Screenshot Scanner
Detect whether an image is a screenshot or a real photograph. Analyzes resolution, DPI, metadata patterns, and common device dimensions.
4,000+ images checked
Drag & drop a file here, Ctrl+V to paste, oror
Screen Dimensions
Matches against 50+ known device screen resolutions.
Metadata Patterns
Screenshots lack camera EXIF — no focal length, ISO, or shutter speed.
100% Private
Detection logic runs in your browser. EXIF is read on our server and the file is deleted within an hour.
What it detects
This screenshot detector checks image dimensions against 50+ known device screen resolutions — iPhones, iPads, Android phones, Mac Retina displays, and desktop monitors. It analyzes EXIF metadata for camera-specific fields that only real photos have (focal length, aperture, GPS) and examines file format and compression patterns typical of screen captures. Screenshots usually use lossless PNG compression, lack camera EXIF data entirely, and match exact device screen dimensions. Read our screenshot detection guide for manual inspection techniques.
Why it matters
Content verification, journalism, and legal work often need to check screenshot images versus photographs. Screenshots prove what was displayed on a screen at a given time, while photos capture real-world scenes. Knowing which one you have helps assess authenticity and evidentiary value. A screenshot submitted as "photo evidence" raises different questions than an actual camera capture. Marketplace moderators use screenshot detection to flag product listings using stock photos or fabricated images.
Professional use cases
Insurance claims review — analyze screenshot submissions flagged as "damage photos" that are actually captures of other images, and run them through the ELA Scanner to check for pixel-level manipulation. Legal evidence screening — verify whether submitted images are original captures or screen recordings. News desk verification — distinguish between first-hand photos and screenshots of social media posts. Photography contests — identify entries submitted as screenshots rather than original camera files. E-commerce quality control — detect product listing images that are screenshots rather than original product photography.
Screenshot detection vs AI detection
Screenshot detection answers "was this captured from a screen?" while AI detection answers "was this generated by an AI tool?" These are different questions with different signals. An image could be a screenshot of an AI-generated picture, or a real photo that was screenshotted for sharing. For maximum verification coverage, use both this tool and the AI Image Detector, plus the Authenticity Checker for editing traces. All processing happens server-side with auto-deletion — no images are retained after analysis.
Screenshots have become a primary way people share visual information — capturing conversations, social media posts, product pages, and error messages. But when a screenshot is presented as an original photo, it raises questions about authenticity and provenance. The Screenshot Scanner helps answer these questions quickly by checking the technical characteristics that separate screen captures from camera photographs. The tool's database of 50+ device screen resolutions is regularly updated to include new phone and tablet models. For a broader verification workflow, the photo forensics hub explains how to combine multiple analysis tools for comprehensive image verification. See also the stock photo detection guide for identifying reused commercial images.
For specific use cases, see our step-by-step guides: Check if a Photo is a Screenshot.