To take the screenshot for the whole screen. This type of screenshot will take a. Each of the main operating systems — Windows, macOS, Android and iOS — incorporates one or more ways to take screenshots. Here’s a quick and simple guide to taking screenshots in all four.
- Mac Screenshot Keyboard Shortcut
- How To Screenshot On Mac Pro Computer
- How To Screenshot On Mac Pro 2017
- How To Screenshot On Mac Pro Retina
- How To Screenshot On Mac Pro
Whether you need to take a screenshot for graphic design, photo-editing, or just to share images with friends and coworkers, Mac makes it easy.
Here are some of the best ways to easily take a screenshot on a Mac:
A. Screenshot on Pre-Mojave Mac.
The advent of the Mojave update changed a lot of things for Mac users. It truly changed the way we take screenshots on Mac.
However, if you could not upgrade your Mac to Mojave due to lack of space in the SSD or any other issue, you can use a few old Mac shortcuts to take screenshots.
Here’s how you can take screenshots on your pre-Mojave Mac easily:
1. Screenshot of an Entire Screen (⌘+ Shift + 3).
Simply press ‘Command + Shift + 3’ to take a screenshot of the entire screen. The good thing is that it will take screenshots of all the screens at once. For instance, if you’re using more than one screen, it will take the screenshot of every screen one by one.
2. Take Screenshot of a Selected Area (⌘+ Shift + 4).
Press ‘Command + Shift + 4’ to take the screenshot of a selected portion.
Your Mac will ask you to select the area on the screen that you want to capture. Next, press the Spacebar after Command + Shift + 4.
You’ll see a small camera icon appear on the screen. It will allow you to select the window you want to take a screenshot of. Next, select the area you want to capture.
Here, I selected the left window on the screen. This is the screenshot I received:
3. Take Screenshot of a Selected Portion Using The Crosshair (⌘ + Shift + 4).
Mac lets you take a screenshot of not just the selected area, but also of a selected portion.
You’d see the difference in just a minute.
After pressing ‘Command +Shift + 4,’ your Mac’s cursor will convert into a crosshair.
Here is how the crosshair will look after you press the key combination:
![How to screenshot on mac pro book How to screenshot on mac pro book](https://www.techbitstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/screenshot-on-macbook-1.jpg)
It will allow you to drag and select the part of the screen that you want to capture. After you release the mouse, the trackpad will automatically take the screenshot.
It also provides plenty of other options to make more precise selections.
Here are some of them:
- Press and Hold Spacebar – Press and hold the spacebar just after selecting the highlighted area. It locks the shape and size of the area on the screen. However, you can still reposition it on your Mac’s screen. It’s a handy feature to adjust the selection in case you miss some elements.
- Press and Release Spacebar – When you press and release the spacebar, the crosshair on the screen converts into a miniature cam icon. You can swiftly move this icon over any window on the screen to take a screenshot. Screenshots taken through this method contain a white border around the window along with a drop shadow.
- Hold Shift Key – After selecting the highlighting area, hold the ‘Shift’ key to lock down all the sides of the selection area. Now you can move the bottom edge up or down to adjust the selection. You can also reposition the edges of the right side by pressing the Shift key twice without releasing the mouse button.
- Shift + Option – Press ‘Shift + Option’ after selecting the area for screenshot. It will help you lock both horizontal and vertical constraints. What’s more, it can also reshape the selection easily.
Source: macworld.com
These commands will enable you to take a screenshot easily. However, these screen-grab features do not come integrated closely with the machine. What’s more, these features were not easily accessible until Apple decided to make them more user-friendly and accessible.
4. Command + Control + Shift + 4.
Simply press ‘Command + Control + Shift + 4’ at once to save the screenshot to the clipboard.
Once you use Command + Control + Shift + 4, you’ll see the crosshair on the screen. Drag the crosshair to highlight the area you want to capture and release the cursor.
Now go to the application where you want to insert the screenshot, such as email, Keynote, or pages.
For instance, you want to paste it in Apple Pages. Once you open the application, place the cursor at the point where you want to paste the screenshot. Now press ‘Command + V’ at the same time, and your screenshot will appear automatically.
B. Screenshot on Post-Mojave Mac.
With macOS 10.14 Mojave update, Apple introduced a host of new screenshot features, including a screen recorder.
Its brand new screenshot panel lets you take multiple types of screenshots without any hassle. Another unique feature is that you can now edit them before the final file gets saved in your machine.
Here is how you can take different types of screenshots in multiple ways on your post-Mojave Mac.
