Now more than ever, gamers love to record their gameplay, in-game photos, and more. One of the best ways to do that is by taking screenshots using their system of choice. Thankfully, the Steam Deck allows gamers to do this with a few clicks of the buttons on the system.

However, sharing those screenshots can be tricky if the user doesn't know where to look or the apps that they need to get it done. This guide will provide the steps for taking and transferring screenshots using the Steam Deck and its associated apps.

Updated January 14, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Steam Deck doesn't make it easy for users to collect screenshots. While it's accessible enough for users to take screens with the touch of two buttons, the process of accessing the images is more complicated than it needs to be. However, thanks to the side-loaded programs like Shotty, it can be made easier. This guide is updated to include useful links for Steam Deck users and minor additions to the steps for clarity.

How To Take A Screenshot Using The Steam Deck

Players can take screenshots at any time when the device is switched on. Steam Deck users may want to take a shot of a vital moment in the game or capture something from the game's menu and options. Use the following steps to take a screenshot using the Steam Deck:

• Locate the Steam button on the front of the Steam Deck.

• Locate the R1 button on the right-hand shoulder of the device.

• Press the R1 and the Steam button together.
• The Steam Deck will notify the user at the bottom right-hand side of the screen that a screenshot has been captured.

• With the screenshot saved, users can access the image gallery by pressing the Steam button and selecting the Media option. This screen will show all of the user's screenshots.

• Press the L1 and R1 buttons to access all the public and private images in the gallery.

Saving Steam Deck Screenshots On The PC

Following the steps above, players can take screenshots of whatever they want while using the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, getting the screenshot from the device to a PC or laptop isn't as straightforward as connecting a USB-C lead and transferring the files from folder to folder. Follow the steps below to transfer images to the PC:

• Download and ensure that the Steam app is installed on the PC.
• Sign into the app with the user login details.
• Go back to the Steam Deck's Media Gallery.

• Select the desired image with the A button.
• With the image open, press the options button at the top right-hand side of the Steam Deck.

• Users can now choose to make the picture public or private, and upload it.

• With the screenshot uploaded, go back to the Steam app on the PC.
• In the app, select View and then Screenshot.

• In the screenshot uploader, select the View Online Library option.

• Select All. Or, if the images were uploaded privately, Select Your Private Screenshots.

• Click on the image that you want to download.

• Double-click the screenshot to open it on a new window.
• Unfortunately, there's no option to save the shot directly to the PC. So, the best option is to right-click on the screenshot and select copy.
• Open an image editing program like Photoshop, Paint, or GIMP.
• Press Ctrl and V on the keyboard to paste the image inside the program and save it in the desired format.

That's everything a Steam Deck User needs to upload a screenshot and transfer it to a home computer.

Moving Images With Shotty On The Steam Deck

The Shotty add-on is a good, less fiddly way for users to obtain images and screenshots from the Steam Deck. Shotty is a free add-on developed by Jariulah Safi for Decky Loader. It automatically sends all screenshots into organized folders in Desktop Mode.

Installing Decky Loader

Decky Loader is a program that allows users to install useful plug-ins like Shotty. To install Decky Loader on the Steam Deck, use the following steps:

• Press the Steam button underneath the left trackpad.
• Highlight and select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
• Open a browser and download Decky Installer.
• Scroll down the GitHub page and click on the download image.
• Select the recommended installation option.
• After the installation has finished, switch back into Gaming Mode.

Install Shotty With Decky Loader

• With the Steam Deck back in Gaming Mode, press the QAM button with three dots underneath the right trackpad.
• Click on the new plug icon in the menu.
• Click the settings cogwheel.
• Select update.
• When the update is complete, click the store icon next to the settings wheel.
• Type Shotty in the search bar and select Install.
• Open Shotty in Decky Loader and click on aggregate to send all the screenshots to the pictures folder in Desktop Mode.

• All screenshots are automatically saved in the Pictures folder under screenshots.
• Steam Deck users can transfer their screenshots to a USB or upload them to a cloud-based service online.

The Steam Deck is available now from the Steam website.