Learning how to screenshot on a Samsung S8 is easy once you know the right combination of buttons. This guide walks you through the most reliable methods, tips, and troubleshooting steps so you can capture any screen quickly.
Below is a quick reference table summarizing the main ways to take a screenshot on your Galaxy S8, including gestures, buttons, and extra options available after capturing.
| Method | Steps | When to Use | Extra Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Press and hold Power + Volume Down briefly | Standard capture in any app or home screen | Preview, edit, or share from the popup |
| Palm Swipe | Swipe the side of your hand horizontally across the screen | When you want a gesture-based capture without buttons | Enable in Settings → Advanced features → Palm swipe to capture |
| URL Capture (Browser) | Tap the three dots → Capture screen in Chrome | When you need the full page, not just the visible area | Scroll capture for long webpages |
| Long Screenshots (Smart Capture) | After a normal screenshot, tap Preview → Scroll capture | When content extends beyond the screen height | Auto-scroll or manual scroll options |
Samsung S8 Physical Button Shortcut
Power and Volume Down Combination
Press and quickly release the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time. Hold them for less than a second to avoid turning off the device. When done correctly, you will hear a shutter sound and see a brief animation.
Enable Palm Swipe Capture
Turning on the Gesture in Settings
To use Palm Swipe, open Settings → Advanced features → Palm swipe to capture. Once enabled, you can take a screenshot by placing the side of your palm on the screen edge and swiping horizontally. This method is helpful when pressing buttons is inconvenient.
Capture Long Webpages with Chrome
Scrolling Capture for Full Pages
In the Samsung Internet or Chrome browser, open the menu with three dots → Capture screen. Choose to capture the visible area or the full page. After capturing, you can tap the image to scroll capture more content or save the complete page as one long screenshot.
Smart Actions and Post Capture Editing
Markup, Share, and Delete Options
After taking any screenshot, a small preview appears in the corner. Tap it to open editor tools like drawing, adding text, or cropping. You can also immediately share, set as wallpaper, or delete the capture. These smart actions make managing screenshots fast and intuitive.
Key Takeaways for Reliable Screenshots
- Use Power + Volume Down for a quick, standard screenshot
- Enable Palm Swipe if you prefer gesture-based capturing
- Try Chrome scroll capture for long webpages or articles
- Edit or share screenshots immediately from the preview
- Check button function and software updates if captures fail
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my Samsung S8 screenshot not work when I press Power and Volume Down?
Check that the buttons are not stuck, ensure you press them simultaneously, and verify that Palm Swipe is not interfering. Restart your phone if needed to reset touch and button responsiveness.
Can I change the screenshot sound on my Galaxy S8?
Yes, go to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Screen capture sounds and toggle the sound on or off depending on your preference.
How do I capture only a part of the screen on my Samsung S8?
Use Smart Capture after a normal screenshot: open the preview, select the crop icon, and choose the area you want to keep. This lets you focus on the most relevant details.
What should I do if scrolling capture is not working in Chrome?
Make sure your browser is updated, enable Scroll capture in the capture menu options, and ensure the page content fully loads before starting the long screenshot.