How to take screenshot on Mac?
Take screenshot on Mac is quick and easy, thanks to built-in keyboard shortcuts and tools. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a selected window, or a custom portion, macOS provides several options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods to take a screenshot on your Mac.
Why Take a Screenshot on Mac?
Screenshots are useful for various reasons:
- Saving important information
- Sharing error messages for troubleshooting
- Capturing memorable moments
- Creating guides and tutorials
Different Ways to Take a Screenshot on Mac
1. Capture the Entire Screen
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 to take a screenshot of your entire screen. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your desktop by default.
2. Capture a Selected Portion of the Screen
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then drag the crosshair to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse or trackpad to take the screenshot.
3. Capture a Specific Window
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press the Spacebar. Your cursor will change into a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture, and the screenshot will be taken.
4. Capture the Touch Bar (for MacBook Pro Users)
If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 6 to capture what’s displayed on your Touch Bar.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and Later)
Mac users with macOS Mojave or later can access a built-in screenshot toolbar for more options.
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar.
- Choose to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
- Select whether to record your screen or take a still image.
- Use the options menu to change save locations, enable a timer, or show the mouse pointer.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Mac?
By default, screenshots are saved to the Desktop with a filename like “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png.”
If you want to change the save location:
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5.
- Click Options and select a new destination (Documents, Clipboard, Mail, Messages, or Preview).
How to Edit Screenshots on Mac
After taking a screenshot, a small preview appears in the bottom-right corner. Click on it to open Markup, where you can:
- Crop or resize the image
- Add text, shapes, or drawings
- Highlight or annotate with the pen tool
How to Copy a Screenshot to Clipboard
If you want to paste the screenshot directly into an email or document:
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 + Control to copy the full screen.
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 + Control to copy a selected portion.
Final Thoughts
Taking a screenshot on a Mac is simple and efficient. With multiple options available, you can capture exactly what you need. Whether for personal or professional use, mastering these screenshot techniques can enhance your productivity.
