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Use a bounded selection, not a full-screen shortcut. In Windows 10 or 11, press Windows+Shift+S, choose Rectangle, and drag from one edge of the monitor to the other. On a Mac, press Shift+Command+4 and drag around the monitor. These methods exclude the other display because you define the capture area yourself.
Choose the capture you actually need
| Goal | Windows 10/11 | macOS | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entire physical monitor | Windows+Shift+S → Rectangle → drag across that display | Shift+Command+4 → drag across that display | A manually bounded image containing one monitor |
| One application window | Focus the window → Alt+Print Screen | Shift+Command+4, press Space, then click the window | Only the selected window |
| Freeform or custom area | Windows+Shift+S → choose Freeform or Rectangle | Shift+Command+4 and draw the area | Only the pixels inside your selection |
| All displays | Print Screen | Shift+Command+3 | Full-screen context; not suitable when the second monitor must be omitted |
Windows: capture one whole monitor
Use Rectangle mode
- Put the monitors in the arrangement you normally use. The Windows capture overlay follows their visible layout.
- Press Windows+Shift+S. The Snipping Tool overlay opens with Freeform, Rectangle, Window and Full screen modes.
- Select Rectangle.
- Move to a corner of the monitor you want. Click and hold, then drag to the opposite corner. Keep both corners inside that monitor’s visible bounds; do not cross onto the neighboring display.
- Release the mouse button. The snip appears in the Snipping Tool notification and editor.
- Use Ctrl+C to copy it, or Ctrl+S to save it. The editor also lets you annotate and share the image.
This is the dependable method for a monitor-wide image because the rectangle is explicit. It works even when the two displays have different resolutions or are arranged side by side, vertically, or at an offset; you simply align the selection with the target display’s visible edges.
Capture one application on either monitor
- Click the application window on the monitor you want so it is active. Maximize it first if you want the app to fill that display.
- Press Alt+Print Screen.
- Paste the result into an image editor, document or chat with Ctrl+V, or open the Snipping Tool and save it.
Microsoft’s Windows guidance describes this as selecting the window on the monitor you want and pressing Alt+Print Screen to capture just that window. It does not include unrelated windows on the other display.
Recommended Free Tools
When to use Freeform
Choose Freeform in the same Windows+Shift+S overlay when the monitor image has an irregular region you want to isolate. For a clean monitor screenshot, Rectangle is usually better because straight edges preserve the display boundary.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
Why Print Screen often captures both monitors
Print Screen is a full-screen command. In a dual-monitor desktop, Windows treats the connected displays as one full-screen context, so the resulting image can contain both screens. It is useful when you intentionally need that complete context, but it is the wrong default for a single-monitor capture. Use the bounded Rectangle mode instead.
If you selected the wrong display or the boundary is slightly off, repeat the snip and start and finish at the target monitor’s visible edges. A second capture is normally faster than trying to crop a full dual-monitor image afterward.
macOS: capture one whole monitor
Drag a selected portion
- Press Shift+Command+4. The pointer becomes a crosshair.
- Move the crosshair to one edge of the monitor you want.
- Click and hold, then drag to the opposite edge. Keep the rectangle within that monitor’s visible area.
- Release to take the screenshot. macOS places a thumbnail on screen and saves the capture according to your Screenshot settings.
Apple describes this as clicking and holding the mouse or trackpad button while dragging the crosshair to select the area. Because you draw the bounds, the second display is left out.
Rank #2
- Fits 13" to 30" Screens - Dual monitor mount fitting two screens 13” to 30” in size and up to 22 lbs in weight each with VESA 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes. Cable management clips are provided along the arms and center pole.
- Articulation & Height Adjustment - Adjustable arm offers +90° to -90° tilt, 180° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole. Monitors can be placed in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Heavy Duty C-Clamp - Mounts to the back of your desk (up to 3.25” thick) via a heavy-duty C-clamp or optional grommet mount.
- Easy Installation - Mounting your monitors is a simple process with detachable VESA bracket plates. We provide the hardware and easy-to-follow instructions for assembly.