1. Command + Shift + 5.
After you press Command +Shift + 5, a small panel will pop out at the bottom of your Mac’s screen with all the screenshot options.
It has three screenshot buttons to perform the following functions:
- Capture a window
- Selection of the screen
- Select the entire window easily
Here is how the screenshot panel would look like.
Here are the details of the buttons on the screenshot panel:
Source: MacRumors.com
It also offers 2 video recording buttons to record the entire screen or a part of it.
There is an X button on the left side of the panel to close the screenshot panel. You can also exit the panel by pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.
There is also an ‘Options’ button on the right side of the panel to help you choose the “save” destination of screenshots taken.
You can save your screenshots in documents, desktop, mail, messages, or preview. It also allows you to set a delay of 5 or 10 seconds to line up items that might disappear while engaging the screenshot tool.
2. Command + Shift + 6.
This command lets you take the screenshot of the second display of the MacBook Pro – The Touch Bar. You can take a screenshot on a 16-inch MacBook Pro or any other model with a Touch Bar.
Simply press ‘Command + Shift + 6’ to take the screenshot of the Touch Bar screen.
Other than this, if you want the screenshot copied to your clipboard, then you need to press ‘Control + Command + Shift + 6.’
Source: HowToGeek.com
Next, save the screenshot in any image editor you want.
3. Screenshot Thumbnails.
Ever since Mac released macOS 10.14 Mojave, taking a screenshot is easier, more flexible, and fun.
After you take the screenshot (using any type of method), a thumbnail appears in the bottom right corner of the screen for a few moments.
The purpose of the thumbnail’s appearance is to help you edit a screenshot before it gets saved as a .png file in the destination folder.
Here is how the thumbnail would appear after you take the screenshot:
Just click on the thumbnail, and the screenshot will open in the image editor application of your Mac. From there, you can easily rotate, annotate, crop, or share the screenshot. You can also open the screenshot in any photo editing app you want. Simply drag and drop the thumbnail in the app of your choice, and it will open automatically.
4. Annotating The Screenshots.
After you click on the thumbnail, the screenshot will open in the preview by default.
Here, you can annotate your screenshot in several ways. It enables you to instantly annotate the screenshot before sending it to your friends or colleagues.
They include:
- You can draw symbols
- Add text to your image
- Include speech bubbles
- Crop the image
- Add your signature
- Rotate the images
- And much more
C. Screenshots With Third-party macOS Screenshot Apps.
Even after ⌘ + Shift + 5 Mac screen capturing menu, the native screenshot app of Mac offers pretty basic features. And if you are left wanting for more, there is no need to worry. You can always use a nice third-party app with more advanced features.
A third-party can help you capture:
- Your entire screen
- Window, area
- Scrolling content
- Record screen
- Capture videos
- And more
You can also clear the clutter from the desktop by hiding unwanted files and disable notification through a single click. Once you manage to get the perfect screenshot, you can edit it by adding annotations, blurring the essential parts, or drawing on it for greater customization.
You can also leverage built-in organizers to keep track of all screenshots. It’s a handy feature if you need to take a lot of screenshots regularly.
Here are a few key capabilities that you should look into a third-party Mac screenshot app.
- User Interface – Taking a screenshot is a simple process. But an app with a cluttered user interface (UI) might make it complicated. Thus, look for an application that offers a minimal complexity. At the same time, it must offer essential features to take screenshots within a matter of seconds.
- Third-Party Integrations – If you need to take a lot of screenshots, solid integration with cloud and other apps like Evernote will come in handy. These third-party apps help you stay organized easily. You can easily save and share your screenshots over the cloud and keep it organized in Evernote or any other organizer application. What’s more, integrations with tools like GitHub, Trello, Slack, and Jira would help you with troubleshooting and bug identification.
- Editing Capability – There are times when you need to explain something through a screenshot using text, images, drawings, text bubbles, links, etc. You might also want to blur or remove a few things from the screenshot. Here, an app with efficient editing features can save your day. Thus, look for a screenshot app that allows you to directly edit the screenshot before saving or sharing it with others.
- Secure – Data security is essential for everyone. It becomes even more important when you allow an app to see everything on your computer screen. Ensure the third-party screenshot application offers powerful data security features to help you save and share screenshots securely.
- Self-Timer – A third-party app would also offer features like screenshot pinning, self-timer, and internal cloud. A self-timer lets you take screenshots at perfect moments and pin it to the desktop for greater visibility. Some apps also offer cloud storage. This lets you save the screenshot on the cloud and share it using a simple link.
Here are some of the best Screenshot Apps for macOS:
- Monosnap.
