checkhowto
  • Home
  • Studying
  • Gaming
  • Banking and Finance
  • Services and Software
  • iPhone
  • Laptop
Reading: Screenshot on Mac: 3 Simple Ways to Do It
CheckhowtoCheckhowto
Search
  • Home
  • Studying
  • Gaming
  • Banking and Finance
  • Services and Software
  • iPhone
  • Laptop
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2024 Checkhowto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Computing » Screenshot on Mac: 3 Simple Ways to Do It
Computing

Screenshot on Mac: 3 Simple Ways to Do It

Ufuoma Oghwie By Ufuoma Oghwie October 31, 2024 4 Min Read

Capturing screenshots on a Mac is straightforward, with several methods tailored to different needs, from full-screen captures to selected portions. Let’s walk through the main ways to capture what’s on your Mac screen, providing you with clear instructions so you can follow along effortlessly.

Screenshot on Mac: 3 Simple Ways to Do It

Method 1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots

One of the fastest ways to capture screenshots on a Mac is with keyboard shortcuts. Here’s a breakdown of the main shortcuts:

a) Full-Screen Screenshot

  • Press Command + Shift + 3. This captures your entire screen instantly, saving the image to your desktop.

b) Selected Portion Screenshot

  • Press Command + Shift + 4. This lets you select an area. A crosshair will appear, which you can drag to outline the section of the screen you want.

c) Active Window Screenshot

  • Press Command + Shift + 4, then hit Spacebar. You’ll see a camera icon. Just click on the specific window you’d like to capture.

Each of these commands has distinct uses depending on whether you want a full image, a part, or a single window.

Method 2. Using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and Later)

For those on macOS Mojave or later, Apple introduced a dedicated Screenshot Toolbar:

  • Press Command + Shift + 5. This opens up a toolbar at the bottom of your screen, offering options for taking a full-screen, windowed, or selected screenshot. You’ll also find options to record your screen.

This toolbar is intuitive, allowing you to adjust settings like saving location or setting a timer. It’s perfect if you prefer visual options over shortcuts.

See; Should I Get an SSD or HDD? Which is Right for You

How to Keep Your Laptop Closed and Use a Monitor

Method 3. Screenshot App for Advanced Options

Beyond keyboard shortcuts, there’s also a Screenshot app located in Applications > Utilities. Opening the app brings up the toolbar, similar to using Command + Shift + 5. However, using the app allows you to set more detailed preferences, like image format and location.

Saving and Managing Your Screenshots

By default, Mac saves screenshots to your desktop. However, you can change the location to keep your desktop tidy:

  • Open the Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5).
  • Click on Options in the toolbar, where you can select another location, like a folder, Documents, or clipboard.

You can even opt to have screenshots deleted after a certain period, which is useful for managing storage.

Editing Your Screenshots with Preview

After taking a screenshot, a small thumbnail appears in the corner. Click on it to edit the screenshot directly, like cropping or adding annotations. You can also open any screenshot in Preview for more detailed editing.

Additional Tips for Efficient Screenshots

To work smarter, here are a few extra tips:

  • Drag to Move Selected Portion: After pressing Command + Shift + 4, hold Space to move the selection.
  • Specific Dimensions: After selecting, you can press Option to lock one dimension or Shift for aspect ratios.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
By Ufuoma Oghwie
Follow:
I am a passionate and result-driven digital professional with over 5 years of experience in SEO, content writing, and website monetization. Proficient in tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Semrush, and Ahrefs. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions to whatever the problem may be, writing high-quality content based on Google EEAT standards, and optimizing already published articles using advanced SEO strategies like adding relevant links, and building backlinks. My goal is to deliver measurable results by combining my creativity and technical skills to help improve website’s visibility on SERPs.
Previous Article What is NIN? (National Identification Number) What is NIN? (National Identification Number)
Next Article How to Verify Your NIN? How to Verify Your NIN?

Checkhowto.com is your go-to destination for practical and insightful how-to guides across a wide range of topics.

Top Category

  • Home
  • Studying
  • Gaming
  • Banking and Finance
  • Services and Software
  • iPhone
  • Laptop

Policies

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?