How to Screenshot on Udemy: Quick and Easy Methods

Taking a screenshot might sound simple, but when you’re learning on a platform like Udemy, it can feel a bit tricky. Maybe you want to save a slide for later, capture a code example, or keep a copy of your course progress.

Screenshots are powerful for study, revision, and sharing what you’ve learned. But not everyone knows the best way to capture exactly what they need—especially since different devices and operating systems have their own methods. In this guide, you’ll discover how to screenshot on Udemy, avoid common problems, and use screenshots effectively for your learning.

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Why Screenshots Matter For Udemy Learners

Screenshots are more than just pictures. They are study tools that help you:

• Review complex slides or diagrams later
• Save important instructions or code snippets
• Ask questions by showing exactly what’s on your screen
• Track your learning progress visually

Research shows that visual notes can improve retention by up to 65%. When you capture information as an image, your brain processes it differently than plain text. For many Udemy users, especially non-native English speakers, screenshots can help break language barriers by turning lessons into simple visuals.

However, Udemy’s terms of service do not allow sharing copyrighted course content without permission. Use screenshots for personal study, not for public distribution.

Screenshot Basics: What Every Udemy User Should Know

Before you start, understand what you can and cannot screenshot:

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• Allowed: Your own notes, progress, quiz results, public discussions, and code you wrote.
• Not allowed: Full videos, entire copyrighted slides, or paid content for public sharing.

Most platforms do not block screenshots, but some Udemy videos might have protections. Always check for a dark overlay or error message after capturing.

How To Screenshot Udemy On Different Devices

Udemy works on many devices: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even in browsers on Linux or Chromebooks. Each device has unique shortcuts and tools. Here’s how to capture the screen for each one.

Windows Pcs

Windows offers several ways to take screenshots, whether you want to capture the full screen, a specific window, or just a part.

1. Print Screen Key

• Press PrtScn (or Print Screen) to copy the entire screen to your clipboard.
• Open Paint or another image editor, press Ctrl + V to paste, then save the file.

2. Alt + Print Screen

• Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window.
• Paste and save as above.

3. Windows + Shift + S (snip & Sketch)

• Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping toolbar.
• Select the area to capture.
• Image is copied to clipboard; paste into Paint or Word to save.

4. Snipping Tool App

• Search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu.
• Choose a mode: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen.
• Capture and save.

Example:

Suppose you want to save a code example from a Udemy Python course. Press Windows + Shift + S, drag over the code area, then paste into your notes.

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Windows Screenshot Shortcuts Comparison

Mac Computers

Macs provide simple, powerful screenshot tools that work well with Udemy.

1. Full Screen

• Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the whole screen.
• Image saved to Desktop by default.

2. Selected Area

• Press Command + Shift + 4.
• Drag to select the area; release to capture.

3. Specific Window

• Press Command + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar.
• Click the window you want to capture.

4. Screenshot App (macos Mojave And Later)

• Press Command + Shift + 5 for a screenshot toolbar.
• Choose between full, window, or selected area.
• Can record video, useful for capturing Udemy walkthroughs (for personal use only).

Example:

You’re following a design tutorial and want to save a visual step. Use Command + Shift + 4 to select only the diagram, avoiding distractions.

Mac Screenshot Methods Comparison

Chromebooks

Chromebooks, popular in schools, make screenshotting easy.

• Ctrl + Show Windows (rectangle with two lines) for full screen.
• Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows to select an area.
• Files saved in the Downloads folder.
• For annotation, open the screenshot from the notification popup.

Android Devices

Many Udemy users study on their phones or tablets. Android offers a few ways to screenshot:

• Power + Volume Down: Press both buttons together for two seconds.
• Screenshot icon: Some devices have a screenshot button in the quick settings menu.
• Palm Swipe: On Samsung, swipe the side of your hand across the screen (if enabled).

After capture, screenshots are saved in the Screenshots album in your Photos app.

Ios Devices (iphone, Ipad)

Apple devices offer a smooth screenshot experience:

• IPhone with Face ID: Press Side Button + Volume Up.
• IPhone with Home Button: Press Home + Side/Top Button together.
• Screenshots appear in the lower left for quick markup, then save to Photos.

Example:

You want to capture a quiz result for review. Tap the screenshot thumbnail, mark your score with the pen tool, and save.

Linux Devices

If you use Udemy on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.), these shortcuts work:

• PrtScn: Full screen to Pictures folder.
• Alt + PrtScn: Active window.
• Shift + PrtScn: Select an area.
• Many desktops have built-in screenshot tools, like GNOME Screenshot.

Browser Extensions And Third-party Tools

Sometimes built-in methods don’t capture exactly what you want. Browser extensions or apps can help, especially for scrolling screenshots or annotation.

Popular options:

• Lightshot: Simple, fast, works on Windows/Mac.
• Nimbus Screenshot: Chrome/Firefox extension, supports scrolling.
• Awesome Screenshot: Annotate and blur sensitive info.

These tools help if you need to capture a long Udemy page, like a list of lectures or comments.