- We've Got You Covered - Sturdy steel design is backed with a 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty and friendly tech support to help with any questions or concerns.
Use the Screenshot toolbar
- Press Shift+Command+5.
- Choose Capture Selected Portion.
- Resize the selection to the target monitor’s edges and click Capture.
The toolbar is useful when you want to choose a destination or other capture controls before taking the image. It also exposes options for an entire screen or a window; choose the selected-portion mode when only one monitor is required.
Capture one application window
- Press Shift+Command+4.
- Press Space. The pointer changes to a camera.
- Move over the application window on the desired monitor and click.
This produces a window capture rather than a monitor-wide image. Use the selected-portion method if you need surrounding desktop pixels or want to exclude a window shadow.
Clipboard, files and editing
Windows output
A Windows snip opens in Snipping Tool, where you can annotate, save or share it. Ctrl+C copies the snip for immediate pasting; Ctrl+S opens the save workflow. This is preferable to Print Screen when you need a deliberate one-monitor boundary.
Rank #3
- Computer Compatibility - To ensure compatibility of the dual monitor mount, each of your monitors must meet three conditions: Firstly, screen size range: 13 to 32 inches. Secondly, screen weight limit: 17.6lbs. Thirdly, there must be VESA mounting holes on the back of the monitor screen that are spaced 75x75 mm or 100x100 mm apart. Please make sure that your monitor meets all of the above conditions before purchasing, if you are still unsure, you can seek help from customer service.
- Two Installation Options - With a detailed instruction manual and labeled hardware, the ErGear monitor mount is a breeze to set up. For the sake of using experience, please check if your table meets the following three conditions: Material first, we only recommend wooden table. Secondly, The bottom of the table should preferably be free of any beams or panels that may interfere with installation. Table thickness thirdly,'C' clamp fits 0.39"-3" while grommet mount fits 0.39"-2.36".
- Versatile Compatibility - With a 31.22“ wide arm span and 16” high bar, this dual monitor arm accommodates two 32” monitors, providing a very large amount of adjustability for your work use and allowing you to enjoy an immersive viewing experience.
- Flexible Screen Positioning - Experience ultimate flexibility with our dual monitor stand that features +/-90° swivel, +/-45° tilt, and 360° rotation. Easily adjust monitor angle for ergonomic viewing to avoid neck and eye strain. Achieve optimal comfort with customizable screen positioning, perfect for your office desk, gaming setup, or multitasking workspace.
- Free Up Desk Space - Elevate your monitors closer to eye level with our dual monitor desk mount, freeing up valuable desk space for laptops, keyboards, speakers, or other devices. Integrated cable management clips allow you to route cables for a clean look that maximizes efficiency and focus.
Mac output
Use the screenshot thumbnail to edit the image before it is stored. Apple also documents a Clipboard workflow: Control-click the thumbnail and choose the Clipboard option when it is available. That is useful when the next step is pasting into a message or document rather than managing an image file.
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Fixes for common dual-monitor problems
The screenshot still contains part of the other monitor
- Repeat the capture with Rectangle (Windows) or a selected portion (macOS), not a full-screen command.
- Start and end exactly on the target display’s visible edges. If the displays are offset vertically, do not assume their top edges line up.
- For an application-only result, switch to the window shortcut instead of drawing a large rectangle.
The overlay opens, but the selection is difficult to position
- Move the pointer onto the target display before beginning the drag.
- Check the physical arrangement in your operating system’s display settings and mirror that arrangement when dragging.
- With different display scaling or resolutions, use the visible bezel-to-bezel area as your boundary rather than relying on matching pixel dimensions.
Windows captured the wrong window
Alt+Print Screen captures the active window, not whichever window is under the pointer. Click the intended app first, then repeat the shortcut. If the app is not the size you need, maximize it before capturing.
The Mac capture includes more or less than expected
- Use Shift+Command+4 for an exact rectangle rather than Shift+Command+3, which captures the entire screen context.
- For a clean app-only image, use the camera mode (Shift+Command+4, then Space) instead of manually approximating the window.