1. Take a Screenshot With Monosnap.
To help you understand the functioning of third-party screenshot apps, I demonstrated the step-by-step process using the Monosnap app.
How to Start?
After you launch the app, you can find the Monosnap icon in the status bar. Once you click on the icon, it will open the basic menu.
The options include:
- Capture Area
- Capture Fullscreen
- Capture Previous Area
- Record video
- Open from Clipboard
- Open the last Image
- And more
Сapture Area will allow you to capture the selected screen area or a separate window. You just need to drag over the area you need to capture. You can also enable the timer, move the selected area by holding spacebar, use ⌘+С to copy color, and so forth.
With Capture Fullscreen, you can capture the entire screen with just a click. If you are using multiple monitors, Capture Fullscreen will take the screenshots of all monitor screens.
On the other hand, Сapture Previous Area can recapture the same area again.
Such apps help you move faster by automating redundant tasks while giving you the same screen area uniformly. What’s more, Monosnap comes with other features, including hotkeys, image editors, and cloud storage.
2. Take a Screenshot With Apple’s Grab.
You can also leverage a native utility program in Mac called ‘Grab.’
It supports capturing:
- A specific marquee selection
- An entire window
- Entire screen
- Timed screenshots
- And more
Here is how you can easily use it to take screen-grab:
Search for the keyword “Grab” in the search bar located at the top right corner. Now, select “Application” on the left sidebar to narrow down the search.
Open the Grab icon. Here’s what will appear on your screen:
You can drag the marquee to capture the part you want. Next, select “Capture” from the navigation menu.
You can also select the type of screenshot you want to take, including the timed screen or window in the dropdown menu.
Here are some of the options you can choose:
- The “Selection” option will capture the selected part of the screen.
- The “Screen” option will capture the complete screen.
- The “Window” option will take a screenshot of a specific part of the screen.
- The “Timed” screenshot will give a 10-seconds window before taking the final screenshot.
Why Do You Need a Screenshot?
In today’s connected world, businesses have gone digital. From sharing any detail on your corporate website to a revolutionary idea, nothing beats the screenshot’s efficiency. It helps you share the information in the precise format as you want.
Screenshots have also become the proof truth in the corporate world. If the information is in the form of a screenshot, it’s most likely to be correct.
Hence, the chances are that you need to take multiple screenshots regularly for a multitude of reasons.
Where Do You Find Saved Screenshots on a Mac?
If you’re new to Mac, you might wonder, where screenshots go by default. Usually, screenshots get saved as PNG files on the desktop. Their default name format is – current date and time stamp. Hence, the name of a screenshot would like “Screenshot 2020-07-15 at 12.25.36.png.”
Here is how it would appear:
However, if you change the save destination in the setting to the clipboard, you can paste the screenshot directly to the document without saving on your Mac.
What Do You Do If Screen Capture on a Mac is Not Working?
Screenshot shortcut might now work sometime due to multiple reasons. Or it might be simply disabled.
Use these steps to fix this issue easily:
- First, heads to the Apple menu and open ‘System Preferences.’
- Next, click on the ‘Keyboard’ option.
- A new window will pop-up. Here, click on the ‘Shortcuts’ option.
- Go to the ‘Screen Shots’ option in the left menu.
- Check out whether all the shortcuts are active or not with the same combinations.
- Click on the ‘Restore Defaults’ option in the bottom right to activate all screenshot options.
- You can also change the shortcut and have new keys combinations.
You might also face an issue where your screenshot shortcut is working, but you cannot save the screenshot. In this case, it might be occurring due to copyright issues of the third-party app. You can solve this issue by using a third-party screenshot application for Mac.
Wrapping-Up.
I covered just about everything when it comes to taking a screenshot on your Mac. The Mojave update makes the process of taking screenshots even more intuitive and engaging.
You can now customize your screenshots, select screen area, and even edit after taking the screenshot. The feature list is sufficient for a normal user.
Mac Screenshot Keyboard Shortcut
If you are looking for more advanced features, you might want to use a third-party screenshot application. Such apps provide better control over your screenshot with extra editing functions, cloud storage, and more options to share with other users.
So, which third-party app are you planning to use? Or your Mac’s screenshot functions are enough for you? Let me know in the comments section below.
Last Updated on December 1, 2020 by Adam Enfroy
If you have bought new Mac or switched over to Mac in 2020, here is my beginners guide for new Apple fans on How to take a screenshot (print screen) on a Mac & MacBook Pro. Specially useful, if you are looking for the Print Screen button present on most of the standard keyboards designed for Windows OS.
