Screenshots let users freeze and frame whatever is on the screen, be it images, files, or any other form of data, which makes it handy for sharing information, providing visual references, and documenting content. There are times when one needs to capture the entire web page or more than what’s visible in just one shot. However, not all the content can always fit within the screen dimensions, right? Well, this need led to the introduction of scrolling screenshots, that allow you to capture the whole webpage or document in a single image. So, how can you take a scrolling screenshot on Chrome or Firefox, and is there any shortcut for it? Let’s find out.
How to Take Scrolling Screenshots on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox
You might have heard of scrolling screenshots earlier and might have already taken the same on your smartphones. It is specifically used to capture content that extends beyond the initial screen view, even if it requires users to scroll to see it. Unlike traditional ones, it helps save content that appears across multiple screen sections. Now, even though it’s easy to capture a long scrolling screenshot on an Android device or an iPhone, the same is tricky when it comes to a PC.
How to Take Scrolling Screenshot in Google Chrome
There are multiple ways to take a screenshot of the whole webpage on Google Chrome. We’ll go through each of them and you can choose any method based on your preference.
Method 1: Use Developer Mode
Google Chrome doesn’t have a direct shortcut key or option to capture a full-page screenshot. However, you can still capture a scrolling screenshot using developer tools. It’s an awesome method. Here’s how to do it:
1. Visit the webpage for which you want to take a screenshot and click on the three dots icon on the extreme right of the address bar.
2. Hover the cursor to More tools and select Developer tools from the context menu.
You can also access this option by simply pressing F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I.
3. Within the Developer tools window, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Run command.
4. Type screenshot in the text input field and choose Capture full size screenshot from the list of options.
5. Wait for the process to complete. Your screenshot will be saved in PNG format within your default download folder.
Method 2: Use an Extension
Extensions provide additional functionality to your browser. There are multiple Chrome extensions such as Screen Capture and GoFullPage – Full Page Screen Capture that can help you capture a full-page screenshot with just one click. Here’s how you can download and use it:
1. Visit the official Chrome Web Store website and in the search bar, type GoFullPage.
2. Select GoFullPage – Full Page Screen Capture from the search results and click Add to Chrome.
3. Once the extension is downloaded and installed on the browser, click the extension icon next to the address bar.
4. Locate GoFullPage – Full Page Screen Capture and click on the pin icon next to it.
Now, this extension will be displayed next to the extension icon.
5. Visit the webpage for which you want to capture the screenshot, click the GoFullPage icon, and wait for the process to complete.
Your screenshot will be saved to the respective drive.
Also Read: How Do You Secretly Screenshot Snapchats
Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools
You can also install third-party tools to capture scrolling screenshots on Google Chrome. Moreover, not just on the browser but these tools would help you screenshot anywhere on the PC, such as long documents or chat threads, etc.
1. Visit the official PicPick website and click on Download.
2. Once downloaded, install the software on the PC.
3. Visit the webpage you want to screenshot fully and on the keyboard press Ctrl + Alt + Prtsc together.
4. Now in the PicPick toolbar, click on the Capture Scrolling Window icon.
5. Now click on a corner of the webpage and drag your cursor to the opposite corner. Once you release the mouse, the page will start scrolling automatically.
6. Wait until the whole screenshot is taken. If it automatically opens on PicPick software, you can edit and save it from there.
Method 4: Save Webpage in PDF Format
You can also save the webpage in PDF format, in case you just want to save it completely and not in JPG, PNG, or any other image format. Follow the steps:
1. Visit the desired webpage, click the three dots icon at the top right corner, and select Print from the context menu. You can also press Ctrl + P.
2. Expand the Destination drop-down menu and select Save as PDF. Click on Save at the bottom-right corner.
3. Choose a location to save the PDF file.
Also Read: 29 Best Chrome Extensions for Productivity
How to Take Scrolling Screenshots in Firefox
Let’s go through the process of how you can capture the whole webpage in the form of a screenshot on the Firefox browser.
Method 1: Using Firefox Built-in Feature
While Google Chrome doesn’t provide a direct feature to capture screenshots, Firefox does, which makes it easier for users. Follow the steps:
1. Visit the website for which you want to capture the screenshot.
2. Right-click on an empty area on the webpage and select Take Screenshot. You can also access this feature by simply pressing Ctrl + Shift + S.
3. Choose Save full page in the upper right corner.
4. Click Download at the top-right corner and the full-page screenshot will be saved in your default folder.
Method 2: Use Developer Options
Again, you can opt for developer tools to take screenshots on Firefox. Here’s how to do it:
1. Visit the webpage on which you want to take a screenshot.
2. Press F12 on the keyboard to open Web Developer Tools and then press F1 to open the Settings.
3. Scroll down and checkmark Take a screenshot of the entire page under Available Toolbox Buttons.
4. Within the Web Developer Tools window, click on the camera icon in the top right corner to capture the full-page screenshot. It will be saved in the default download folder.
Note: You do not need to check Take a screenshot of the entire page again to capture full-page screenshots of other web pages. Simply press F12, then F1, and click the camera icon. That’s it.
You can also capture mobile screenshots by clicking the Mobile icon next to the camera icon.
Also Read: How to Use Reader Mode in Chrome
Method 3: Use an Extension
Although Firefox offers great features for capturing full-page or scrolling screenshots, if you desire more customizability, such as editing the image just after taking the screenshot, you might need an extension such as Awesome Screenshot. Follow the steps:
1. Visit the Firefox Browser ADD-ONS website and search for the Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder extension.
2. Click on Add to Firefox.
3. Once added, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to Awesome Screenshot.
4. Click on the extension icon (puzzle icon) in the top right corner.
5. Click on the Settings icon next to the Awesome Screenshot extension, and select Pin to Toolbar from the context menu.
6. Visit the webpage on which you want to take a screenshot, click the Awesome Screenshot icon, and select Capture Entire Page.
Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl + Alt + E.
7. Wait for the process to complete. Once it’s done, you can edit the screenshot as you like or directly save it to the download folder.
That is it! We hope our guide helped you capture a scrolling screenshot on Chrome & Firefox. If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay tuned to TechCult for more such tips and tricks.
