Categories: Tech

How to Take Those Really Long iPhone Screenshots

Apple has a better way to take screenshots.
Patrick Holland/CNET

We all know how to take a screenshot on the iPhone. You just push in the volume up and side buttons at the same time and you capture exactly what’s on your screen — nothing more, nothing less. However, those type of screenshots may not be enough if you’re trying to also capture what’s above or below what you can see on the screen.

Hidden within iOS is a scrolling screenshot feature that allows you to snap multiple pages with only a single screenshot. There are third-party apps you can use to stitch together individual screenshots and create a longer one, but a scrolling screenshot makes the process easier.

Want to improve your cybersecurity?

We’ll teach you why protecting your identity and data is important. Plus, get recommendations for VPNs, Password Managers and Antivirus Software.

Read more10 iOS 16 Hidden Features That Just Make Your iPhone Better

If you want to save a film script in Safari or a long PDF in your email, here’s what you need to know to take scrolling screenshots on your iPhone.

And if you’re interested in learning about other hidden iOS features, check out this sneaky way to secretly message someone else on iOS and the hidden trackpad that lives in your iOS keyboard.

What is a scrolling screenshot?

A full-page screenshot, or scrolling screenshot, captures an entire page — webpage, document or email — without you having to take multiple screenshots and then stitch them together. For example, if you wanted to screenshot a 116-page document in Safari, you would only have to take a single screenshot to capture the entire thing.

How to take a scrolling screenshot on your iPhone

To take a scrolling screenshot, do the following:

1. First, take a regular screenshot on your iPhone. If you have Face ID, quickly press the side button + volume up button. With Touch ID, it’s side/top button + home button.

2. Tap the screenshot preview that appears in the bottom-left corner. It appears for about five seconds, so you must be somewhat swift.

3. Next, go to the Full Page option. Underneath Full Page, you’ll see a preview of the entire scrolling screenshot on the right side, along with a larger preview in the middle. You also have tools to crop the scrolling screenshot, in case it’s too long.

4. Once you’re finished editing the scrolling screenshot, hit Done. You’ll see two options: one to save the scrolling screenshot and another to delete it.

5. Finally, tap Save PDF to Files to save the scrolling screenshot.

You must choose a folder to save the scrolling screenshot in. By default, the Files app will select the last folder you saved something to or the Downloads folder.

In order to take a scrolling screenshot, you must first take a regular screenshot.


Nelson Aguilar/CNET

How to view scrolling screenshots on your iPhone

All scrolling screenshots are converted to PDFs, so they’re saved to the native Files app. To view your scrolling screenshot, open the Files app, go to the folder in which your screenshot was saved and tap the screenshot.

Here you can rename the file, draw on it, leave comments and more. You can also share the scrolling screenshot, but the other person must have Files or another PDF-reader to view it.

All your scrolling screenshots live in the Files app.


Nelson Aguilar/CNET

Share

Recent Posts

Palisades, Eaton fires in Southern California 100% contained, officials say

close Video The Change Reaction helps middle-class California wildfire victims The Change Reaction founder Greg…

8 minutes ago

Here’s what happened during President Trump’s second week in office

The country began to see the effects of President Donald Trump’s policies in his second…

18 minutes ago

Anthony Fauci may be deposed as GOP intensifies COVID investigations in new Congress

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is continuing his efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19…

18 minutes ago

Trump uniquely placed to ‘whisper’ in Erdogan’s ear over Turkish regional ambitions: Greek defense minister

close Video Greek Defense Minister Dendias on Turkey's 'neo-Ottoman' policy Greek Defense Minister Dendias sounds…

2 hours ago

Squatter exploits California laws targeting Malibu homeowners for decades

close Video 'Squatter Hunter' discusses the ongoing squatting issue in America — and proposes law…

2 hours ago

Bodycam footage shows moment Florida officers’ attempt to restrain suspect goes horribly wrong

close Video Frantic body camera footage shows the moment a Miami Beach Police officer is…

2 hours ago