If you look at any Laptop or Desktop with windows OS, you will always find a simple “Print screen” button which allows to take a screenshot directly in combination to the Function key.
However when it comes to Mac or MacBook Pro, the PrintScreen button is simply missing!
Of-course you can take a full or partial screenshot on Mac, but with few combination of keys together. unfortunately its not intuitive on Mac as using a simple Print Screen button in Windows and slightly hard to memorize!
So I have prepared text guide as well as a info-graphics, which you can simply print and paste on your pin board for quick reference.
On Mac, you have an option to capture your entire screen or just a selected portion of it (partial screen).
Also you have an option to automatically save the screenshot to your desktop or to the clipboard.
If you look at any Laptop or Desktop with windows OS, you will always find a simple “Print screen” button which allows to take a screenshot directly in combination to the Function key.
However when it comes to Mac or MacBook Pro, the PrintScreen button is simply missing!
Of-course you can take a full or partial screenshot on Mac, but with few combination of keys together. unfortunately its not intuitive on Mac as using a simple Print Screen button in Windows and slightly hard to memorize!
So I have prepared text guide as well as a info-graphics, which you can simply print and paste on your pin board for quick reference.
On Mac, you have an option to capture your entire screen or just a selected portion of it (partial screen).
Also you have an option to automatically save the screenshot to your desktop or to the clipboard.
How to Take Screenshots (Print Screen) on Mac or Macbook Pro?
Full Screen Shot — Hold down Command ⌘ + shift + 3 simultaneously
Partial Screen Shot — Hold down Command ⌘ + shift + 4 simultaneously
So while you wish to share your moments of your favorite videos, achievement of games, discussions on social networks like Twitter or Facebook, any bugs you want to report to Apple support, OR almost anything and everything you see on your screen, this step-by-step guide will help you. Also do refer to Info-graphics which will help you for quick print and reference.
Note : All methods prescribed in this article for taking a screenshot will work with OS Sierra, OS X El Capitan, OS X Yosemite, and most older versions of the modern Mac operating system.
Partial Screen Shot — Hold down Command ⌘ + shift + 4 simultaneously
So while you wish to share your moments of your favorite videos, achievement of games, discussions on social networks like Twitter or Facebook, any bugs you want to report to Apple support, OR almost anything and everything you see on your screen, this step-by-step guide will help you. Also do refer to Info-graphics which will help you for quick print and reference.
Note : All methods prescribed in this article for taking a screenshot will work with OS Sierra, OS X El Capitan, OS X Yosemite, and most older versions of the modern Mac operating system.
Sn | INDEX – How to take screenshot on Mac? | |
1 | How to take a screenshot of your entire screen? | Jump to Topic |
2 | How do I take a partial screenshot? | Jump to Topic |
3 | How to take a screenshot of a window? | Jump to Topic |
4 | How to take a screenshot of a menu? | Jump to Topic |
5 | How do I take a screenshot of the Touch Bar (MacBook Pro)? | Jump to Topic |
6 | How can I take a screenshot using Preview? | Jump to Topic |
7 | Where are my Screenshots stored? | Jump to Topic |
8 | How can I change screenshot file format to JPG or TIFF or GIF or PDF? | Jump to Topic |
9 | How to copy the screenshot directly to clipboard instead of desktop save? | Jump to Topic |
10 | How to paste image from clipboard into a document or something? | Jump to Topic |
11 | How to take screenshots using the command line (“Terminal”)? | Jump to Topic |
12 | How to take screenshots in MacOS Mojave? How to Change Mojave’s Default Screenshot Location? | Jump to Topic |
13 | How to edit screenshots? | Jump to Topic |
14 | How to Customize Mac Screenshot Shortcuts? Interesting topic Hotkey! | Jump to Topic |
15 | How to Fix Screenshot on Mac Not Working Error? | Jump to Topic |
16 | How to transfer the screenshot from Mac to iPhone? | Jump to Topic |
1) How to take a screenshot of your entire screen?
1)Hold down Command ⌘ + shift + 3 simultaneously
2) You will hear a camera click sound.
Result : Mac will capture the entire screen and save it as a .png file on your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Tip : This process also works on MacBook Air
Go to Index
2) You will hear a camera click sound.
Result : Mac will capture the entire screen and save it as a .png file on your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Tip : This process also works on MacBook Air
Go to Index
2) How do I take a partial screenshot?
