Mac Screenshot Basics
Taking screenshots on a Mac is simple once you know the keyboard shortcuts. macOS provides several ways to capture your screen, whether you want the entire screen, a specific window, or a custom selection.
All screenshots are automatically saved to your desktop by default, but you can change this in the Screenshot app preferences.
Screenshot Shortcuts
Full Screen
Captures your entire screen
Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
Selected Area
Drag to select a portion of your screen
Command (⌘) + Shift + 4
Specific Window
Capture a specific window or menu
Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 + Space
Touch Bar
For MacBooks with Touch Bar
Command (⌘) + Shift + 6
Copy to Clipboard
Add Control to any shortcut to copy instead of save
Control + Command (⌘) + Shift + 3/4/6
Screenshot App
Use the built-in Screenshot utility
Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
Advanced Screenshot Tips
Timer Screenshots
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot app, then click "Options" and select a timer delay (5 or 10 seconds).
Show Mouse Pointer
In the Screenshot app options, check "Show Mouse Pointer" to include it in your screenshots.
Change File Format
Screenshots are PNG by default. To change to JPG or other formats, use Terminal: defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
Change Save Location
Open Terminal and type: defaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/Documents/Screenshots then killall SystemUIServer