Comparison: Built-in Vs. Third-party Screenshot Tools

Special Cases: Recording Video Instead Of Screenshots

Screenshots are best for static content, but what if you want to save a step-by-step process, like a Udemy coding demo?

• Windows: Use Game Bar (Windows + G) or tools like OBS Studio.
• Mac: Command + Shift + 5 lets you record screen video.
• Chrome Extensions: Loom or Screencastify can record browser tabs.

Remember, recording entire Udemy videos for offline use may violate Udemy policy. Use video capture only for personal, temporary study, and never share recordings.

Organizing And Using Your Udemy Screenshots

A screenshot is only useful if you can find it later. Here’s how to keep your Udemy captures organized:

• Create Folders by Course: Make a folder for each Udemy course.
• Name Files Clearly: Use names like “Lecture5_ReactBasics.png” instead of “Screenshot1”.
• Add Notes: Many image viewers let you write a comment or tag.
• Use Cloud Storage: Save screenshots to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for backup and access from any device.

Example Workflow

You’re learning Excel on Udemy. Each time you capture a formula example, save it in a course folder. Add a short text note: “VLOOKUP formula example, Lecture 8”.

Annotating And Editing Udemy Screenshots

Raw screenshots can be confusing later. Use markup tools to add arrows, highlights, or text. This is especially helpful for:

• Highlighting important points
• Adding translations for difficult words
• Blurring sensitive info (like your email)

Best annotation tools:

• Windows: Snip & Sketch, Paint
• Mac: Preview, Markup
• Chrome Extensions: Awesome Screenshot

Common Problems And How To Solve Them

Even experienced users sometimes face issues when taking screenshots on Udemy. Here are solutions to common challenges:

Black Or Blank Screenshots

Some Udemy videos use digital rights management (DRM) to block screenshots. If you see a black image:

• Try capturing just the browser window instead of the whole screen.
• Use a different browser; Chrome, Firefox, or Edge handle DRM differently.
• Update your graphics drivers.
• Use the Snipping Tool rather than Print Screen.
• If all else fails, pause the video, capture the slide, not the video itself.

Low-quality Images

Blurry screenshots can make notes hard to read.

• Capture at the largest possible size.
• Avoid resizing images after capture.
• Use PNG format for clear text.
• For code, use dark mode if available for better contrast.

Can’t Find Saved Screenshots

• Use your computer’s search with keywords like “Udemy” or date taken.
• Check default save folders: Desktop, Pictures, Downloads.
• On mobile, look in the Screenshots or Photos app.

Accidentally Sharing Sensitive Data

Screenshots may include your name, email, or other private info.

• Before sharing, crop or blur sensitive areas.
• Use annotation tools to block out private details.

Legal And Ethical Considerations

It’s important to respect Udemy’s copyright rules. Screenshots are allowed for personal study, but not for distributing course content. Sharing screenshots publicly, especially on social media or blogs, may break copyright law.

Always:

• Use screenshots for your own study or to ask for help (like in a private forum).
• Never upload full slides or videos to public sites.
• Respect the work of course creators.

For more on copyright and fair use, see this Wikipedia article.

Two Insights Most Beginners Miss

• Screenshotting is a learning tool, not just a memory aid. When you capture and annotate a Udemy screenshot, you actively engage with the lesson. This process helps your brain remember more than simply watching or reading.
• You can automate screenshot organization. Tools like Dropbox or Google Drive can auto-upload and sort screenshots by date or device. Many students don’t realize they can set this up once and never lose track of a screenshot again.

Safety And Privacy Tips

• Always check what’s visible on your screen before capturing. Open tabs, notifications, or private messages might be included.
• For group projects, ask permission before sharing screenshots with classmates.
• Keep your screenshots organized and backed up to avoid accidental loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What If Udemy Blocks My Screenshot And I See A Black Image?

Some Udemy videos use anti-screenshot protection, especially for copyrighted material. Try capturing the browser window only, or use a different browser. If the problem continues, focus on notes and non-video content.

Can I Share Udemy Screenshots With My Classmates?

You may share small, relevant screenshots privately for group study. Avoid posting them publicly or sharing large parts of copyrighted content. Always give credit to the instructor.

Are There Apps That Automatically Save And Organize Screenshots?

Yes, apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive can auto-upload screenshots from your device. Some annotation tools, such as Nimbus or Lightshot, also organize images by project or tag.

How Do I Take Scrolling Screenshots Of A Long Udemy Page?

Use browser extensions like Nimbus Screenshot or Awesome Screenshot. These can capture an entire Udemy lecture list or Q&A section, even if it scrolls beyond one screen.

Will Udemy Know If I Take A Screenshot?

No, Udemy does not notify instructors or track screenshot activity. However, always use screenshots ethically and for personal study.

Taking screenshots on Udemy can transform your learning, helping you remember key lessons, solve problems faster, and collaborate with others. Whether you use a PC, Mac, phone, or browser extension, the right screenshot method can save you time and make your study more effective.

Stay organized, respect copyright, and use screenshots as an active tool in your Udemy journey. With these skills, you’ll not only capture the moment—you’ll capture knowledge for life.