

A screenshot captures one still image. A screen recording captures video of your screen, often with audio, which is better for showing a process over time.

Where screenshots are often used

Screenshots are widely used in:

• Tech support and customer service
• Product documentation and knowledge bases
• Education and training
• Remote work and team communication
• Social media sharing

Can screenshots be searched?

Yes. A screenshot can sometimes be used in:

• Reverse image search to find where the image appears online
• Facial recognition search if the screenshot contains a face (subject to the tools you use and local privacy rules)

Common screenshot formats

Screenshots are typically saved as:

• PNG (sharp text, great quality)
• JPG/JPEG (smaller file size, slightly lower quality)
• WebP (web friendly format used by some apps and browsers)

screen capture, screen recording, snipping tool, print screen, image capture, reverse image search, facial recognition search, png, jpg

FAQ

What does “Screenshot” mean in the context of face recognition search engines?

A “screenshot” is an image captured from a screen (for example, a dating profile photo, a video frame, or a social media post). In face recognition search engines, a screenshot is often used as the query image to search for visually similar faces across indexed web pages—even if the original photo file isn’t available.

Can I use a screenshot as the input for a face search (including tools like FaceCheck.ID)?

Yes. Most face recognition search engines can accept screenshots (uploaded as an image file) as search input. FaceCheck.ID and similar tools may work best when the screenshot clearly shows a single, forward-facing face with good lighting and minimal obstructions.

How should I prepare a screenshot to improve face recognition search results?

Use the highest-resolution screenshot you can, then crop tightly around the face (include forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin). Avoid heavy UI overlays, stickers, captions, and other faces in the frame. If possible, submit multiple screenshots from different angles/lighting to compare results and reduce false matches.

Why might a screenshot produce worse matches than an original photo?

Screenshots often contain compression, resizing, motion blur (from video), harsh sharpening, or on-screen text and icons. They may also capture filters or beauty edits applied by apps. These artifacts can distort facial features and reduce match quality, increasing the chance of weak matches or look-alike results.

What privacy and safety risks should I consider before uploading a screenshot to a face recognition search engine?

A screenshot may include sensitive context (usernames, messages, locations, or other people) that you didn’t intend to share. Before uploading, crop or redact non-face details and avoid including minors or bystanders. Treat results as leads rather than proof of identity, and avoid using matches to harass, doxx, or make high-stakes accusations.

Author Christian Hidayat

Christian Hidayat is a dedicated contributor to FaceCheck's blog, and is passionate about promoting FaceCheck's mission of creating a safer internet for everyone.

Do you have a screenshot and you're curious to know who's in the picture? Try out FaceCheck.ID! Our state-of-the-art face recognition search engine can quickly sift through the internet to find corresponding images. No matter how obscure or well-known the face may be, FaceCheck.ID is designed to deliver accurate results in a flash. So, why wait? Give FaceCheck.ID a go and uncover the identity behind any screenshot today!

Discover Identities with FaceCheck.ID Screenshot Search

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