Whether you're a student, a professional, or just a casual user, there are times when you need to capture a screenshot on your Mac. Maybe you want to save a recipe you found online, document a bug you're experiencing, or share a funny meme with your friends. Whatever the reason, taking a screenshot is a quick and easy way to capture what's on your screen.
There are three main ways to take a screenshot on Mac: using a keyboard shortcut, using the Screenshot app, or using a third-party app. In this article, we'll walk you through each method and show you how to customize your screenshots to get the perfect results.
Now that you know the basics of taking a screenshot on Mac, let's take a closer look at each method to see how you can customize your screenshots to get the perfect results.
how to take screenshot on mac
Capture what's on your screen.
- Use keyboard shortcuts.
- Open Screenshot app.
- Use third-party apps.
- Capture full screen.
- Capture selected area.
- Capture window.
- Capture menu.
- Save or share screenshots.
With a few simple steps, you can easily take screenshots on your Mac and customize them to get the perfect results.
Use keyboard shortcuts.
The quickest way to take a screenshot on Mac is to use keyboard shortcuts. Here are the most common keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots:
- Command + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen.
- Command + Shift + 4: Captures a selected area of the screen. Press the spacebar to move the selection box around the screen. Click or press the Return key to capture the selection.
- Command + Shift + 5: Opens the Screenshot app, which gives you more options for capturing screenshots, including capturing a window, capturing a menu, or recording the screen.
Once you've taken a screenshot, it will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file. You can also copy the screenshot to your clipboard by pressing Command + C. This allows you to paste the screenshot into another application, such as an email or a document.
Here are some additional keyboard shortcuts that you can use to customize your screenshots:
- Command + Shift + 3 + Control: Captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard instead of the desktop.
- Command + Shift + 4 + Control: Captures a selected area of the screen and saves it to the clipboard instead of the desktop.
- Command + Shift + 5 + Control: Opens the Screenshot app and saves the screenshot to the clipboard instead of the desktop.
You can also use the Screenshot app to change the default file format for screenshots. To do this, open the Screenshot app and click on the "Options" button. In the "Options" menu, you can select the file format that you want to use for screenshots.
Open Screenshot app.
The Screenshot app is a powerful tool that gives you more options for capturing screenshots on your Mac. To open the Screenshot app, press Command + Shift + 5. This will bring up a menu with several options for capturing screenshots.
The Screenshot app has four main capture modes:
- Capture Entire Screen: Captures the entire screen.
- Capture Selected Area: Captures a selected area of the screen. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
- Capture Window: Captures a specific window. Click on the window you want to capture.
- Capture Menu: Captures a menu from the menu bar.
Once you've selected a capture mode, you can click on the "Capture" button to take the screenshot. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file. You can also copy the screenshot to your clipboard by clicking on the "Copy" button.
In addition to the four main capture modes, the Screenshot app also has a number of other features that you can use to customize your screenshots. For example, you can:
- Add a delay: You can set a delay before the screenshot is taken. This is useful if you need to capture a menu that disappears quickly.
- Show the mouse pointer: You can choose to show or hide the mouse pointer in the screenshot.
- Save the screenshot as a PDF or TIFF file: By default, screenshots are saved as PNG files. However, you can also save them as PDF or TIFF files.
The Screenshot app is a versatile tool that can be used to capture any type of screenshot. Experiment with the different features to find the ones that work best for you.
Use third-party apps.
In addition to the built-in Screenshot app, there are a number of third-party apps that you can use to take screenshots on Mac. These apps often offer more features and customization options than the Screenshot app.
- CleanShot X: CleanShot X is a powerful screenshot app that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to capture scrolling screenshots, annotate screenshots, and record your screen. It also has a number of productivity features, such as the ability to quickly share screenshots and create GIFs.
- Snagit: Snagit is another popular screenshot app that offers a wide range of features. It allows you to capture screenshots of any part of your screen, including scrolling screenshots. You can also annotate screenshots, record your screen, and create GIFs. Snagit is a good option for professionals who need a powerful screenshot tool.
