How to Screenshot on Mac
Are you a proud Mac user looking to capture a
screenshot on your device? Whether you want to save a funny meme, capture an
important moment, or illustrate a point, taking a screenshot on a Mac is quick
and easy. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through various methods
to capture screenshots on different Mac models. From capturing the entire
screen to selecting a specific area, we've got you covered.
Capturing the Entire Screen
If you want to capture your entire screen, follow
these simple steps:
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 keys simultaneously.
- You will hear a camera shutter sound, indicating a successful screenshot.
- The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop with a filename resembling "Screen Shot [date] at [time].png."
- To view the screenshot, go to your desktop and locate the PNG file.
Tip: To capture your screen and copy the screenshot to the clipboard without saving it as a file, use Command (⌘) + Control + Shift + 3 instead.
Capturing a Selected Portion of the Screen
If you want to capture a specific region of your
screen, follow these steps:
- Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously. Now your cursor should have changed to a crosshair reticle.
- Position the crosshair at one corner of the area you wish to capture, then click and drag to select the desired portion of the screen.
- While dragging the cursor, you can also press the Spacebar to move the selected area without changing its dimensions.
- Now release the mouse button to capture the selected part.
- Similar to capturing the entire screen, a PNG file will be saved on your desktop with a filename reflecting the time and date.
Tip: If you change your mind while selecting an area or no longer wish to take a screenshot, press the Esc key before releasing the mouse button.
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Capturing a Specific Window or Menu
In situations where you want to screenshot a
specific window or menu on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously to activate the crosshair reticle.
- Now, press the Spacebar. The cursor will transform into a camera icon.
- Move the camera icon over the window or menu you want to capture. Now the window will be highlighted and it will be by blue color.
- Now click the mouse or trackpad to capture the highlighted window.
Tip: If you want to exclude the window's shadow from the screenshot, press and hold the Option key while clicking.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance
your screenshot capturing experience:
To change the default save location for screenshots,
press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
keys simultaneously to open the Screenshot toolbar. From there, click on
"Options" and select your preferred save location.
If you prefer to capture a screenshot of a Touch Bar
(available on select MacBook Pro models), you can do so by pressing Command (⌘) + Shift + 6.
Screenshots can also be captured using third-party
apps like Snagit, Skitch, or Lightshot, which offer additional features and
customization options.
Remember that captured screenshots come in the PNG
format by default. If you need to convert them to other formats like JPEG or
GIF, you can use image editing software or online conversion tools.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Macs also allow you to
record your screen? Just press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
to open the Screenshot toolbar, then choose either "Record Entire
Screen" or "Record Selected Portion" to start recording.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You're now well-equipped to capture screenshots on your Mac with ease. Whether you need a full screen grab, a specific area, or a particular window, refer back to this comprehensive guide whenever you need a refresher. Remember, taking screenshots is not only handy but also a great way to visually communicate and share information.
So go ahead, capture and share those remarkable moments effortlessly!