How To Screenshot On Mac

How To Screenshot On Mac

Wondering how to screenshot on Mac? A screenshot on Mac is a picture of your computer screen. There are a few different ways to take screenshots on Mac, and the method you use will likely depend on what you’re trying to capture. Here’s a quick guide to taking screenshots on Mac.

  1. To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply press Command + Shift + 3. This will save a screenshot of your entire display to your desktop.
  2. If you only want to capture a portion of your screen, you can use Command + Shift + 4. This will bring up a crosshair cursor that you can use to select the area you want to screenshot. Once you’ve made your selection, just release the mouse button or trackpad to take the screenshot.
  3. You can also take a screenshot of a specific window by pressing Command + Shift + 4 and then pressing the spacebar. This will cause the crosshair cursor to turn into a camera icon, which you can then hover over any window to highlight it. Just click on the window you want to screenshot, and it will be saved to your desktop.
  4. Finally, if you want to take a screenshot of Touch Bar displays (like on the new MacBook Pros), simply press Command + Shift + 6.

And that’s all there is to taking screenshots on Mac! As you can see, it’s a pretty simple process once you know the shortcut keystrokes. So go ahead and give it a try next time you need to capture something from your screen.

How To Screenshot on Mac

silver iMac ad wireless keyboard

There are several ways to take a screenshot on Mac, and the method you use will depend on what you want to capture.

Method 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply press Command + Shift + 3 (⌘ + ⇧ + 3). This will save a screenshot of your entire screen to your Mac’s clipboard, which you can then paste into another app like Preview or Microsoft Word.

If you only want to take a screenshot of a portion of your screen, you can use the following keyboard shortcut: Command + Shift + 4 (⌘ + ⇧ + 4). This will turn your cursor into a crosshair, which you can then click and drag to select the area you want to screenshot. Once you release the mouse button, your screenshot will be saved to the clipboard.

If you want to take a screenshot of a specific window, you can use the following keyboard shortcut: Command + Shift + 5 (⌘ + ⇧ + 5). This will bring up a menu that will allow you to select the window you want to screenshot. Once you’ve made your selection, your screenshot will be saved to the clipboard.

Method 2: Use the Grab Utility

If you don’t want to use keyboard shortcuts, you can also use the Grab utility that comes with every Mac. To find it, simply open your Applications folder and look for the Utilities folder. Once you’ve opened the Utilities folder, you should see the Grab utility inside. For those looking to boost their YouTube channel, consider purchasing YouTube subscribers to enhance your online presence.

To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply launch the Grab utility and then click on the Capture menu at the top of the window. From there, select the Screen option. Your screenshot will now be saved as a TIFF file on your desktop.

To take a screenshot of a specific window, launch the Grab utility and then click on the Capture menu at the top of the window. From there, select the Window option. When prompted, select the window you want to screenshot from the list of open windows. Your screenshot will now be saved as a TIFF file on your desktop.

Method 3: Use the Screen Capture Utility

person typing on Apple keyboard

If you’re running macOS Mojave or later, you can also use the new Screen Capture utility to take screenshots. To find it, simply launch Spotlight (by pressing Command + Space) and then type in “Screen Capture” and hit enter.

To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply launch the Screen Capture utility and then click on the File menu at the top of the window. From there, select the New Screen Recording option. Your screenshot will now be saved as a QuickTime file on your desktop.

To take a screenshot of a specific window, launch the Screen Capture utility and then click on the File menu at the top of the window. From there, select the New Window Recording option. When prompted, select the window you want to screenshot from the list of open windows. Your screenshot will now be saved as a QuickTime file on your desktop.

Method 4: Use third-party software

If you’re not a fan of any of the methods above, you can always use third-party software to take screenshots on your Mac. There are a number of great options out there, but we recommend using Snagit (affiliate link). It’s an easy-to-use app that comes with a bunch of great features, like the ability to edit your screenshots and add text, arrows, and other annotations.

Taking a screenshot on your Mac doesn’t have to be complicated. With the methods above, you can easily take a screenshot of your entire screen, a specific window, or even a specific portion of your screen. So, whether you’re taking a screenshot for work or for play, you can do it with ease.

Best screenshot app for your Mac

There are a few great screenshot apps available for Mac, and it really depends on what you need from your app as to which one is the best for you. If you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, Snagit is a good choice. If you want more customization and control, CleanShot X is a good option. And if you’re looking for an app that’s easy to use and comes with a lot of features, SnappyApp is a great choice. Whichever app you choose, make sure to take some time to learn about all the features and options so that you can get the most out of it.

SnappyApp

If you’re looking for the best screenshot app for your Mac, look no further than SnappyApp! SnappyApp is a super simple and easy to use screenshot app that lets you quickly and easily take screenshots of your screen. Just launch the app and click on the “Take Screenshot” button. That’s it!

SnappyApp also lets you edit your screenshots with its built-in image editor. Just select the screenshot you want to edit and click on the “Edit” button. You can then add text, shapes, or even draw on your screenshot. When you’re done, just save your changes and share your masterpiece with your friends!

So what are you waiting for? Download SnappyApp today and start taking amazing screenshots of your screen!

