On my old rooted MyTouch 3G, I used to use a wonderful little application called Drocap 2. Now that I have a Samsung Vibrant, I was a little lost on how to bring those screens shots to our readers. I found this tutorial at www.knowyourcell.com and though I would share. I did make a few minor changes to the original instructions though, as I had issues getting the drivers installed.
Two separate pieces of software are required and must be installed on your PC:
Once your downloads are complete a few steps are required to get things ready.
On your computer:
- Extract the Google Android SDK to a folder on your desktop
- Install the the Java SE SDK
Now on your phone you need to do the following.
- press Menu and then tap Settings
- Tap on Applications
- Tap on Development
- Check the box for USB debugging
All set. Now there are a few steps left but nothing you can’t handle.
- Plug your Samsung Vibrant into your computer via USB and Windows will attempt to install all of the appropriate drivers; one of the drivers will not be found. Download and install this file HERE for standard 32bit Windows. Or install this file HERE for 64bit version of Windows. (Thanks to TGA_Gunnman at xda-developers)
- Browse to the Android SDK folder that you extracted to your desktop and run the SDK Setup.exe to start the program
- Once the application has launched you will be presented with a window.
- Click on the Refresh button so that the application can update its list of operating system SDKs available from Google
- Check off the section next to the URL that is shown in the application you are now presented with a list of Android SDKs and Google APIs you wish to install
- It is recommended that you select all available packages for maximum compatibility
- Once the files have been downloaded simply close the application
- Browse to the Tools folder inside the Android SDK folder you extracted to your desktop
- Double click on DDMS.BAT to execute the Dalvik Debug Monitor
- The application will launch with a DOS command window and eventually a Windows based application – your phone will be listed on the left hand side, and you should click on it to make sure it is selected
- Click on the Device menu and select Screen Capture or use the CTRL-S key combo
- The capture now appears on your screen
- You can save it to any folder you wish. Don’t forget to rename it!
Now the guys at KnowYourCell suggest to copy the image to a photo editing application such as Photoshop or Microsoft Paint. I haven’t had to do so. It’s a good recommendation if you wish to clean it up a little or blur out anything private, such as names or phone numbers on the screen shot.
A personal recommendation, Don’t click on other things. It’s the quickest way to get yourself into trouble.
I hope this helps some of you learn how to create screen shots to share in the community and with your friends. I always find it that much easier to E-Mail a friend with an application name and some screen shots of it. Makes him pretty jealous since he is still sprorting a flip phone.