For Asensio and all Mac users
Greetings, Asensio and fellow Mac users! Screenshots have been a vital aspect of our daily digital communication. It allows us to capture and share significant moments and information with ease. In this article, we will teach you how to screenshot on Mac effortlessly. There are different ways to capture a screenshot on a Mac, depending on what you specifically need. So, let’s dive into the steps for each method.
How to Screenshot on Mac: The Methods
Capture the Entire Screen
If you need to capture the entire screen, follow these steps:
| Shortcut Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Command + Shift + 3 | Capture the entire screen |
| Control + Command + Shift + 3 | Capture the screen and save it to the clipboard |
If you’re using macOS Mojave or later versions, the screenshot will appear as a thumbnail at the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on it to edit or mark up the screenshot. Otherwise, you can find your screenshot on your desktop labeled as “Screen Shot [date].png.”
Capture a Portion of the Screen
If you need to capture a portion of the screen, follow these steps:
| Shortcut Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Command + Shift + 4 | Change the cursor to a crosshair pointer. Click and drag the pointer to select the portion of the screen you want to capture |
| Control + Command + Shift + 4 | Change the cursor to a crosshair pointer. Click and drag the pointer to select the portion of the screen you want to capture and save it to the clipboard |
The screenshot will also appear as a thumbnail on macOS Mojave or later versions. However, if you’re using earlier versions of macOS, you can find your screenshot on your desktop labeled as “Screen Shot [date].png.”
Capture a Specific Window
If you need to capture a specific window, follow these steps:
| Shortcut Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar + Click | Change the cursor to a camera pointer. Hover the camera pointer over the window you want to capture, then click on the window to capture it |
| Control + Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar + Click | Change the cursor to a camera pointer. Hover the camera pointer over the window you want to capture, then click on the window to capture it and save it to the clipboard |
The screenshot will also appear as a thumbnail on macOS Mojave or later versions. For earlier versions, you can find the screenshot on your desktop labeled as “Screen Shot [date].png.”
Capture the Touch Bar (for MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar)
If you’re using a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you can capture it with these steps:
| Shortcut Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Command + Shift + 6 | Capture the Touch Bar |
| Control + Command + Shift + 6 | Capture the Touch Bar and save it to the clipboard |
The screenshot will not appear as a thumbnail on macOS Mojave or earlier versions. Instead, you can find the screenshot on your desktop labeled as “Touch Bar Shot [date].png.”
Screenshot on Mac: FAQs
Can I customize the file format of my screenshot?
Yes, you can. Open Terminal and type the command “defaults write com.apple.screencapture type [file format extension]” and press enter. Replace “[file format extension]” with your preferred file format, such as “jpg” or “pdf.” Then, type “killall SystemUIServer” and press enter to refresh the system.
Can I change the file name of my screenshot?
Yes, you can. Hold down the Control key and click on the screenshot file. Choose “Rename” from the drop-down menu, and then rename the file.
Can I undo a screenshot?
No, you can’t undo a screenshot. Once you’ve captured it, it’s saved on your desktop or clipboard immediately.
How can I choose where to save my screenshot?
You can change the default location for your screenshots by using Terminal. Type the command “defaults write com.apple.screencapture location [location path]” and press enter. Replace “[location path]” with your preferred location, such as “/Users/[user name]/Pictures/Screenshots.”
Can I set a timer for my screenshot?
Yes, you can. Open the Screenshot app on your Mac and click on the “Options” button. Choose the desired timer option, such as “5 seconds” or “10 seconds,” and then click on the “Capture” button.
Can I adjust the screenshot quality?
No, you can’t. The quality of the screenshot is based on your display’s resolution. However, you can enhance the screenshot through various image editors and software.
How can I view my clipboard history?
Open the Finder app on your Mac and click on “Edit” from the top menu. Choose “Show Clipboard” to see the previous items you’ve copied, including screenshots.
Can I capture a screenshot of a video playing on my Mac?
Yes, you can. Use the shortcut “Command + Shift + 5” and choose “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” to capture the video as a screenshot or video file.
What if my Mac doesn’t have a Touch Bar?
The “Command + Shift + 6” shortcut key is exclusive for MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar. For non-Touch Bar Macs, use other available methods to capture a screenshot.
Can I capture a screenshot using my iPhone?
Yes, you can. If you’re using a MacBook running on macOS Mojave or later versions, the screenshot taken from your iPhone will immediately appear on your Mac. Make sure you’re logged in on the same iCloud account on both devices.
What if I’m using Windows on my Mac?
You can still use Windows shortcuts to capture a screenshot while using Windows on your Mac. Refer to the official Windows website for a list of available shortcuts.
Can I capture a screenshot without a keyboard?
Yes, you can. Use the Screenshot app on your Mac and choose “Timed Screen.” Set the timer, and click on “Capture.”
What if I’m having trouble with the screenshot shortcut keys?
Check your Mac’s keyboard settings and make sure the “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys” option is unchecked. Otherwise, you need to press the “Fn” key along with the shortcut key.
What if I’ve deleted my screenshots by accident?
If you deleted the screenshots from your desktop, try checking the Trash folder if they’re still recoverable. Otherwise, it’s impossible to recover deleted screenshots unless you’ve backed them up.
Take Action Now!
Now that you’ve learned how to screenshot on Mac, you can take advantage of it in your daily work or personal needs. Capture and share significant moments and information with ease.
Don’t hesitate to explore and experiment with the different methods we’ve provided. Share this article with your colleagues, friends, and family who are also using Mac. Experience the convenience and efficiency of taking screenshots on Mac.
Closing Statement with Disclaimer
Finally, we hope that this article has been informative and helpful to you, Asensio, and to all Mac users. However, the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We’re not liable for any damages or losses caused by the misuse or misapplication of this information. Use your own discretion and seek professional advice when necessary.