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How to Take a Screen Shot on the Samsung Galaxy S III

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The Samsung Galaxy S III gives users two different ways to take a screenshot.

One is easy, especially for former iPhone or iPad users. The other is so hard I don’t bother. Let me show you how to do both, for when you really need each of them.

Taking a screenshot with an Android phone used to involve rooting the device and installing an app, but later versions of Android and more recent handsets offer simpler ways to take a screenshot. On the Samsung Galaxy S III, like most modern Android phones, no one needs to root their device to take a screenshot.

Why would anyone want to take a screenshot? If a user needs to write a how to guide for other people on the web or at their company, for app documentation, or to show off the home screen setup to friends, then the user will want to get an image of the screen. Sometimes I take a screenshot of a webpage to remind me to go back and check out the site. It’s a kind of visual bookmark.

A user can take screenshots on the Samsung Galaxy S III one of two ways.

The easy way is to press the home button and the power button at the same time.

If done properly, a white line flashes across the screen like the phone’s doing a photocopy and the screenshot saves in a Screenshots folder inside the Pictures folder on the internal SD card. Use the My Files app or some other file explorer app to find the file. Gallery will also let you find the screenshot.

 The phone also supports a gesture screenshot activation, which is tough to use. I kept accidentally opening apps or pulling down the notifications menu each time I attempted it, but with practice it might appeal to some users.

taking screenshots with the samsung galaxy siii

Hold the phone so that your palm covers the entire screen from top to bottom on the right side of the display.

Make a fist and arch the wrist back at an uncomfortable angle. This helps make it easier to get right.

Slide the palm from right to left across the screen quickly being careful not to touch the screen until ready to swipe it.

The screenshots go to the same folder as with the simple method.

16 Comments

16 Comments

  1. Rob

    07/21/2012 at 10:26 am

    Swiping the screen is easier than you make it sound. Just swipe from one side of the screen to the other with the edge of your hand. I have had zero problems with this method except for the first time I attempted it.

    • EuReekCA

      12/15/2012 at 6:13 pm

      Yup, just hold your hand like you are gonna “Karate chop” the phone, and swipe across the screen, just tried it for the first time, perfect!

  2. Zoey

    07/21/2012 at 3:54 pm

    Like Rob said. Super easy.

  3. Nemowho

    07/22/2012 at 8:27 am

    Perhaps the same people that are having trouble with this were intrigued with the article’s catchline “Why would anyone want to take a screenshot?”

    Are you sure those ham hands once worked a Treo 600?

  4. keith

    07/24/2012 at 9:00 pm

    thanks bud

  5. Monique

    08/11/2012 at 11:10 am

    I’ve tried both and when I try the 2 buttons together, I keep having the task manager pop up. Anyway way to change the side button function so I can take a screen shot? Thanks.

  6. The Rawtarian

    10/25/2012 at 7:27 am

    On my Gio it’s home + back button at the same time

  7. elsie b.

    12/02/2012 at 1:02 pm

    Neither method works for me..is it just for geeks..or wut

  8. JLokiG

    12/29/2012 at 10:29 am

    You do NOT have to hold the phone for the way he did the first screenshot. I actually thought he was joking until I did it on my phone, I also think it may only work on Jelly Bean versions.. maybe.

    HOW TO DO THE FIRST SCREENSHOT THE EASY WAY!

    > STEP 1) Position your hand as if you were going to karate chop your phone (best way I can describe it).

    // Basically, with your hand vertically on it’s side, pinky down on the screen along with your palm on the screen too (base of palm and all, your whole hand). //

    // NOT FLAT – you are not slapping your screen! JUST like a karate chop position //

    > STEP 2) Slide your whole hand from one side of the screen to the next in a fast sliding motion, but not too fast.

    PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. There are many ways you can do this trick for a screenshot, come up with your own that is most comfortable for you.

    • Jeremy Gruver

      12/29/2012 at 10:40 am

      EASIEST WAY TO PERFORM THE “HAND SCREENSHOT”

      Basically you are making a “thumbs-up” gesture… kind of. I have attached a photo to show you what I mean.

      Take your thumb and base of your thumb and lay it flat on your screen and simply slide it to the other side in a quick motion. THAT’S IT!

      IMAGE FOR HELP:
      https://flic.kr/p/dFtdMY

  9. Sherry Fox

    01/20/2013 at 7:08 am

    I tried both, and for me, the Home button and the Power button at the same time worked best… and the first time. I did not know about this feature! Now that I tested this feature there is a screen shot folder in my gallery! very cool!

  10. Vanessa

    02/06/2013 at 10:36 am

    Lol… For S3 users it’s really not that hard! Karate chop on right of screen and swype to the left on the screen. But if u are wanting a screen shot while your phone is turned width wise, I suggest power button & home button for screen shot. Otherwise you end up pulling down the notification bar. Otherwise all these other silly ways to hold your hands isn’t necessary, just makes you look like you don’t know what your doing! (Not ment to be disrespectful to other posts.)
    Good luck!
    I ♥ My Galaxy Slll♥

  11. Ashley

    02/20/2013 at 6:38 pm

    Thanks! Both ways were simple for me. The karate chop was best :-)

  12. nag

    03/01/2013 at 7:53 pm

    thanks .excellent

  13. Bill

    09/18/2014 at 10:05 am

    Is there a setting that got changed. On kit Kat now and neither works

    • Cory Gunther

      09/18/2014 at 1:58 pm

      Screenshot on S3.. power and home button. Tap at same time.

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