How to Seamlessly Take Scrolling Screenshots in Android?

With recent Android updates, learning how to take a scrolling screenshot on Android has become essential, especially for those on devices running Android 12 or later. This feature, also supported by various manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, allows users to capture extended content effortlessly.

This article will guide you through using built-in Android features and third-party apps to take scrolling screenshots, ensuring you can easily capture full-page screenshots for later use or sharing. Whether you’re navigating Google Chrome’s “Long Screenshot” function or seeking the best app for the job, we’ve got you covered.

Using Built-in Android Features

1. Access the Screenshot Feature

• Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.
• Tap on the ‘Screen record’ or ‘Screenshot’ button, depending on your device.

2. Capture the Initial Screenshot

• Navigate to the content you wish to capture, such as a long webpage or document.
• Simultaneously press the Power and Volume Down buttons to take a standard screenshot.

3. Initiate Scroll Capture

• Immediately after capturing the screenshot, look for an option labeled ‘scroll capture’ or ‘capture more’ next to the screenshot preview.
• Tap on this option to begin the scrolling screenshot process.

4. Manage the Scrolling Process

• The screen will automatically start scrolling down. Monitor the scrolling to ensure it covers the desired content.
• Tap the screen or select ‘Done’ to stop the scrolling at any point.

5. Edit and Save Your Scrolling Screenshot

• Once the scrolling stops, you might have the option to edit the screenshot directly from the preview.
• Adjust the captured content using the cropping tool if necessary, then save the screenshot to your gallery or share it directly.

This streamlined process uses the built-in capabilities of Android devices, ensuring you can capture extensive information in a single screenshot, which is particularly useful for capturing long articles, forums, or threads without needing to stitch multiple images together manually.

Taking Scrolling Screenshots on Google Chrome

To capture a full-page screenshot using Google Chrome on your Android device, follow these streamlined steps:

1. Update Google Chrome
   • Ensure your Google Chrome is updated to the latest version, ideally version 94 or above. You can check and update it from the Google Play Store.
2. Enable the Feature
   • Open Google Chrome and type chrome://flags into the address bar and press enter.
   • In the search bar that appears, type Chrome Share Long Screenshots.
   • Find the setting and change it from ‘Default’ to ‘Enabled’ using the drop-down menu.
3. Relaunch Chrome
   • If Chrome doesn’t prompt you to relaunch, close and reopen the browser manually to activate the changes.
4. Navigate to the Desired Webpage
   • Open the webpage you wish to capture.
5. Initiate the Screenshot
   • Tap on the three-dot menu at the top right corner of the screen.
   • Select ‘Share’, then ‘Long Screenshot’ from the options that appear.
6. Select the Screenshot Area
   • Drag the highlighted bars to adjust and select the specific area of the webpage you want to capture.
   • Confirm by tapping the checkmark icon.
7. Edit and Save
   • Optionally, edit the screenshot by adding text or annotations.
   • Save the screenshot to your device or share it as needed.

This method is particularly useful for capturing information on webpages that are longer than what is displayed on the screen, providing a comprehensive view in one single image.

Utilizing Third-Party Apps

1. Choose the Right App

• Research and select an app that offers the ability to capture screenshots longer than your screen and can stitch them together. Look for features like editing options, which may include highlighting or redacting text in various colors.

2. Download and Install the App

• Once you’ve chosen an app, download it from the Google Play Store. Ensure it is compatible with your Android device and check user reviews for reliability and performance insights.

3. Set Up the App

• Open the app and grant the necessary permissions for it to function properly. This might include access to your device’s storage and the ability to overlay over other apps.

4. Capture the Screenshot

• Navigate to the content you want to capture. Use the app’s screenshot function, which might include a floating button or an option in the notification shade.
• For capturing entire web pages, some apps allow you to scroll manually while others do it automatically.

5. Edit and Stitch the Screenshot

• Use the app’s editing tools to make adjustments to the captured images. This can include cropping, adding text, or merging multiple screenshots into one long screenshot using the stitching tool.

6. Save and Share

• Save the final version of your scrolling screenshot to your SD card or device storage. Most apps also offer the option to share the screenshot directly from the app to social media platforms or via links.

Tips and Tricks:

• Some apps might require a purchase for full functionality. Consider trying the free version first to ensure it meets your needs.
• For extensive web pages, ensure the app supports automatic scrolling to capture everything seamlessly.
• Regularly update the app to utilize the latest features and improvements.

Editing and Sharing Your Scrolling Screenshots

1. Editing on Android 12 and Later

• Open the scrolling screenshot in the Photos app.
• Tap the Edit icon to access editing tools like crop, annotate, or adjust color settings.

2. Editing on Samsung Devices

• Open the image in the Photos app or Gallery app.
• Tap the Edit icon or pencil icon to modify the screenshot using Samsung’s advanced editing features.

Sharing Your Scrolling Screenshots

1. Sharing on Android

• Open the screenshot in the Photos app or Gallery app.
• Tap the Share icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Choose the app, service, or contact you wish to share the screenshot with.

2. Sharing on iPhone or iPad

• Open the PDF of the screenshot.
• Tap the iOS or iPadOS Share icon.
• Select the app, service, or person to share the PDF with.

These steps ensure that you can easily edit and share your scrolling screenshots across various devices, enhancing your productivity and social connectivity.