How to Screenshot on Mac: The Best Guide in 2024
In our digital era, the ability to capture and share what’s on our screens is as vital as the content itself. Whether it’s sharing work instructions, capturing an inspiring design, or preserving an important conversation, knowing how to take screenshots on a Mac can make your life significantly easier.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods of taking screenshots on your Mac, from keyboard shortcuts to the built-in Screenshot app. Let’s dive in!
How to Screenshot on Mac: Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshot
macOS has a variety of keyboard shortcuts for screenshots, each tailored to different needs. Here’s how you can use them:
1. Capturing the entire screen: Press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 3`. Your Mac will capture the entire screen, including your dock.
2. Capturing a specific portion of the screen: Press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 4`. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse or trackpad button to snap the screenshot.
3. Capturing a window or menu: Press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 4`, then press `Spacebar`. Your cursor will turn into a camera icon. Hover over the window or menu you want to capture and click.
Using the Screenshot App
macOS Mojave (10.14) and later versions also include a handy Screenshot app offering more customization options. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1
Press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 5` to launch the screenshot app.
Step 2
A toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen. It includes options to capture the entire screen, a window, or a selected portion.
Step 3
You can also set a timer and choose where to save the screenshot directly from this toolbar.
Saving and Locating Screenshots
By default, Mac saves screenshots to your desktop. They will have the word “ScreenShot” after the date and time of capture. However, you may want to change the default location to avoid cluttering your desktop.
- Press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 5` to open the screenshot app.
- Click on `Options`.
- Under ‘Save to’, choose your preferred location.
- Capture your screenshot. It will be saved to the location you just selected.
Editing Screenshots
Once you’ve snapped your screenshot, you might want to annotate it or crop out unnecessary parts. Mac has built-in tools for this:
- Immediately after taking a screenshot, a thumbnail will appear in the corner of your screen.
- Click on this thumbnail to open the screenshot in markup view.
- Here, you can add text, shapes, or even your signature. You can also crop the image by dragging its edges.
- Click `Done` to save your edits.
Other Mac Shortcuts
While you’re mastering screenshots, you might find these other Mac shortcuts useful:
- `Command (⌘) + C`: Copy
- `Command (⌘) + V`: Paste
- `Command (⌘) + Z`: Undo
- `Command (⌘) + S`: Save
Screen Recording on Mac
In addition to screenshots, Mac also allows you to record your screen. This can be particularly helpful for creating tutorials or recording video calls. To do this, simply press `Command (⌘) + Shift + 5` and select the ‘Record’ option from the toolbar.
Conclusion
Knowing how to take a screenshot on a Mac is a fundamental skill for any user. With the tips and steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to capture your screen like a pro, whether you need a simple snapshot or a customized screenshot. Remember, the best way to become comfortable with these methods is to try them out and see what works best for you. Happy screenshotting!
FAQs
<strong>How can I take a screenshot of the entire screen on my Mac?</strong>
Press Shift + Command + 3. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your desktop.
<strong>How can I take a screenshot of a selected area on my Mac?</strong>
Press Shift + Command + 4 and then drag the crosshair to select the area you wish to capture. Release the mouse or trackpad button to take the screenshot.
<strong>How can I take a screenshot of a specific window on my Mac?</strong>
Press Shift + Command + 4, then press Spacebar. The cursor will change into a camera icon. Hover over the window you want to capture and click to take the screenshot.
<strong>Where are my screenshots saved on my Mac?</strong>
By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop with the name “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png.”
<strong>How can I change the location where my screenshots are saved on my Mac?</strong>
You can change the save location by opening the screenshot app (Command + Shift + 5), clicking on “Options,” and then selecting a different location from the list.
<strong>Can I copy a screenshot to the clipboard on my Mac instead of saving it as a file?</strong>
Yes, you can copy a screenshot to the clipboard by adding Control to the key combinations above. For example, use Control + Shift + Command + 3 to capture the entire screen and save it to the clipboard.
<strong>Is there a way to take a screenshot of the Touch Bar on a Mac?</strong>
Yes, if your Mac has a Touch Bar, you can take a screenshot of it by pressing Shift + Command + 6.
<strong>Can I delay a screenshot on my Mac?</strong>
Yes, you can take a screenshot on a delay by using the screenshot app. Press Command + Shift + 5, click on “Options,” and under the “Timer” section, choose either 5 or 10 seconds.
<strong>How can I annotate a screenshot on my Mac?</strong>
After taking a screenshot, a thumbnail will appear in the corner of your screen. Click on it to open the screenshot, then use the toolbar to annotate it. You can add shapes, text, and more.
<strong>How can I take a screenshot on a Mac without a keyboard?</strong>
Method 1: On-Screen KeyboardOpen the on-screen keyboard:Go to “Apple Menu” > “System Preferences.”Click on “Accessibility.”In the Accessibility menu, select “Keyboard” from the left sidebar.Check the box for “Enable Accessibility Keyboard.”Once the on-screen keyboard is enabled:Click on the Accessibility icon in the menu bar (it looks like a person).Choose “Accessibility Keyboard.”Use the on-screen keyboard to press the keys:Locate the “Cmd (⌘)” key on the on-screen keyboard.Press “Cmd (⌘)” + “Shift” + “3” simultaneously to capture the entire screen.Method 2: Preview AppOpen the Preview app:Go to “Finder” > “Applications” > “Preview.”In Preview:Click on “File” in the top menu.Choose “Take Screenshot” and select the type of screenshot you want (e.g., “From Selection”).Follow the on-screen instructions to capture the screenshot.
<strong>How do I capture the entire screen?</strong>
Press and hold Shift, Command, and 3 simultaneously. The captured image will appear on your desktop.
<strong>Are there third-party apps for taking screenshots on a Mac?</strong>
Yes, there are several third-party apps available for taking screenshots on a Mac, such as Snagit, Skitch, and Lightshot. These apps offer additional features and customization options for capturing and editing screenshots.
<strong>How do I capture a screenshot with the Touch ID button on a MacBook Pro?</strong>
To capture a screenshot with the Touch ID button on a MacBook Pro, press Command (⌘) + Touch ID + Shift + 3 simultaneously.
<strong>How do I record a video of my screen on a Mac?</strong>
To record a video of your screen on a Mac, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar, then click “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion.” After recording, the video will be saved to the desktop or your specified location.
<strong>Can I take screenshots using third-party apps?</strong>
Yes, there are many third-party apps available for taking screenshots on a Mac, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some popular options include Skitch, Snagit, and Lightshot.
<strong>Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a Mac?</strong>
While you cannot directly customize the default keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a Mac, you can use third-party applications or terminal commands to create custom shortcuts for specific screenshot actions.
<strong>Is there a shortcut to directly copy a screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it as a file?</strong>
Yes, you can capture a screenshot and copy it to the clipboard by adding the Control key to the usual screenshot shortcuts. For example, press Control + Shift + Command + 3 to capture the entire screen to the clipboard.
<strong>Is there a way to screenshot a specific window on my Mac?</strong>
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then tap the spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera. Hover over the window you want to capture so it highlights, then click to take the screenshot.
<strong>Can I change the format of the screenshots taken on my Mac?</strong>
Yes, you can change the format of screenshots using the Terminal app. You can specify the file format (such as PNG, JPG, PDF) and other options like the save location and filename.
