Screengrab vs. Screenshot: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A screengrab is an image captured of the content displayed on a screen, similar to a screenshot, which is a digital image of what is visible on a computer monitor or mobile device screen.
Key Differences
A screengrab, often used interchangeably with screenshot, is the act of capturing whatever is currently displayed on a digital screen. A screenshot, similarly, is a digital snapshot of the contents of a screen at a given moment.
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Nov 26, 2023
Screengrabs can be used to capture a specific moment in a video or live stream. Screenshots are typically used for capturing static images such as a webpage or a software interface.
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Nov 26, 2023
The term screengrab is sometimes used in contexts involving motion pictures or video content. Conversely, screenshot is a more common term in computing and mobile device usage.
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Nov 26, 2023
Both screengrabs and screenshots serve as a means of sharing or saving a visual record of screen content. However, screenshots are often associated with specific functionalities built into operating systems.
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Nov 26, 2023
While the terms are largely synonymous, screengrab might be used more casually or in less technical contexts, whereas screenshot is the more technical term, often found in software documentation or guides.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Usage
Often used in video or film context
Common in computing and mobile devices
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Functionality
Captures a moment in videos/live streams
Captures static images from screens
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Operating System Integration
Less frequently mentioned in OS documentation
Often included in OS guides and help documents
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Screengrab and Screenshot Definitions
Screengrab
A digital capture of a video or film scene as it appears on a screen.
He took a screengrab from the movie trailer for his blog.
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Screenshot
An image captured of the current display on a computer or mobile device screen.
He sent a screenshot of the webpage as proof of the online deal.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screengrab
A still image obtained from a screen, particularly during video playback.
She shared a screengrab of her favorite part of the music video.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screenshot
A digital snapshot of what is being displayed on a screen at any given moment.
The designer used a screenshot to show the layout of the app.
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Screengrab
The act of capturing what's displayed on a screen in image form.
A screengrab of the error message helped the tech support resolve the issue.
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Screenshot
The process of capturing the visible items on a digital screen.
She took a screenshot of her high score to share with her friends.
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Screengrab
An image captured from any screen display, including computers and TVs.
The screengrab showed the exact moment of the game-winning goal.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screenshot
A static digital image of what is displayed on a computer or mobile screen.
The presentation included screenshots from the software demonstration.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screengrab
A snapshot of screen content, often used to capture dynamic displays.
The tutorial included a screengrab to illustrate the software's feature.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screenshot
A feature in many devices that allows capturing the screen's contents.
The user guide explained how to take a screenshot on the smartphone.
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Nov 21, 2023
Screenshot
(computing) An image of computer or smartphone screen output at a given moment in time.
I grabbed a screenshot of my desktop.
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Oct 19, 2023
Screenshot
To take a screenshot of something.
To help to improve the software, make sure to screenshot any bugs you find.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a screengrab?
A screengrab is an image capture of what's displayed on a digital screen.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can you take a screengrab on a smartphone?
Yes, smartphones allow taking screengrabs or screenshots.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do you need special software for screengrabs?
Not necessarily, as most devices have built-in capabilities for screengrabs.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is a screenshot always static?
Yes, screenshots capture a static image of the screen's contents.
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Do screengrabs have high resolution?
The resolution depends on the original screen resolution.
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Nov 26, 2023
Why use a screengrab?
They're helpful for sharing visual information, like an error or a specific scene.
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What formats are screenshots saved in?
Common formats include JPG, PNG, and BMP.
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How is a screenshot different from a screengrab?
They are very similar, but screenshot is more commonly used in technical contexts.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are screenshots useful for troubleshooting?
Yes, they can visually convey issues or errors in software.
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Nov 26, 2023
How do I take a screenshot on a PC?
You can use the "Print Screen" key or screenshot tools in the operating system.
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Nov 26, 2023
How do you share a screengrab?
They can be shared via email, messaging apps, or social media.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can screengrabs include video?
Screengrabs are still images and don't capture video motion.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is there a size limit for screengrabs?
The size usually depends on the screen resolution and the image format.
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Are screenshots secure?
They can contain sensitive information, so it's important to use them securely.
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Can you edit a screengrab?
Yes, screengrabs can be edited with image editing software.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can you automate screenshots?
Yes, with certain software, screenshots can be automated.
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Are screenshots the same across all devices?
The method to take screenshots may vary, but the concept is the same.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can screengrabs be used legally as evidence?
This depends on the legal context and jurisdiction.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do all operating systems support screenshots?
Most modern operating systems have built-in support for screenshots.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can screengrabs capture scrolling pages?
Some screenshot tools allow capturing full-page content, even if it scrolls.
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Nov 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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