- Lightshot: Lightshot is a lightweight and easy-to-use screenshot app. It allows you to quickly capture screenshots of any part of your screen. You can then annotate the screenshot, save it to your computer, or share it online. Lightshot is a good option for users who want a simple and straightforward screenshot tool.
- Skitch: Skitch is a free screenshot app from Evernote. It allows you to capture screenshots of any part of your screen. You can then annotate the screenshot, save it to your computer, or share it online. Skitch is a good option for users who want a simple and easy-to-use screenshot tool.
These are just a few of the many third-party screenshot apps available for Mac. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find an app that meets your needs.
Capture full screen.
To capture a screenshot of the entire screen on your Mac, you can use the following methods:
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 3. This will capture the entire screen and save it to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Screenshot app: Open the Screenshot app by pressing Command + Shift + 5. Click on the "Capture Entire Screen" button. This will capture the entire screen and save it to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Third-party apps: Many third-party screenshot apps also allow you to capture full-screen screenshots. For example, CleanShot X has a "Capture Entire Screen" button that you can click to capture the entire screen.
Once you've captured a full-screen screenshot, you can find it on your desktop. The screenshot will be named "Screen Shot [date and time].png". You can then open the screenshot in an image viewer or editor to view or edit it.
Capture selected area.
To capture a screenshot of a selected area on your Mac, you can use the following methods:
Keyboard shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 4. This will bring up a crosshair cursor. Click and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
Screenshot app: Open the Screenshot app by pressing Command + Shift + 5. Click on the "Capture Selected Area" button. This will bring up a crosshair cursor. Click and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
Third-party apps: Many third-party screenshot apps also allow you to capture screenshots of selected areas. For example, CleanShot X has a "Capture Selected Area" button that you can click to capture a screenshot of a selected area.
Once you've captured a screenshot of a selected area, you can find it on your desktop. The screenshot will be named "Screen Shot [date and time].png". You can then open the screenshot in an image viewer or editor to view or edit it.
Capture window.
To capture a screenshot of a window on your Mac, you can use the following methods:
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 4, then press the Spacebar. This will change the cursor to a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Screenshot app: Open the Screenshot app by pressing Command + Shift + 5. Click on the "Capture Window" button. This will bring up a list of all the windows that are currently open. Click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Third-party apps: Many third-party screenshot apps also allow you to capture screenshots of windows. For example, CleanShot X has a "Capture Window" button that you can click to capture a screenshot of a window.
Once you've captured a screenshot of a window, you can find it on your desktop. The screenshot will be named "Screen Shot [date and time].png". You can then open the screenshot in an image viewer or editor to view or edit it.
Capture menu.
To capture a screenshot of a menu on your Mac, you can use the following methods:
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Command + Shift + 5, then press the Control key. This will change the cursor to a camera icon. Click on the menu you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Screenshot app: Open the Screenshot app by pressing Command + Shift + 5. Click on the "Capture Menu" button. This will bring up a list of all the menus that are currently open. Click on the menu you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
- Third-party apps: Some third-party screenshot apps also allow you to capture screenshots of menus. For example, CleanShot X has a "Capture Menu" button that you can click to capture a screenshot of a menu.
Once you've captured a screenshot of a menu, you can find it on your desktop. The screenshot will be named "Screen Shot [date and time].png". You can then open the screenshot in an image viewer or editor to view or edit it.
Save or share screenshots.
Once you've taken a screenshot on your Mac, you can save it to your computer or share it with others. To save a screenshot, simply click on the "Save Screenshot" button in the screenshot preview window. This will open a dialog box where you can choose where to save the screenshot. You can also choose the file format for the screenshot. By default, screenshots are saved as PNG files, but you can also save them as JPEG, TIFF, or PDF files.
To share a screenshot, you can click on the "Share Screenshot" button in the screenshot preview window. This will open a dialog box where you can choose how to share the screenshot. You can share the screenshot via email, Messages, AirDrop, or any other sharing method that is available on your Mac.