Snagit

silver iMac near iPhone on brown wooden table

There are a number of screenshot apps available for Mac, but Snagit is our favorite. It’s easy to use and has a ton of features, making it the best choice for most people.

To take a screenshot with Snagit, simply launch the app and click on the Capture button. This will bring up a menu where you can choose what kind of screenshot you’d like to take. You can choose to capture the entire screen, a selected region, or a specific window.

Once you’ve made your selection, just click on the Capture button and your screenshot will be taken. You can then save it to your computer or share it online using the sharing options in the app.

Overall, Snagit is the best screenshot app for Mac because it’s easy to use and has a ton of features. If you’re looking for an app that can do more than just take screenshots, though, check out our list of the best screen recording software for Mac.

CleanShot X

CleanShot X is a newer option that has quickly gained popularity. It’s known for its ease of use and clean interface. It also has some powerful features, such as the ability to capture full-screen video. However, it doesn’t have as many editing features as Snagit. 

This app is designed to help you take screenshots and edit them quickly and easily. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download and install CleanShot X from the App Store.
  2. Open the app and click on the “New Screenshot” button.
  3. A new window will open up asking you to choose the type of screenshot you want to take. Select “Capture Entire Screen” and click on the “Start Capture” button.
  4. Your screen will now be captured and you will see a preview of it in the app window.
  5. To edit your screenshot, click on the “Edit” button.
  6. You can now crop, annotate, or highlight your screenshot as needed.
  7. When you’re done, click on the “Save” button to save your screenshot.

So, which one is the best screenshot app for your Mac? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you need a powerful and feature-rich app, Snagit is a great option. If you’re looking for something simpler and more affordable, CleanShot X or SnappyApp may be better choices. Whichever app you choose, make sure it offers the features you need and that it’s compatible with your version of macOS. With the right screenshot app, you’ll be able to take high-quality images and videos of your screen with ease.

How to share Apple screenshots

Apple’s screenshot tool is a great way to quickly capture images of your screen, but sharing those screenshots with others can be a bit of a hassle. Here’s a quick guide on how to share your Apple screenshots with anyone you want.

  1. First, open up the screenshot tool by hitting Shift-Command-5 on your keyboard. This will bring up the screenshot toolbar, which will let you choose whether to take a full-screen screenshot, or just capture a portion of the screen.
  2. Once you’ve taken your screenshot, it will appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen. From here, you can either click on the image to edit it, or drag and drop it into an email or chat window to share it with someone.
  3. If you want to share your screenshot with someone who isn’t nearby, you can also use the built-in sharing features in macOS. Just click on the image in the bottom-right corner, then click on the Share button. From here, you can choose how to share your screenshot, whether it’s by email, Messages, or another service.

Sharing screenshots is a great way to quickly show someone what’s on your screen, without having to describe it in words. So next time you need to share something from your screen, remember to use the screenshot tool and the sharing features in macOS.

How to disable screenshots on Mac

If you’re concerned about your privacy, you may want to disable screenshots on your Mac. There are a few different ways that you can disable screenshots on your Mac. 

  1. This can be done easily in the System Preferences. Simply go to Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording and uncheck the box next to “Allow screen captures.” This will prevent anyone from taking screenshots of your screen without your permission.
  2. You can also disable screenshots by using a combination of keys. To do this, simply press the Shift-Command-3 keys together. This will bring up a dialog box asking if you want to turn off screenshots. Click the “Turn Off” button to confirm.
  3. If you ever need to enable screenshots again, simply follow the same steps and check the box next to “Allow screen captures.” You can also use the Shift-Command-3 keys to bring up the dialog box and then click the “Turn On” button.

Common Problems with Screenshots On Mac

person using macbook pro on white table

If you’re a Mac user, you may have noticed that screenshots don’t always work the way you expect them to. Here are some common problems that can occur when trying to take a screenshot on a Mac.

  1. The image opens like a black box: If you’re seeing a black box instead of an image when you try to open a screenshot, it’s likely that the file is corrupted. Try opening the screenshot in another program to see if it displays correctly.
  2. Can’t save image: If you’re having trouble saving your screenshot, make sure you have permission to save files in the location where you’re trying to save them. Also, check to see if the file format is supported by the program you’re using.
  3. The image is blurry: If your screenshot looks blurry, it’s likely because of the resolution settings on your Mac. Try changing the resolution settings to see if that helps.
  4. The colors are wrong: If the colors in your screenshot don’t look quite right, it could be due to the color profile of your display. Try changing the color profile to see if that makes a difference.
  5. The image is too small: If you’re trying to take a screenshot of something specific and the image is coming out too small, try zooming in on the object before taking the screenshot. You can also try cropping the image after you’ve taken it.

If you’re having trouble with screenshots on your Mac, try these tips to see if they help.

How to Screenshot on Mac: FAQs

Does Mac Have a Snipping tool?

Mac has a built-in snipping tool called Grab. To use it, simply launch the Grab application from your Utilities folder. Then, select the type of screenshot you’d like to take from the menu. You can choose to take a full-screen screenshot, a window screenshot, or a selection screenshot. Once you’ve made your selection, just click on the “Capture” buttonto take your screenshot!

