{"id":5501,"date":"2023-06-05T18:58:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T18:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/?p=5501"},"modified":"2023-10-16T07:30:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T07:30:23","slug":"how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Screen Shot with A Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Video_Tutorial\" title=\"Video Tutorial:\">Video Tutorial:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Why_You_Need_to_Screen_Shot_on_a_Mac\" title=\"Why You Need to Screen Shot on a Mac\">Why You Need to Screen Shot on a Mac<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Method_1_Using_Keyboard_Shortcuts\" title=\"Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts\">Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Method_2_Via_the_Screenshot_Tool\" title=\"Method 2: Via the Screenshot Tool\">Method 2: Via the Screenshot Tool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Method_3_Using_Third-Party_software\" title=\"Method 3: Using Third-Party software\">Method 3: Using Third-Party software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#What_to_Do_If_You_Cant_Screen_Shot_on_Your_Mac\" title=\"What to Do If You Can&#8217;t Screen Shot on Your Mac\">What to Do If You Can&#8217;t Screen Shot on Your Mac<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Bonus_Tip\" title=\"Bonus Tip\">Bonus Tip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#5_FAQs\" title=\"5 FAQs\">5 FAQs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-shot-with-a-mac\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Apple&#8217;s MacOS has a plethora of built-in tools and features that enable users to accomplish many computing tasks with ease. One of these features is the screenshot tool. Screenshots are illustrative and straightforward ways to explain and share computer tasks and issues. Whether you&#8217;re a graphic designer, a social media manager or just an everyday computer user, MacOS allows you to capture your screen in different ways.<\/p>\n<p>In this blog post, we delve deep into how to screen shot with a Mac, by exploring various techniques and tools available within the MacOS. We&#8217;ll provide you with step-by-step guidance, including pictures, to make it easy for you to follow along. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video_Tutorial\"><\/span>Video Tutorial:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_You_Need_to_Screen_Shot_on_a_Mac\"><\/span>Why You Need to Screen Shot on a Mac<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Screenshots have a variety of purposes and are a common means of communication in the digital world. Here are some reasons why you need to screen shot with your Mac:<\/p>\n<h4>1. Illustration of a point<\/h4>\n<p>Sometimes, when communicating over a conversation, you may want to illustrate a point and provide visual examples. Screenshots are the perfect way to convey that message. <\/p>\n<h4>2. Reporting a bug<\/h4>\n<p>If you encounter an error or an issue with a program or application, a screenshot can help you demonstrate the problem visually to a support team for further analysis and troubleshooting.<\/p>\n<h4>3. Social Media<\/h4>\n<p>Screenshots help to create visually appealing content for social media platforms. They can be used for sharing or reporting, for instance, on Twitter, if you want to point out a problem in a particular tweet, you can share a screenshot.<\/p>\n<h4>4. To take Notes<\/h4>\n<p>Screenshots can also help you to take notes quickly by capturing something you may want to review and reference again later.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_Using_Keyboard_Shortcuts\"><\/span>Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The easiest and quickest way to screen capture with a Mac is by using keyboard shortcuts. The Mac has three keyboard shortcuts specifically for taking screenshots. The three keyboard shortcuts allow you to take full-screen screenshots, screenshots of a selected area, and screenshots of active windows. Here&#8217;re the steps for the three keyboard shortcuts:<\/p>\n<h4>Taking a screenshot of the entire screen<\/h4>\n<p>Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 3.<br \/>\nStep 2: You will observe a camera&#8217;s shutter sound, and the captured screenshot will appear on the desktop in .png format.<\/p>\n<h4>Taking a screenshot of a portion of the screen<\/h4>\n<p>Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 4.<br \/>\nStep 2: Your mouse cursor will transform into a crosshair at the center of the screen.<br \/>\nStep 3: Drag the box over the area you want to capture.