Taking screenshots on a Mac is an essential skill that can save you a lot of time. Whether you want to capture an entire screen, a specific window, or just a selected portion, MacOS offers flexible built-in tools to make it easy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various methods, keyboard shortcuts, and tips to take screenshots on a Mac, helping you become more efficient in your everyday tasks.
How to Screenshot on Mac
Capturing screenshots on a Mac is straightforward, with a variety of options for different needs. Whether you’re sharing a section of a webpage or documenting a process, screenshots provide visual clarity. Here’s everything you need to know to master screenshotting on a Mac.
Mac’s Built-in Screenshot Tools
MacOS provides its users with several built-in methods to capture screenshots without needing any third-party software. These methods are flexible and work seamlessly across all Mac devices, whether you’re using a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini.
There are three primary methods for taking screenshots:
- Capturing the entire screen.
- Capturing a selected portion of the screen.
- Capturing a specific window or menu.
Each method can be accessed through simple keyboard shortcuts, which we’ll cover next.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots on Mac
MacOS offers several keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots quickly. These shortcuts allow you to capture the screen in different ways depending on your needs:
- Full-Screen Screenshot:
Command + Shift + 3
This shortcut captures the entire screen and saves it to your desktop automatically. It’s ideal when you want a quick screenshot of everything currently on your display. - Selected Portion Screenshot:
Command + Shift + 4
This shortcut changes your cursor into a crosshair, allowing you to click and drag to select the portion of the screen you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot is taken and saved. - Window or Menu Screenshot:
Command + Shift + 4
, then pressSpace
After pressingCommand + Shift + 4
, hitting theSpace
bar switches your cursor to a camera icon. You can then hover over any open window or menu, and click to capture it.
How to Save Screenshots to Clipboard
Sometimes, instead of saving a screenshot as a file on your desktop, you might want to paste it directly into a document, email, or chat. MacOS offers a simple way to copy your screenshot directly to the clipboard.
- Full-Screen Screenshot to Clipboard:
Command + Control + Shift + 3
- Selected Portion to Clipboard:
Command + Control + Shift + 4
These shortcuts work similarly to the previous ones, except the screenshot will be copied to the clipboard, ready for pasting, rather than saved as a file.
Where Are My Screenshots Saved?
By default, screenshots on a Mac are saved to your desktop as .png
files. If your desktop becomes cluttered with screenshots, you can change the default save location. This is particularly useful if you prefer to store your screenshots in a dedicated folder or cloud storage.
To change the default save location:
- Press
Command + Shift + 5
to bring up the Screenshot toolbar. - Click Options.
- Under “Save to”, choose a new location, such as Documents, Downloads, or a custom folder.
Screenshotting with the MacOS Screenshot Toolbar
Introduced in macOS Mojave, the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5
) gives users a more visual and intuitive way to capture screenshots. When invoked, it displays a floating bar at the bottom of your screen with options for:
- Capturing the entire screen.
- Capturing a selected window.
- Capturing a selected portion.
- Recording your screen (video).
This toolbar also provides additional features, such as setting a timer or choosing whether to show your mouse pointer in the screenshot.
How to Annotate Your Screenshots
Once you’ve captured a screenshot, you might want to add annotations or markups to highlight certain areas. MacOS has a built-in markup tool that appears when you click the floating thumbnail of your screenshot (introduced in macOS Mojave).
To annotate your screenshot:
- After taking a screenshot, click the thumbnail that appears in the corner of the screen.
- Use the Markup tools to draw, add text, shapes, or even a signature.
- Once finished, click Done to save your annotated screenshot.
Screenshot Shortcuts for MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
If you’re using a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you have an additional way to take screenshots. By customizing the Touch Bar, you can add a screenshot button for easier access.
Here’s how to customize the Touch Bar for screenshots:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard.
- Select Customize Control Strip.
- Drag the screenshot button onto your Touch Bar.
Once added, simply tap the button on the Touch Bar, and choose from the available screenshot options.
Using Preview to Take Screenshots
In addition to keyboard shortcuts, MacOS’s built-in Preview app can also capture screenshots. This can be useful if you prefer working with an interface rather than shortcuts.
To take a screenshot with Preview:
- Open Preview.
- Go to File > Take Screenshot.
- Select From Entire Screen, From Window, or From Selection.
How to Record Your Screen on Mac
Aside from screenshots, you might want to record your screen. This is particularly useful for creating tutorials, demos, or sharing gameplay. MacOS makes it easy to record your screen through the Screenshot toolbar.
To record your screen:
- Press
Command + Shift + 5
to open the Screenshot toolbar. - Select either Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
- Click Record.
When you’re done, press Command + Control + Esc
to stop the recording. The video will be saved to your desktop by default.
Using Third-Party Screenshot Apps
While MacOS’s built-in tools are powerful, some users prefer third-party apps that offer more advanced features. Popular options include:
- Snagit: Known for its advanced editing tools and the ability to capture both screenshots and video.
- Lightshot: A lightweight, free tool that allows quick editing and sharing of screenshots.
How to Screenshot on Mac with External Monitors
If you’re using an external monitor with your Mac, the screenshot process remains the same. However, be aware that Command + Shift + 3
will capture both screens if you have a dual-monitor setup. To capture just one screen, use Command + Shift + 4
and select the screen area manually.
FAQs
How can I take a screenshot of just one window on Mac?
You can take a screenshot of a specific window by pressing Command + Shift + 4
, then pressing the Space
bar. Click the window you want to capture.
Why are my screenshots not saving to the desktop?
If your screenshots aren’t saving to the desktop, check your save location settings in the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5
> Options).
How do I screenshot on a Mac without a keyboard?
You can use the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5
) or the Preview app to take screenshots if your keyboard isn’t working.
Can I change the format of my Mac screenshots?
By default, Mac screenshots are saved as .png
files, but you can change the format to .jpg
or others using a terminal command.
How do I stop my screenshots from cluttering my desktop?
Change the default save location for screenshots in the Screenshot toolbar under Options to prevent desktop clutter.
Can I add a delay to my screenshot on Mac?
Yes, when using the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5
), you can set a timer for 5 or 10 seconds before the screenshot is taken.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on a Mac is a simple yet powerful feature that every user can benefit from. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Screenshot toolbar, or third-party apps, there’s a method for everyone. With these tips, you’ll be able to capture, annotate, and share your screenshots efficiently, helping you communicate more effectively and save time.
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