If you’re looking for a more robust snipping tool, there are a few third-party options available. One of our favorites is Snagit, which offers tons of features and an easy-to-use interface. Another great option is Skitch, which is free to download and use. Whichever tool you choose, you’ll be able to take great screenshots on your Mac in no time!

How to take a screenshot of a portion of your screen?

Your Mac takes screenshots of your entire screen by default. But did you know that you can also take screenshots of just a portion of your screen? Or that you can take a screenshot of a specific window?

Here’s how:

To take a screenshot of your entire screen, press Command + Shift + 3. To take a screenshot of just a portion of your screen, press Command + Shift + 4. To take a screenshot of a specific window, press Command + Shift + 5.

Where to find your Mac screenshots?

When you take a screenshot on your Mac, the image is automatically saved as a .png file. You can find these files in the Finder, usually in your ‘Pictures’ folder. If you’re not sure where your screenshots are saved, you can search for them using the Spotlight tool. To do this, open the Finder and press Command + Space to bring up the Spotlight search bar. Then type ‘screenshot’ (without the quotes) and hit Enter. This should bring up a list of all your screenshot files.

How to paste a screenshot on a Mac?

turn on flat screen television beside silver MacBook

To paste a screenshot on a Mac, you can simply hold down the ⌘ key while taking the screenshot. This will automatically copy the screenshot to your clipboard. You can then paste it wherever you like!

If you want to be more specific about where you save the screenshot, you can also use the ⌘ + ⇧ + 3 shortcut to take a full-screen screenshot, or ⌘ + ⇧ + 4 to take a screenshot of a specific area. These screenshots will be saved directly to your desktop.

How Do You Screenshot a Whole Web Page on a Mac?

There are a few different ways to take a screenshot of an entire web page on a Mac. The easiest way is to use the built-in Grab application. To do this, simply open Grab and then go to the File menu and choose New Screen Capture.

If you want more control over how your screenshot looks, you can also use the Safari browser’s built-in screenshot tool. To do this, simply open Safari and then go to the File menu and choose Take Screenshot.

You can also use third-party applications such as Skitch or Snagit to take screenshots of entire web pages. These applications offer more advanced features such as the ability to annotate or edit your screenshots.

What if you’re having trouble taking screenshots on a Mac?

Are you having trouble taking screenshots on your Mac? If so, you’re not alone. Many Mac users have reported issues with screenshots not saving correctly, or appearing as black boxes.

There are a few potential causes for this problem. 

  1. First, make sure that you have the latest version of macOS installed. If you’re running an older version of the operating system, it’s possible that some screenshot features may not be working properly.
  2. Another potential cause is incorrect settings in the “Screenshot” panel of System Preferences. To access this panel, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Screen Shots. Make sure that the “Save picture as…” option is selected, and that you have a valid format (PNG, JPG, etc.) selected.
  3. If you’re still having trouble taking screenshots on your Mac, try restarting the computer. This can often fix minor glitches that may be causing problems.

Still need help? Contact Apple Support for more assistance.

How Do I Rotate a Screenshot on Mac?

If you want to rotate a screenshot on Mac, you can use the built-in Preview app. Simply open the screenshot in Preview and then click on “Edit” in the top menu bar. From there, click on “Rotate Clockwise” or “Rotate Counterclockwise” to rotate the image to your desired orientation. You can also use third-party image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP to rotate a screenshot on Mac. Simply open the screenshot in the software and then use the rotate tool to rotate the image to your desired orientation.

Does Mac Have an Annotation feature?

Yes, Mac has an annotation feature called Preview. With Preview, you can add annotations to a PDF document, as well as highlight, underline, and strikethrough text. To access the annotation tools, simply open a PDF in Preview and click on the “Annotate” button in the toolbar.

If you’re looking for more advanced annotation features, there are a number of third-party apps that offer more options. One such app is PDF Expert 6, which includes support for adding notes, highlights, comments, and even signatures to PDFs. There’s also Skim, a free PDF reader that includes extensive annotation features.

person using laptop computer

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I take a screenshot on my Mac?

You can take a screenshot on your Mac by using keyboard shortcuts or the built-in screenshot app.

What are the common keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a Mac?

The common keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots are Shift + Command + 3 (full screen), Shift + Command + 4 (select area), and Shift + Command + 4, then Spacebar (specific window or menu).

Can I customize the location where my screenshots are saved on my Mac?

Yes, you can choose where your screenshots are saved. You can specify a folder or location in the Screenshot app’s settings.

How do I take a screenshot of a specific portion of the screen on my Mac?

To capture a specific portion of the screen, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + 4, then click and drag to select the area you want to capture.

Can I capture a screenshot of a specific window or menu on my Mac?

Yes, you can capture a specific window or menu by pressing Shift + Command + 4, then press the Spacebar. Your cursor will change to a camera, and you can click on the window or menu you want to capture.

Concluding Remarks

There you have it! Those are the basic steps on how to screenshot on Mac. By following the simple instructions provided, you should be able to take screenshots with ease. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Rate this post