You can take screenshot of selected portion of your screen using following key combination –
1) Hold downCommand ⌘ + shift + 4 simultaneously
2) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
3) Move the crosshair (+) using the mouse or tackpad to the location where you want to start the screenshot, then drag to draw a rectangle which specifies “what to capture”
– The crosshairs provide you a precise pixel count during dragging (see the image snap shot below), this helps you selecting a specific image size (or even to measure).
– You can hold down Option to change the lock point to the center of the area.
– Or you can hold down Shift to lock all sides but the one in the direction you’re currently moving.
4) After you select desired area, simply, release your mouse or trackpad button to hear a camera click sound.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
5) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Tip : This process also works on MacBook Air
Go to Index
1) Hold down
2) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
3) Move the crosshair (+) using the mouse or tackpad to the location where you want to start the screenshot, then drag to draw a rectangle which specifies “what to capture”
– The crosshairs provide you a precise pixel count during dragging (see the image snap shot below), this helps you selecting a specific image size (or even to measure).
– You can hold down Option to change the lock point to the center of the area.
– Or you can hold down Shift to lock all sides but the one in the direction you’re currently moving.
4) After you select desired area, simply, release your mouse or trackpad button to hear a camera click sound.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
5) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Tip : This process also works on MacBook Air
Go to Index
3) How to take a screenshot of a window?
1)Hold down Command ⌘ + shift + 4
2) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
3) Press theSpacebar and the pointer changes to a Camera.
4) Move the camera over a window to highlight it. The window will tint blue to show your selection.
5) Now click your mouse or trackpad. You will get a confirmation camera click sound.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
6) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Important note :Some apps, especially those designed to play copy-protected videos such as DVD Player, might not let you take screenshots of their windows.
Go to Index
2) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
3) Press the
4) Move the camera over a window to highlight it. The window will tint blue to show your selection.
5) Now click your mouse or trackpad. You will get a confirmation camera click sound.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
6) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Important note :Some apps, especially those designed to play copy-protected videos such as DVD Player, might not let you take screenshots of their windows.
Go to Index
4) How to take a screenshot of a menu?
1) Click the menu to reveal its contents.
2)Hold downCommand ⌘ + shift + 4
3) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
4) Drag to select the menu.
5) Release your mouse or trackpad button.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
6) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
These steps capture the contents of a menu, but not its title:
1) Click the menu to reveal its contents.
2)Hold downCommand ⌘ + shift + 4
3) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
4) Press the Space bar. The pointer changes to a camera.
5) Move the camera over the menu to highlight it.
6) Click your mouse or trackpad.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
7) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Go to Index
2)Hold down
3) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
4) Drag to select the menu.
5) Release your mouse or trackpad button.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
6) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
These steps capture the contents of a menu, but not its title:
1) Click the menu to reveal its contents.
2)Hold down
3) Now your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair (+)
4) Press the Space bar. The pointer changes to a camera.
5) Move the camera over the menu to highlight it.
6) Click your mouse or trackpad.
Note : [ If you wish to cancel the operation, press the Esc (Escape) key before you release the button. ]
7) The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Note : [ File on Desktop will be named like “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png” ]
Go to Index
5) How do I take a screenshot of the Touch Bar (MacBook Pro)?
If you have a Mac with a Touch Bar and macOS Sierra 10.12.2 or later then use the following key combination –
1) Hold downCommand ⌘ + shift + 6
2) Your Mac captures the entire Touch Bar and saves it as a file on the desktop.
Go to Index
1) Hold down
2) Your Mac captures the entire Touch Bar and saves it as a file on the desktop.
Go to Index
6) How can I take a screenshot using Preview?
In case you don’t remember keyboard shortcuts, then you also have an option of taking a screenshot on Mac using Preview.
Download excel 2013 for mac free. Just for information, Preview is built-in image and PDF viewer in the macOS. You can view and print images and PDF files.
See the info-graphics below showing how to use Preview for taking a full or partial or window screenshot.
Go to Index
Download excel 2013 for mac free. Just for information, Preview is built-in image and PDF viewer in the macOS. You can view and print images and PDF files.
See the info-graphics below showing how to use Preview for taking a full or partial or window screenshot.
Go to Index
7) Where are my Screenshots stored?
All your Screenshots are by default saved on the desktop in Mac OS X v10.6 and later as .png image format files.
The image file will be names as “Screen Shot date at time.png.”
as an example “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png”
So you can look at the screenshot file on your desktop or alternatively from the Finder.
– Simply Double click on the screenshot file to open and share it with Preview.
– Right click the file and choose Open With
– or drag and drop the file, to open and share it with another app.
Go to Index
The image file will be names as “Screen Shot date at time.png.”
as an example “Screen shot 2020-08-29 at 08.45.00 AM.png”
So you can look at the screenshot file on your desktop or alternatively from the Finder.
