Android 12 offers a lot of exciting new features, but if there’s one feature that’s been requested for years and makes the most practical sense, it’s swiping screenshots. Finally, Google has launched the much awaited scrolling screenshot feature in Android 12. So, if you are using Android 12 on your device, here is how you can capture long scrolling screenshots without relying on third-party apps.
Take Scrolling Screenshots on Android 12 (2021)
Scrolling screenshot support on Android is a godsend for users who have to share multiple screenshots daily. Unlike most third-party apps that bundle multiple screenshots together, Android has natively implemented the scrolling screenshots feature in the Android 12 update.
We have explained in detail what makes scrolling screenshots so special and how you can capture a screenshot on your Android 12 device. And if you don’t have a device that supports Android 12, then we’ve got you covered. We’ve added a third-party app recommendation that lets you capture scrolling screenshots on any Android phone. Having said that, let’s get started!
What are Scrolled Screenshots on Android 12?
Usually when you take a screenshot, it captures what is currently visible on the screen. While this is sufficient for some users, most of the Android users have always wanted to capture long screenshots. So what’s the point of long screenshots? With scrolling screenshots, you can expand the screenshot to include all the content, rather than just capturing what’s visible on the screen. This way, you can share an entire web page or a document without taking multiple screenshots.
Android 12’s scrolling screenshots feature lets you capture scrollable content so you can seamlessly share more with friends, family and colleagues at once. According to Google, scrolling screenshots works in most apps as long as the application uses a standard View based UI. If an app uses a custom UI instead, Google creates a new ScrollCapture API that app developers can use to add screenshots scrolling support to their apps.
As of the third beta of Android 12, the scrolling screenshots feature works with apps that use View-based UI. Currently does not work with browsers. However, Google has promised to support scrolling ListViews in the next beta release. Also, WebView support is scheduled to arrive, so you’ll be able to take screenshots from your favorite Android web browsers in the stable Android 12 release.
How to Capture Scrolling Screenshots on Android 12
1. Open the target app and take a screenshot as you normally would on your Android device. Press and hold the power button and volume down key to take a screenshot. now you will see a new “Catch more” button in the screenshot preview in the lower left corner of the screen. Tap on it to access the scrolling screenshot UI.
2. While in the scrolling screenshots interface, hold and drag the bottom of the screenshot region highlighter To adjust the area you want to cover in the screenshot Drag the selection to easily know where to stop and you will see a zoomed in preview.
3. After selecting the content you want in the screenshot, click “SavePress the ” button in the upper left corner to save the scrolling screenshot.
4. Now, the screenshot UI also allows you to further edit and annotate the image. You can do tap the pen button To edit the screenshot, the screenshot editing interface will open as soon as you tap this button in the lower right corner. Here you can crop the picture, add text, highlight certain parts and more.
5. You also have the option to share the screenshot directly from the screenshot UI. You can do Tap the “Share” button It allows you to select the contact or target app Then in the upper right corner to open the Android share sheet. You can also use Share with Nearby to share the screenshot with other Android device owners.
To give you a better idea of how it all works, here’s a GIF showing the entire flow of capturing scrolling screenshots on Android 12:
Android 12 Scrolling Screenshot Alternative: LongShot
If you are waiting for your phone to get Android 12 update or if you are not satisfied with Android 12’s scrolling screenshot feature, you can try using a third-party screenshot app. An app that works well for long screenshots is LongShot.
Install the app and capture scrolling screenshots from apps, websites or even combine multiple screenshots from your gallery to create a single long screenshot. Check out the app at the link below or check out our guide on how to take scrolling screenshots on any Android device for detailed instructions.
download LongShot (Free, contains ads, offers in-app purchases)
Easily Capture Long Screenshots on Android 12
Scrolling screenshots is undoubtedly one of the most requested features in Android. Originally the feature was supposed to come with Android 11, but unfortunately it hasn’t been interrupted. While Google took its sweet time implementing the scrolling screenshot feature, we’re glad it’s finally here. To discover other new features from Google with Android 12, check out our article on the best Android 12 features. And if your phone won’t get Android 12, check out our linked article to get Android 12 features on any phone. It even includes an app to get Android 12 Privacy Dashboard on any phone. So go ahead and check it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
