Taking screenshots is an essential function on any device, especially when you’re working on a Mac. Whether it’s for saving an important conversation, capturing a funny moment, or showing something for work, macOS offers multiple ways to screenshot efficiently.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to screenshot on a Mac using the built-in tools and methods, offering tips, tricks, and some FAQs to ensure you’re using your Mac to its full potential.
How to Screenshot on Mac: Simple Tips & Tricks
1. The Basics of Screenshotting on a Mac
On macOS, taking a screenshot is a simple process. There are different ways to capture your screen depending on whether you want to take a full-screen shot, a portion of the screen, or even a specific window.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots
1. Capture the entire screen
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
This will capture the entire screen of your Mac. The screenshot is saved automatically to your desktop by default as a PNG file, labeled with the date and time it was taken.
2. Capture a portion of the screen
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 4
When you press these keys, the cursor changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture. When you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
3. Capture a specific window
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar
Once you press Command + Shift + 4, your cursor turns into a crosshair. Hit the Spacebar, and the cursor will change into a camera icon. Now, click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will include only that window and will be saved to your desktop.
4. Capture the Touch Bar (for MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar)
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 6
If you own a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, this shortcut will capture the contents of the Touch Bar.
Using the Screenshot App (macOS Mojave and later)
Starting with macOS Mojave, Apple introduced a Screenshot app with more features. To open the app, you can use the following:
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
This opens a toolbar at the bottom of the screen with options to capture the entire screen, a portion of the screen, or a specific window. You also have the option to record your screen, either as a full screen or a selected portion.
In addition to the screenshot options, the toolbar allows you to choose where to save the screenshot (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, or a custom location) and set a timer if you need a delay before the screenshot is taken.
2. Customizing Screenshot Settings
macOS allows you to customize some screenshot settings so you can streamline the process:
Change the save location:
By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop, but you can change this location. When using the Screenshot app (Command + Shift + 5), click on “Options” in the toolbar, and you’ll see an option for “Save to” where you can select a new destination (such as Documents or Clipboard).
Enable the floating thumbnail:
After taking a screenshot, a thumbnail of the image briefly appears in the corner of your screen. You can click it to quickly edit or share the screenshot. If you prefer to disable this feature, go to “System Preferences > Displays > Show floating thumbnail.”
Set a timer:
The Screenshot app allows you to set a 5 or 10-second delay before the screenshot is captured. This is useful when you want to capture something on your screen that requires a few moments to prepare.
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3. Editing Your Screenshots
Once you’ve taken a screenshot on your Mac, you may want to do some quick editing before saving or sharing it. Here are a few ways you can edit your screenshots:
Preview App:
The Preview app is built into macOS and allows you to open and edit screenshots. You can crop, annotate (draw shapes, add text, or highlight), and adjust the image.
Markup Tools:
macOS also has markup tools built into many apps (like Mail and Messages). After taking a screenshot, you can open it in these apps and use tools like a pen, highlighter, or text box to mark up the screenshot before sending it.
Third-party Apps:
If you need advanced editing tools, apps like Skitch or Lightshot offer more detailed editing options for screenshots.
4. Capturing a Scrolling Screenshot
macOS doesn’t offer a built-in way to take scrolling screenshots, but you can use third-party apps like Snagit or Capto to capture a full webpage or a long document that extends beyond what is visible on your screen. These apps allow you to take a screenshot of an entire page by scrolling automatically.
5. Using Siri for Screenshots
If you prefer voice commands, you can use Siri to take a screenshot for you. Simply say:
“Hey Siri, take a screenshot.”
This will capture your screen and save it to your desktop, just as if you had used a keyboard shortcut. Siri can be a convenient option when you’re working hands-free.
6. Sharing Screenshots
After taking a screenshot on your Mac, sharing it is simple. You can:
Drag and drop the screenshot from your desktop to an email, message, or chat window.
Use AirDrop: If you want to send the screenshot to another Apple device, you can use AirDrop for wireless transfer. Simply right-click on the screenshot file, select “Share,” and choose “AirDrop.”
Additionally, macOS integrates with many other platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive, so you can upload your screenshots directly to the cloud for easy access from other devices.
FAQs
How do I take a screenshot of just one window on a Mac?
To capture just one window, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then tap the Spacebar. The cursor will turn into a camera, and you can click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot of that window will be saved automatically.
Can I take a screenshot without saving it to the desktop?
Yes! After you press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, or Command (⌘) + Shift + 5, you can hold down the Control key before you release the mouse or trackpad. This will copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it as a file. You can then paste it directly into another application like Word or Photoshop.
Can I change where my screenshots are saved on Mac?
Yes, you can change the save location for screenshots. To do this, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to bring up the Screenshot toolbar. Then click on “Options” and select your preferred save location (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, etc.).
How do I take a screenshot of a specific area of my screen?
To capture a specific area, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4. When the crosshair appears, click and drag to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse or trackpad button, and the screenshot will be taken.
How can I edit my screenshots on Mac?
You can edit screenshots on Mac using the Preview app. After opening the screenshot, you can crop, annotate, and apply various adjustments. For more detailed editing, third-party apps like Skitch or Lightshot may be helpful.
How do I take a screenshot with a timer on a Mac?
To take a screenshot with a timer, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to bring up the Screenshot app’s toolbar. Click “Options” and select a 5- or 10-second delay. Then choose the type of screenshot (full screen, portion, or window) and the timer will begin.
Can I take a screenshot of a webpage that scrolls?
macOS does not have a built-in feature for scrolling screenshots. However, you can use third-party apps like Snagit, which allow you to capture the entire length of a webpage or document, including areas not visible on the screen.
Can Siri take a screenshot for me?
Yes, Siri can take a screenshot for you. Simply say, “Hey Siri, take a screenshot,” and your Mac will capture the screen and save it to your default location.