How To Screenshot On Mac: Capturing screenshots on your Mac is a handy feature that remains consistent across different models, including the latest M1 and M2 versions. Let’s explore four simple methods for taking screenshots and how you can easily annotate and manage them.
Taking screenshots on a Mac is a useful feature that allows you to capture and save images of your screen. Whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected portion, Mac provides several easy methods to do so. By learning these techniques, you can quickly capture and share images with others or keep a record of important information. In this guide, we will explore various methods and shortcuts for taking screenshots on a Mac, along with additional options for annotation and customization. Let’s dive in and discover how to effortlessly capture screenshots on your Mac.
How To Capture Screenshot On Mac?
Capturing screenshots on a Mac is a straightforward and versatile process that allows you to capture images of your screen with ease. Whether you need to capture an entire webpage, a specific window, or just a portion of your screen, Mac provides you with multiple methods to do so.
In this guide, we will explore four different methods for taking screenshots on a Mac, each offering its own unique benefits and functionalities. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, utilizing the screenshot toolbar, or even capturing screenshots of the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro, you’ll find the perfect method to suit your needs. Let’s dive into the world of Mac screenshots and discover how you can effortlessly capture and save images of your screen in just a few simple steps.
Method 1: Cmd-Shift-3
By pressing Cmd-Shift-3 together, you can capture a screenshot of your entire screen.
Method 2: Cmd-Shift-4
This combination turns your cursor into a crosshair. Drag the crosshair to select a specific area of your screen for the screenshot. Release the mouse button or trackpad to capture the shot.
Additional options for Cmd-Shift-4:
- Press and release the spacebar: The crosshair changes to a camera icon, allowing you to capture a specific window. Click on the desired window, and the screenshot will feature a white border with a slight drop shadow.
- Press and hold the spacebar (after selecting an area but before releasing the mouse button): This locks the shape and size of the selection area while enabling you to reposition it on the screen. This is useful if your initial selection area is slightly off; simply hold down the spacebar to adjust it before capturing the screenshot.
- Hold down the Shift key (after selecting an area but before releasing the mouse button): This locks the sides of the selection area made with the crosshairs, except for the bottom edge. You can then move your mouse up or down to adjust the bottom edge. To reposition the right edge, release the mouse button, press the Shift key again, and move the mouse.
Method 3: Cmd-Shift-5
Introduced in macOS Mojave, this shortcut summons a small panel at the bottom of your screen with various screen capture options. It offers three screenshot buttons for capturing the entire screen, a window, or a specific selection. Two video recording buttons are also available for recording the entire screen or a selection. The panel includes additional options for saving locations, delays, floating thumbnails, and mouse pointer visibility.
Method 4 (for Touch Bar MacBooks): Cmd-Shift-6
If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you can use Cmd-Shift-6 to capture a screenshot of the Touch Bar’s content. This results in a wide and narrow screenshot.
Easy Annotation:
When using the Floating Thumbnail option, you gain quick access to Markup tools for annotating your screenshots. You can swipe the Floating Thumbnail away or let it disappear naturally, and it will be saved in the last location you saved a screenshot. Clicking the Floating Thumbnail opens a Markup View preview window with various annotation tools. Right-clicking the Floating Thumbnail provides options to save, open, delete, show in Finder, or open in Markup preview.
Embracing the Cmd-Shift-5 shortcut allows for efficient annotation without opening Preview and quick deletion of mistaken screenshots. The added 5- and 10-second delay options are also appreciated.
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