You can also copy a screenshot to your clipboard. To do this, simply press Command + C after taking a screenshot. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard, and you can then paste it into any application that supports images.
If you're using a third-party screenshot app, the process for saving and sharing screenshots may be different. Consult the documentation for your screenshot app for more information.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about taking screenshots on Mac:
Question 1: What is the keyboard shortcut for taking a screenshot on Mac?
Answer 1: The most common keyboard shortcut for taking a screenshot on Mac is Command + Shift + 3. This will capture the entire screen.
Question 2: How do I capture a screenshot of a specific area on my screen?
Answer 2: To capture a screenshot of a specific area on your screen, press Command + Shift + 4. This will bring up a crosshair cursor. Click and drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot.
Question 3: How do I capture a screenshot of a window?
Answer 3: To capture a screenshot of a window, press Command + Shift + 4, then press the Spacebar. This will change the cursor to a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Question 4: How do I capture a screenshot of a menu?
Answer 4: To capture a screenshot of a menu, press Command + Shift + 5, then press the Control key. This will change the cursor to a camera icon. Click on the menu you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Question 5: How do I save a screenshot?
Answer 5: Once you've taken a screenshot, a preview window will appear. Click on the "Save Screenshot" button to save the screenshot to your computer. You can also choose to copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
Question 6: How do I share a screenshot?
Answer 6: Once you've taken a screenshot, a preview window will appear. Click on the "Share Screenshot" button to share the screenshot with others. You can share the screenshot via email, Messages, AirDrop, or any other sharing method that is available on your Mac.
Question 7: Can I change the default file format for screenshots?
Answer 7: Yes, you can change the default file format for screenshots in the Screenshot app. Open the Screenshot app and click on the "Options" button. In the "Options" menu, you can select the file format that you want to use for screenshots.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about taking screenshots on Mac. If you have any other questions, please consult the Apple support website or the documentation for your screenshot app.
Now that you know how to take and save screenshots on your Mac, here are a few tips for getting the most out of your screenshots:
Tips
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your screenshots on Mac:
Tip 1: Use keyboard shortcuts.
Keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way to take screenshots on Mac. Learn the keyboard shortcuts for taking full-screen screenshots, screenshots of selected areas, and screenshots of windows and menus. This will save you time and effort.
Tip 2: Use the Screenshot app.
The Screenshot app is a powerful tool that gives you more options for capturing screenshots. You can use the Screenshot app to capture scrolling screenshots, annotate screenshots, and record your screen. Experiment with the different features of the Screenshot app to find the ones that work best for you.
Tip 3: Use third-party apps.
There are a number of third-party screenshot apps available for Mac. These apps often offer more features and customization options than the Screenshot app. If you need a more powerful screenshot tool, consider using a third-party app like CleanShot X or Snagit.
Tip 4: Save your screenshots in a consistent location.
This will make it easier to find your screenshots later on. You can create a dedicated folder for screenshots on your computer, or you can use a cloud storage service like iCloud Drive or Dropbox to store your screenshots.
These are just a few tips for getting the most out of your screenshots on Mac. With a little practice, you'll be able to take and save screenshots like a pro.
Now that you know how to take, save, and share screenshots on your Mac, you can use this powerful tool to capture and share information easily and efficiently.
Conclusion
In this article, we've shown you how to take, save, and share screenshots on your Mac. We've covered the most common methods for taking screenshots, including using keyboard shortcuts, the Screenshot app, and third-party apps. We've also shown you how to save and share your screenshots in a variety of ways.
Screenshots are a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as capturing information from a website, documenting a bug, or sharing a funny meme with your friends. With the tips and tricks that we've provided in this article, you'll be able to take and use screenshots like a pro.
So next time you need to capture something on your Mac, don't forget to use the screenshot tools that are built into your computer. With just a few keystrokes, you can easily capture and share any information that you see on your screen.