The Complete Guide to Screenshotting on Mac
Do you frequently need to capture what is on your Mac screen? If yes, then you are probably aware that taking a screenshot is the easiest and the most efficient way to do so. There are different ways to take a screenshot on Mac, and in this article, we will guide you through all of them. Whether you need to capture your entire screen, a specific window or a selected portion of the screen, this article will provide you with a comprehensive tutorial to help you capture perfect screenshots quickly and easily.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Screenshot on Mac: A Comprehensive Tutorial
The simple process of taking a screenshot on Mac involves a few simple steps. Follow the step-by-step guide below to take the perfect screenshot:
Taking a Screenshot of the Entire Screen
If you need to capture an image of everything on your screen, including the desktop, open windows, and the dock, use the following commands:
- Press Command + Shift + 3.
- A screen capture sound will play, and your mouse cursor will turn into a crosshair.
- Click and drag the crosshair across the area you want to capture.
- Release the mouse button to capture the image.
- The screenshot will be saved to your desktop with the filename “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png”.
Taking a Screenshot of a Selected Portion of the Screen
If you only need to capture a portion of your screen, you can use the following commands instead:
- Press Command + Shift + 4.
- A screen capture sound will play, and your mouse cursor will turn into a crosshair.
- Click and drag the crosshair across the area you want to capture.
- Release the mouse button to capture the image.
- The screenshot will be saved to your desktop with the filename “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png”.
Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Window
If you need to capture a particular window only, whether it is a web browser, a document, or any other window such as Finder, use the below steps:
- Open the window you want to capture a screenshot of.
- Press Command + Shift + 4, and then press Space Bar.
- Your mouse cursor will turn into a camera icon.
- Hover your camera icon on the window you want to capture. The window will be highlighted in blue.
- Click on the window to capture the screenshot.
- The screenshot will be saved to your desktop with the filename “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png”.
5 Quick and Easy Ways to Screenshot on Mac
Did you know that you can take a screenshot on your Mac in so many ways? Here are five of the most common methods to capture your screen:
Method 1: Screenshot Toolbar
One of the easiest ways to take a screenshot on Mac is by using the Screenshot Toolbar. The Toolbar is available on modern versions of macOS.
To open the Screenshot Toolbar:
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- The Screenshot Toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen.
- Select the type of screenshot you want to take using the on-screen tools.
Method 2: Grab
Grab is a screenshotting app that is built-in on Mac. To take a screenshot with Grab:
- Open Grab from your Applications > Utilities Folder.
- Select the type of screenshot you want to take from the Capture menu.
- Next, select the window or area of the screen that you want to capture.
- Save your screenshot using your preferred format.
Method 3: Preview
Preview is another built-in app on Mac that can be used to take screenshots. To use Preview:
- Open Preview and select File > Take Screenshot.
- Select the type of screenshot you want to take and make your selection.
- Save the screenshot using your preferred format.
Method 4: Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts are a speedy way to take screenshots on Mac. To take a screenshot using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen.
- Press Command + Shift + 4 to capture selection.
- Press Command + Shift + 4 + Space to capture a specific window.
Method 5: Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps such as Snagit, Skitch, and Lightshot that can be used to take screenshots on Mac. These apps offer more advanced options and features such as editing, annotation, and sharing.
Mastering the Art of Screenshotting on Your Mac: Tips and Tricks
Now, that you know how to take screenshots on Mac, let’s take it a step further by mastering the art of screenshotting with these tips and tricks:
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If you use screenshots frequently, it is worth learning the keyboard shortcuts for capturing. Using Keyboard Shortcuts are quicker than opening an app or going to the Screenshot Toolbar.
2. Customize Your Screenshots
You are not limited to just capturing screenshots of your entire screen or a window. You can also capture a menu or the Touch Bar on your Mac using the default commands.
3. Utilize Third-Party Apps for More Advanced Options
The built-in screenshot features have limitations. However, third-party apps can help you capture, edit, and share your screenshots with ease.
From Simple to Advanced: Screenshotting Techniques for Mac Users
There a few advanced techniques that you can use to capture precise screenshots on Mac. These include:
1. Using Terminal
You can use Terminal to take screenshots. This is particularly useful for taking screenshots of hidden areas on your screen.
2. Activating the Screenshot App
The screenshot app on your Mac can be customized to give you more options. In the terminal app, type
“`
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
“`
This command will change your default screenshot file format.
3. Using Third-Party Apps for Annotating and Editing Screenshots
Skitch, Snagit, and Lightshot are popular third-party apps that you can use to annotate and edit your screenshots. With these apps, you can add text, arrows, and highlights to your screenshots quickly and easily.
The Ultimate Guide to Taking and Editing Screenshots on Your Mac
Once you have captured your screenshots, you will need to edit them. Your Mac comes with a built-in app called Preview that can be used to edit your screenshots.
Editing Screenshots with Preview
To edit your screenshots with Preview, follow these simple steps:
- Open the screenshot in Preview.
- Click on the Annotate button to edit the screenshot.
- Use the tools to crop, resize or add text.
- Save the edited screenshot
Editing Screenshots with Third-Party Apps
Third-Party apps like Skitch, Snagit and Lightshot come with advanced editing features that let you modify your screenshots easily.
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to take screenshots on your Mac using different methods. We have explored different types of screenshots, advanced techniques, and editing options. We have also given you tips and tricks to make your screenshotting process more efficient. Now, it’s your turn to try these methods, and let us know which ones work for you.