Press V to take screenshots in FSX, find the saved BMP files, use Steam's F12 capture, and fix missing or black images.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, press V during a flight to capture the current view. FSX saves the image as a BMP file in your Windows Pictures folder, inside Flight Simulator X Files. Steam users can also use F12 when the Steam Overlay and its screenshot shortcut are enabled.
How to take an FSX screenshot with the V key
The native V key is the simplest and most reliable FSX screenshot method.
- Choose your view. Position the cockpit, external camera or tower view exactly as wanted. Our FSX keyboard and camera-command reference covers the default view controls.
- Remove unwanted overlays. Close ATC, map and menu windows if they should not appear in the image.
- Press V once. FSX writes a new BMP image without opening a save dialogue. Press V again for another shot.
- Open the screenshot folder. Look inside
Pictures\Flight Simulator X Filesfor the captured image.
Where does FSX save screenshots?
FSX normally stores native screenshots in your Windows Pictures library, not in the simulator's installation directory.
On most Windows systems, the full location is:
C:\Users\<Windows account>\Pictures\Flight Simulator X Files
Older Windows versions may label Pictures as My Pictures. If Windows redirects your Pictures library through OneDrive, the folder may instead sit under OneDrive\Pictures.
Should I use V, F12 or Print Screen?
Use V for a straightforward FSX capture; the other methods are useful when you need desktop windows or Steam's screenshot tools.
| Method | Where it goes | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| FSX V key | Pictures\Flight Simulator X Files | Reliable native screenshots saved as BMP files |
| Steam F12 | Steam's screenshot manager | Steam library and sharing features |
| Windows capture tool | Clipboard or a chosen folder | Capturing menus, dialogue boxes or multiple applications |
On default mappings, F12 may also activate an FSX view command. If the camera changes when Steam takes the picture, use V or change Steam's screenshot shortcut to a key that does not conflict with FSX.
Why is the FSX screenshot key not working?
A changed key assignment, keyboard focus or blocked Pictures folder usually explains why pressing V appears to do nothing.
- Check the assignment: Open FSX's controls settings and inspect the Buttons/Keys list for the screenshot or capture command. Restore or reassign it if V has been removed.
- Return focus to FSX: Close an open text field or dialogue and click inside the main simulator window before pressing V.
- Check the correct folder: FSX may save the file without showing an obvious preview. Search both the normal and OneDrive-managed Pictures folders.
- Test folder access: Windows security controls or permissions can prevent FSX from writing to Pictures. Confirm that your Windows account can create a file in that folder.
- Look for key conflicts: Add-ons, recording utilities and keyboard-profile software can intercept V or F12.
If Print Screen produces a black frame, use FSX's V command instead or switch FSX to windowed mode before using a Windows capture tool. We cover the main alternatives in our guide to simulator screenshot methods.
How do I save FSX screenshots as JPEG or PNG?
FSX's native capture produces BMP files, so convert them after taking the screenshot.
Open the BMP in Paint or another image editor and use Save As to create a JPEG or PNG. JPEG produces smaller files for general sharing, while PNG usually preserves cockpit lettering and instrument detail more cleanly. Renaming .bmp to .jpg does not convert the image.
How do I make an FSX aircraft thumbnail?
An aircraft-selection thumbnail needs more than an ordinary screenshot: it must be cropped, converted and placed with the aircraft using the expected filename.
Start with a clean external-view image taken at your display's full resolution. Then follow our step-by-step FSX aircraft-thumbnail workflow for the required preparation and placement.