How to screenshot on Steam Deck

Wondering how to take a screenshot on your Steam Deck? Even without a dedicated share button, taking screenshots on the handheld is an easy process, and this guide will teach you how.

The Steam Deck is a prominent piece of tech. Not only is the gaming handheld a fully working portable PC, but it can also play your Steam library of games on the go. With some of the best PC games being fully verified on the device every day, there’s always something to play.

While you won’t ever be strapped for choice with games play, there may come a time when you want to share your favorite Steam Deck gaming memories. One of the easiest ways to ensure you’ll remember the time with your favorite PC games is by taking a screenshot.

Taking a screenshot on the Steam Deck isn’t as straightforward as other handhelds. The device doesn’t have a dedicated share button like the Nintendo Switch, and instead relies on a combination of button presses.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide so you can start taking a ton of screenshots in no time.

How to screenshot on Steam Deck

To take a screenshot on the Steam Deck, press the Steam, and the R1 trigger buttons simultaneously. It may take some time to master, as both buttons are awkwardly on either side of the device.

By pressing both, you’ll be able to save your precious screenshot of Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3, or even a screenshot of your impressive library of Steam Deck games to show off to friends.

A small notification will appear in the bottom right of your Steam Deck screen to confirm your screenshot. Clicking on this will take you directly to your screenshot library.

How to screenshot on desktop mode on Steam Deck

Taking a screenshot in desktop mode on the Steam Deck isn’t as straightforward. Here, the combination of both the Steam and R1 trigger buttons won’t work, so we have to look for an alternative method instead.

Download the ksnip screenshot tool

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In desktop mode, we have access to downloading a myriad of software through the use of the Discovery app. While there’s a ton of Linux-based image software to choose from, for this guide we’re going to use knsip, a cross-platform screenshot and annotation tool.

By selecting the ‘Discover’ icon, as represented by the blue shopping bag on your toolbar, you can get access to all the available software for your Steam Deck. In the top-left search bar of Discover, use the built-in keyboard, search for ‘ksnip’, and install the software.

Once in ksip, you’ll have access to a multitude of screenshotting options. Here you can set the screenshot preference, whether you want to take a full-screen desktop screenshot or just a cropped area of the screen. You can also change the screenshot timer, giving you ample time to set up the perfect shot.

How to back up screenshots on Steam Deck

Just as the Steam Deck can play your Steam games, it can also back up your Steam screenshots. Backing up any screenshots taken on your handheld to your Steam account is an incredibly straightforward process. Here are the steps:

1. Select ‘Steam’ button
2. Navigate to and select ‘Media’
3. Hover over the screenshot and press the ‘options’ button
4. Select ‘Upload’
5. Confirm screenshot upload

After selecting upload, a dialogue box will appear confirming if you’d like to upload your screenshot. You’ll be presented with four options, including uploading the screenshot as private, unlisted, friends only, or public. Selecting ‘private’ will still back up the photo to your Steam account, however, only you will be able to view the screenshot you’ve taken.

If your screenshot is already shared to your Steam account, selecting the options button will let you edit the accompanying caption, change the visibility, add to favorites, add a spoiler tag, or delete entirely.

Looking for more Steam Deck guides? We have you covered with our ultimate starter guide.