– Simply Double click on the screenshot file to open and share it with Preview.
– Right click the file and choose Open With
– or drag and drop the file, to open and share it with another app.
Go to Index
8) How can I change screenshot file format to JPG or TIFF or GIF or PDF?
Yes, you can change the default file format PNG to other formats such as JPG, TIFF or GIF or PDF.
Well by default Mac uses PNG format to store the file on desktop, however sometimes you wish to change this default for various reasons.
As an example say you are using a MacBook Pro Retina or some other 4K monitor, the screenshots can be as large as 5 to 8 MB. And may cases if you wish to send it over email or upload to some government websites etc, you need lighter file sizes and wish to get the screenshots as JPG rather than PNG.
Tip : [ Go for JPG since that is a common type and will output smaller image size than default PNG. ]
So there are TWO options to do this.
Well by default Mac uses PNG format to store the file on desktop, however sometimes you wish to change this default for various reasons.
As an example say you are using a MacBook Pro Retina or some other 4K monitor, the screenshots can be as large as 5 to 8 MB. And may cases if you wish to send it over email or upload to some government websites etc, you need lighter file sizes and wish to get the screenshots as JPG rather than PNG.
Tip : [ Go for JPG since that is a common type and will output smaller image size than default PNG. ]
So there are TWO options to do this.
Option 1 – Simple to execute
With Preview Option which I have explained earlier ( Click to jump there ) you get an option to save your screenshots in JPG, TIFF, PDF, and other file formats.
Option 2 – Difficult to execute, but changes image file format default permanently on Mac
You can change the default PNG format using a simple terminal command.
Step by Step guide
1) To find the Terminal, Go to Applications -> Utilities. Or use search to find “Terminal”.
2) copy/paste following command inside the terminal window and press enter (return)
2) copy/paste following command inside the terminal window and press enter (return)
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
Tip : If your Mac asks for user password, just go ahead and enter it.
3) Restart the system to get the changes applied.
3) Alternatively – In case you don’t want to reboot the system, use following command in Terminal window and press enter (return).
3) Restart the system to get the changes applied.
3) Alternatively – In case you don’t want to reboot the system, use following command in Terminal window and press enter (return).
killall SystemUIServer
4) You are done. Now all the further screen captures (print screen) will be saved to JPG format.
Note : In case you wish to change the image file format again, repeat steps above by changing the file format name in command line. as an example defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
Go to Index
Note : In case you wish to change the image file format again, repeat steps above by changing the file format name in command line. as an example defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
Go to Index
9) How to copy the screenshot directly to clipboard instead of desktop save?
Sometimes you want to directly copy the screenshot directly to other application, so to avoid one step of picking up file from desktop, you have an option to directly copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
1) Hold downCotrol key together with any of the combinations given above.
For an example,
UseControl + Command ⌘ + shift + 3
Instead of
Command ⌘ + shift + 3
2) Now the screenshot will be directly copied to the clipboard (instead of saving it as a desktop file).
Go to Index
1) Hold down
For an example,
Use
Instead of
2) Now the screenshot will be directly copied to the clipboard (instead of saving it as a desktop file).
Go to Index
10) How to paste image from clipboard into a document or something?
Hold down Command ⌘ Button + V
This is similar to the Windows paste option using Control + V, here on Mac too, Command + V, pastes the screenshot on the clipboard directly into a document or image you are currently editing.
Go to Index
This is similar to the Windows paste option using Control + V, here on Mac too, Command + V, pastes the screenshot on the clipboard directly into a document or image you are currently editing.
Go to Index
![Mac Mac](https://7spies.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/How-to-screenshot-on-MacBook-Pro-keys.jpg)
11) How to take screenshots using the command line (“Terminal”)?
1) To find the Terminal, Go to Applications -> Utilities. Or use search to find “Terminal”.
2) copy/paste following command inside the terminal window and press enter (return)
First command will provide you screen capture
2) copy/paste following command inside the terminal window and press enter (return)
First command will provide you screen capture
man screencapture
OR if you wish to introduce delay in screen capture, then use below command
screencapture -T 10 ~/Desktop/screenshot.png
Go to Index
OR if you wish to introduce delay in screen capture, then use below command
screencapture -T 10 ~/Desktop/screenshot.png
Go to Index
How To Screenshot On Mac Pro Computer
12) How to take screenshots in MacOS Mojave?
with the MacOS Mojave update. (Also get to know the new Stacks and dark mode.) you can use the new screenshot tool and keyboard shortcut.
