How to Screenshot on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Taking screenshots on a Mac is a handy skill that can help you capture and share important information, troubleshoot issues, or save memories from your screen. Whether you're a new Mac user or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the various methods to take screenshots on a Mac, from basic shortcuts to advanced techniques. Let's get started!

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Capture the Entire Screen

To take a screenshot of your entire screen:

Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3.
Find the Screenshot: The screenshot will be saved to your desktop by default.

Capture a Selected Portion of the Screen

To capture a specific area of your screen:

Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4.
Select the Area: Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
Release to Capture: Release the mouse button or trackpad to take the screenshot.
Find the Screenshot: The screenshot will be saved to your desktop by default.

Capture a Specific Window

To capture a specific window:

Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press the Spacebar.
Select the Window: Your cursor will turn into a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture.
Find the Screenshot: The screenshot will be saved to your desktop by default.

Method 2: Using the Screenshot App

Accessing the Screenshot App

macOS Mojave and later include a built-in Screenshot app that provides more options and flexibility.

Open the Screenshot App: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5.
Choose an Option: A toolbar will appear with options to capture the entire screen, a selected window, or a selected portion.
Capture the Screenshot: Click on the desired option and follow the prompts to capture your screenshot.

Additional Features

Timer: Set a timer to delay the screenshot capture.
Save Location: Choose where to save your screenshots.
Show/Hide Mouse Pointer: Decide whether to include the mouse pointer in your screenshot.

Method 3: Using Preview

Capture Using Preview

Preview, the default image and PDF viewer on Mac, also offers screenshot capabilities.

Open Preview: Go to Applications and open Preview.
Capture Screenshot: Go to File > Take Screenshot, then choose from From Selection, From Window, or From Entire Screen.
Save the Screenshot: After capturing, save the screenshot to your desired location.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps

Popular Third-Party Screenshot Tools

There are several third-party applications that offer advanced screenshot features. Here are a few popular options:

Lightshot: A user-friendly tool that allows for quick editing and sharing of screenshots.
Snagit: A powerful tool with extensive features for capturing and editing screenshots and videos.
Monosnap: Offers various capture modes and cloud storage integration.

Using Lightshot

Install Lightshot: Download and install from the official website.
Capture Screenshot: Press the shortcut key (usually Command (⌘) + Shift + 9).
Edit and Save: Use the built-in editor to annotate and save your screenshot.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on a Mac is easy and versatile, with multiple methods to suit different needs. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the built-in Screenshot app, Preview, or third-party tools, you can capture your screen efficiently and effectively. Experiment with these methods to find the one that works best for you and start capturing your Mac screen like a pro.

FAQs

Where are my screenshots saved on Mac?

By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop with a timestamp. You can change the save location using the Screenshot app (Command (⌘) + Shift + 5).

Can I take a screenshot of the Touch Bar?

Yes, if you have a Mac with a Touch Bar, you can take a screenshot of it by pressing Command (⌘) + Shift + 6.

How do I take a screenshot without saving it to the desktop?

To copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it, press Control along with the screenshot shortcut. For example, Command (⌘) + Control + Shift + 4 to capture a selected portion.

What is the best third-party app for screenshots on Mac?

It depends on your needs. Lightshot is great for quick edits, Snagit offers extensive features, and Monosnap provides cloud integration. Try them out to see which one fits your workflow.

How do I edit screenshots on Mac?

You can use the built-in Markup tool in the Screenshot app or Preview to edit screenshots. For more advanced editing, consider third-party apps like Lightshot or Snagit.