- If the selection is off by a few pixels, release and redraw it; the screenshot thumbnail gives you a chance to edit before keeping the file.
Quality and workflow choices
- Fastest whole-monitor method: Windows Rectangle snip or Mac selected-portion capture.
- Fastest app-only method: Alt+Print Screen on Windows; Shift+Command+4, then Space on macOS.
- Best for annotation: Windows Snipping Tool or the Mac screenshot thumbnail before saving.
- Best for pasting immediately: Windows Ctrl+C, or the Mac thumbnail’s Clipboard command.
- Best for repeatability: Use the same monitor arrangement and the same rectangle edges each time. Full-screen shortcuts are faster only when including every display is intentional.
Or skip the browser setup
If what you actually need is a screenshot of a website, rather than pixels from your local monitor, ScreenshotNeo returns a clean image or PDF from one request. It is not a remote-control tool for your physical desktop, so it cannot capture an application or monitor that is open on your computer. It is useful when the source is a URL and you want a repeatable server-side capture.
Rank #4
- Fits 13" to 32" Screens: Compatible with computer monitors up to 13” to 32” in size and weighing up to 22 lbs each with 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes --Patented--
- Strong and Balanced Tempered Glass Base: Provides extra support and increases stability for dual-screen setups. The rectangular glass base measures 15.2” x 10.2" and features bottom-side padding. The pole and arms are made of steel
- Flexible Screen Positioning: Adjustable arms offer +90° to -90° tilt, 360° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole. Monitors can be placed in portrait or landscape positions
- Removable VESA Plates: Create a simple screen mounting process. We include easy-to-follow instructions and hardware for quick assembly
- Best Practices: Please do not pull monitors too far forward or backward unless the stand is bolted down, as this will cause stability issues
Before the capture, ScreenshotNeo accepts the cookie or consent banner like a visitor and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups and chat widgets; each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads and cache hits are not billed, and response headers identify the page verdict and whether the request was billed. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info and capture_pdf tools for Claude, Cursor and other MCP clients.
For the API parameters and the complete option list, see the ScreenshotNeo documentation. This one-call example captures a web page as WebP:
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpThe same request in Python:
import requests
r = requests.get("https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot", params={"access_key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "url": "https://stripe.com"}, timeout=90)
open("shot.webp", "wb").write(r.content)And in Node.js:
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);The Free plan includes 1,000 shots per month with no card. Paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots; yearly billing gives two months free, and every feature is available on every plan. Create a free ScreenshotNeo account to try URL captures without adding a card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I put a Mac screenshot directly on the Clipboard?
Yes. After the capture, Control-click its thumbnail and choose the Clipboard option when that option is shown.
Best Value
- Fits 13" to 27" Screens: Freestanding dual monitor mount holds two screens 13” to 27” and up to 22 lbs with 75x75mm or 100x100mm backside mounting holes. Keep power and AV cables clean and organized with detachable cable clips on the arms and center pole
- Full Articulation: Adjustable mount offers +90° to -90° tilt, 180° swivel, 360° rotation, and height adjustment along the center pole for convenient, customizable viewing angles
- Heavy Duty Extra Large Base: Measures 13" x 10.5" providing solid stability while monitors are held within its center of gravity. The bottom of the base features padding to protect your desk from scratches
- Easy Installation with Detachable VESA Plate: Mounting your monitors is a simple process with detachable VESA bracket plates. We provide the hardware and easy-to-follow instructions for assembly
- Best Practices: Please do not pull monitors too far forward or backward unless the stand is bolted down, as this will cause stability issues. Additionallly, please check to make sure the base size fits your available desk space
Can I annotate a Windows one-monitor snip before saving?
Yes. The snip opens in Snipping Tool, where you can annotate it and then use Ctrl+S to save the edited image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a Mac screenshot directly on the Clipboard?
Yes. After the capture, Control-click its thumbnail and choose the Clipboard option when that option is shown.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can I annotate a Windows one-monitor snip before saving?
Yes. The snip opens in Snipping Tool, where you can annotate it and then use Ctrl+S to save the edited image.
Quick Recap
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