Command ⌘ + shift + 5
Press Command ⌘ + shift + 5 which will bring up a small panel at the bottom of your display with screen capture options as shown in the above image. You can simply drag this screenshot panel at suitable location on the screen.
You will get Screenshot buttons, Video recording buttons, and an Option button with sub-options as given below –
Press Command ⌘ + shift + 5 which will bring up a small panel at the bottom of your display with screen capture options as shown in the above image. You can simply drag this screenshot panel at suitable location on the screen.
You will get Screenshot buttons, Video recording buttons, and an Option button with sub-options as given below –
- Screenshot Options
- Capture the entire screen,
- A window or
- A selection of your screen
- Video-recording buttons
- Record your entire screen or
- A selection of it
- Options Button
- Save your screenshot to
- Desktop,
- Documents,
- Clipboard,
- Mail,
- Messages or
- Preview
- Set a 5-10-second delay
- Save your screenshot to
On the left of this control panel you will get an X button to close the panel, or alternatively just hit the Escape key to exit out from Screenshot menu.
From the options button you can choose location to save your screenshot – as Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, Mail, Messages or Preview, as well as set a 5-10-second delay when you want to capture a disappearing tool-tip or menu.
Once you capture the screenshot, you get a floating thumbnail at the bottom, in case needed you can switch-off this preview. If you Click this Floating Thumbnail, you will get a Markup View preview window with all of the markup tools. So you can annotate screenshots without needing to open Preview or delete it simply.
Tip: you can choose to show your mouse pointer in a screenshot or video.
From the options button you can choose location to save your screenshot – as Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, Mail, Messages or Preview, as well as set a 5-10-second delay when you want to capture a disappearing tool-tip or menu.
Once you capture the screenshot, you get a floating thumbnail at the bottom, in case needed you can switch-off this preview. If you Click this Floating Thumbnail, you will get a Markup View preview window with all of the markup tools. So you can annotate screenshots without needing to open Preview or delete it simply.
Tip: you can choose to show your mouse pointer in a screenshot or video.
How to Change Mojave’s Default Screenshot Location?
See image above for reference
Go to “Options” button >> Change saving location using the toggle near the top of choices (Desktop / Documents / Mail / Messages / QuickTime Player / Other Location …)
Use above menu to change the place where you wish to save your screenshots, as an example click “Other Location” from that list, to get open/save dialog box to select where you want future screenshots to be saved.
Go to Index
Go to “Options” button >> Change saving location using the toggle near the top of choices (Desktop / Documents / Mail / Messages / QuickTime Player / Other Location …)
Use above menu to change the place where you wish to save your screenshots, as an example click “Other Location” from that list, to get open/save dialog box to select where you want future screenshots to be saved.
Go to Index
13) How to edit screenshots?
You can open the screenshots with Preview, Safari, and other apps and then view them or edit too.
Step-by-step Guide to edit an image on Preview
1) Double click to open a screenshot with Preview.
2) Rotate :
Rotate button is indicated by a curved arrow and is located at the upper right part of the window.
You can Click the “Rotate” button to rotate the screenshot orientation 90 degrees.
3) Adjust Size:
“Tools” is located in the top menu bar and will open a box with options to adjust the width, height or resolution.
Open the “Tools” menu and select “Adjust Size”.
4) Crop:
Click the “Select” tool located in the upper toolbar, click and drag to select the area of the image that you wish to crop. Then select “Crop” from the “Tools” menu in the top menu bar.
5) Adjust Color:
Open “Tools” and select “Adjust Color”. A new pane will appear with sliders to adjust the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, saturation, temperature, tint, or sharpness.
6) Annotation [pen tool, shapes, or text insert]
Annotation tools button is located in the upper right corner of the window. This gives you access to annotation tools, such as a pen tool, shapes, or text insert.
7) Save the edited screenshot:
Open the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save your changes. You will be prompted to name the screenshot and browse for a save location. Clicking “Save” will confirm your changes.
Go to Index
2) Rotate :
Rotate button is indicated by a curved arrow and is located at the upper right part of the window.
You can Click the “Rotate” button to rotate the screenshot orientation 90 degrees.
3) Adjust Size:
“Tools” is located in the top menu bar and will open a box with options to adjust the width, height or resolution.
Open the “Tools” menu and select “Adjust Size”.
4) Crop:
Click the “Select” tool located in the upper toolbar, click and drag to select the area of the image that you wish to crop. Then select “Crop” from the “Tools” menu in the top menu bar.
