Whether you want to capture a moment from a video, a webpage, or a document, taking a screenshot on your Mac is easy to do.
However, to make sure you get the perfect screenshot, there are different methods and tips that you should know.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to take a screenshot on a Mac with different ways, as well as some bonus tips.
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Method One: Screenshot the Entire Screen
This method captures everything from your desktop to any applications, windows, or menus that are open on your screen, making it ideal for grabbing an entire webpage or a high-resolution image.
Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 3 keys simultaneously.
Step 2: The screenshot will automatically be saved to your desktop.
Method Two: Screenshot a Selected Area
This method allows you to capture only a specific area of your screen, which is perfect for highlighting a specific image, text, or design element.
Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously.
Step 2: Drag the cursor to select the area you would like to capture.
Step 3: Release the cursor to take the screenshot.
Step 4: The screenshot will automatically be saved to your desktop.
Method Three: Screenshot a Specific Window
This method enables you to capture a specific window rather than the entire screen, which can be useful when working with multiple windows or programs.
Step 1: Click on the window you would like to capture.
Step 2: Press Command + Shift + 4 + Space keys simultaneously.
Step 3: Click on the selected window to take the screenshot.
Step 4: The screenshot will automatically be saved to your desktop.
Bonus Tips:
1. Change Screenshot File Format
By default, Mac saves screenshots in PNG format.
However, you can change the format to JPEG, PDF, or any other format by using a terminal command or third-party software.
2. Add Time Delay
Sometimes, taking screenshots of menus or pop-ups can be challenging, especially when you need to navigate through menus before the screenshot is taken.
However, Mac offers a 10-second delay between pressing the command keys and capturing the screen.
To implement this feature, press Command + Shift + 5 keys simultaneously and select “Options.”
3. Save to Clipboard
If you don’t want to save the screenshot to your desktop automatically, you can choose to save it to your clipboard.
Simply press Command + Control + Shift + 4 keys simultaneously.
4. Capture Touch Bar
If you have a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you can take a screenshot of it by pressing Command + Shift + 6 keys simultaneously.
5. Third-Party Screenshotting Tools
While Mac’s built-in screenshotting tools are quite powerful, third-party software such as Snagit, Monosnap, and Skitch offer additional powerful features such as editing, annotations, and cloud sharing.
Bottom Line
Taking screenshots on a Mac can be quick and easy if you know the right methods and tips.
With advanced features such as file format change, time delay, and clipboard saving, you can tailor your screenshotting experience to your needs.
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