5) Adjust Color:
Open “Tools” and select “Adjust Color”. A new pane will appear with sliders to adjust the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, saturation, temperature, tint, or sharpness.
6) Annotation [pen tool, shapes, or text insert]
Annotation tools button is located in the upper right corner of the window. This gives you access to annotation tools, such as a pen tool, shapes, or text insert.
7) Save the edited screenshot:
Open the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save your changes. You will be prompted to name the screenshot and browse for a save location. Clicking “Save” will confirm your changes.
Go to Index
14) How to Customize Mac Screenshot Shortcuts? Hotkey!
I really get annoyed to press so many keys to get one screenshot! It is the most stupid thing to cross fingers to reach so many keys!! So thought on defining hot keys on mac which I like or feel more convenient for daily operations.
So here I suggest you to use the Mac’s excellent keyboard hotkey mapping function to create your own screenshot shortcuts.
So here I suggest you to use the Mac’s excellent keyboard hotkey mapping function to create your own screenshot shortcuts.
Step-by-step guide to customize screenshot keys on Mac
1) Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
2) You will see list on the left hand side of screen (see image snap below), from the list select Screen Shots
3) Now you will see the Mac’s screenshot options on right hand side of window (see image snap below) with their default keyboard shortcut combinations.
4) Select the screenshot command you want to modify and double click and press new combination as desired.
5) You are done ? Close the System Preferences window and carry on with your screenshots!
Go to Index
2) You will see list on the left hand side of screen (see image snap below), from the list select Screen Shots
3) Now you will see the Mac’s screenshot options on right hand side of window (see image snap below) with their default keyboard shortcut combinations.
4) Select the screenshot command you want to modify and double click and press new combination as desired.
5) You are done ? Close the System Preferences window and carry on with your screenshots!
Go to Index
15) How to Fix Screenshot on Mac Not Working Error?
How To Screenshot On Mac Pro 2017
15.1 — Restart your Mac
Press the Power button (or press “Control + Eject”) and, when a dialog box appears, click the Restart button.
Choose the “Apple key” and then click “Restart”.
Press “Control + Command + Eject” (or “Control + Command + Power” button)
15.2 — Check the screenshot shortcuts
Go to “System Preferences” > “Keyboard & Mouse” > “Keyboard Shortcuts” > check whether the shortcuts are activated or not under Screen Shots, and also check that they have not been assigned to something else.
15.3 — Use Grab to take a screenshot on Mac
Try using the pre-installed Grab on Mac to take a screenshot of a partial section of the screen, an individual window, or the entire screen.
Go to “Applications” > “Utilities” > find and open “Grab” > “Capture” > choose to take a specific screenshot
15.4 — Take a screenshot using Preview – This topic is already covered previously Jump to Topic
Go to Index
Press the Power button (or press “Control + Eject”) and, when a dialog box appears, click the Restart button.
Choose the “Apple key” and then click “Restart”.
Press “Control + Command + Eject” (or “Control + Command + Power” button)
15.2 — Check the screenshot shortcuts
Go to “System Preferences” > “Keyboard & Mouse” > “Keyboard Shortcuts” > check whether the shortcuts are activated or not under Screen Shots, and also check that they have not been assigned to something else.
15.3 — Use Grab to take a screenshot on Mac
Try using the pre-installed Grab on Mac to take a screenshot of a partial section of the screen, an individual window, or the entire screen.
Go to “Applications” > “Utilities” > find and open “Grab” > “Capture” > choose to take a specific screenshot
15.4 — Take a screenshot using Preview – This topic is already covered previously Jump to Topic
Go to Index
16) How to transfer the screenshot from Mac to iPhone?
How To Screenshot On Mac Pro Retina
Once you take a screenshot, you can sync these new images to yout iPhone.
Best and easiest way is to use AirDrop to transfer screenshot from Mac to iPhone or vice versa.
1) Turn on AirDrop,
2) Turn on Bluetooth Wi-Fi connection on both iPhone and Mac,
3) Go to the Photos application on Mac, and then choose to share the specific screenshot with iPhone via AirDrop.
Read Apple official guide on How to use Airdrop?
Go to Index
Best and easiest way is to use AirDrop to transfer screenshot from Mac to iPhone or vice versa.
1) Turn on AirDrop,
2) Turn on Bluetooth Wi-Fi connection on both iPhone and Mac,
3) Go to the Photos application on Mac, and then choose to share the specific screenshot with iPhone via AirDrop.
Read Apple official guide on How to use Airdrop?
Go to Index
How To Screenshot On Mac Pro
To write this article, I have taken an extensive reference from Apple official website ( Source)