<br \/>\nStep 4: Release the mouse button after you have finished capturing the desired area.<br \/>\nStep 5: The captured screenshot will appear on the desktop in .png format.<\/p>\n<h4>Taking a screenshot of an Active Window<\/h4>\n<p>Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 4; then, press the Spacebar.<br \/>\nStep 2: The cursor will transform into a camera.<br \/>\nStep 3: Hover the cursor over the active window you wish to screenshot.<br \/>\nStep 4: Click on the active window, and the screenshot will capture the entire window.<br \/>\nStep 5: The captured screenshot will appear on the desktop in .png format. <\/p>\n<h4>Pros:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; Quick and easy keyboard shortcuts<br \/>\n &#8211; No additional software is necessary to install<br \/>\n &#8211; Fast and straightforward<\/p>\n<h4>Cons:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; Not the most flexible, it might be hard to isolate the specific area, especially for beginners<br \/>\n &#8211; Pictures with short text or menu commands can be difficult to capture <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_Via_the_Screenshot_Tool\"><\/span>Method 2: Via the Screenshot Tool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>MacOS has a built-in app called &#8220;Screenshot,&#8221; located in the Utilities folder. The Screenshot Tool offers more flexibility as it can capture screens based on the selected options. Here are the steps to access this tool:<\/p>\n<p>Step 1: From the Finder, click on the Go menu and navigate to Utilities.<br \/>\nStep 2: From the Utilities folder, Click on the Screenshot app.<br \/>\nStep 3: Choose to capture a Full screen, Selected portion, or Window.<br \/>\nStep 4: The captured screenshot will appear on the desktop.<\/p>\n<h4>Pros:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; Offers more flexibility than keyboard shortcuts<br \/>\n &#8211; Ideal when you need to capture hard-to-reach areas of the screen<br \/>\n &#8211; It provides an option for timed screenshots that includes a countdown timer.<\/p>\n<h4>Cons:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; The app can be challenging to locate for users who do not know where it is stored. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_3_Using_Third-Party_software\"><\/span>Method 3: Using Third-Party software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There&#8217;s a variety of third-party software available, and you can download and install them on your Mac to obtain more features, tools, and flexibility for screenshotting. Some of the software includes Lightshot, Cloud App, and Snagit. Here&#8217;s how to install and use Lightshot: <\/p>\n<h4>Using Lightshot Software<\/h4>\n<p>Step 1: Navigate to the official website of Lightshot Software and download the software for Mac.<br \/>\nStep 2: Once downloaded, install the software.<br \/>\nStep 3: Launch the Lightshot app by clicking the icon located in your Mac&#8217;s dock.<br \/>\nStep 4: The Lightshot interface will pop up. The program will allow you to select area and even blur out part of the screenshot.<br \/>\nStep 5: Click on \u2018Save\u2019 or upload to the cloud to share or copy the link.<\/p>\n<h4>Pros:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; Provide advanced screenshotting options<br \/>\n &#8211; Expand beyond the capability provided in MacOS native methods<br \/>\n &#8211; Third-party software can be integrated into other software and programs<\/p>\n<h4>Cons:<\/h4>\n<p> &#8211; Additional software must be downloaded and installed, which can slow down the system.<br \/>\n &#8211; Third-party software requires storage space that could affect the performance of your Mac<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_If_You_Cant_Screen_Shot_on_Your_Mac\"><\/span>What to Do If You Can&#8217;t Screen Shot on Your Mac<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unforeseen system functions or errors can hamper the Mac screen&#8217;s capturing. Here are fixes:<\/p>\n<h4>1. Restart the computer<\/h4>\n<p>Restart your Mac computer, and then try taking the screenshot again with any of the three methods.<\/p>\n<h4>2. Check your keyboard settings<\/h4>\n<p>Sometimes, keyboard settings can interfere with the screenshot feature. Check if the function keys have been modified or assigned to some other function.<\/p>\n<h4>3. Update MacOS<\/h4>\n<p>Update your Mac operating system to the latest version. Keeping your OS up to date is essential because MacOS updates often fix many issues and improve and optimize system performance.<\/p>\n<h4>4. Check the Storage on Mac<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, check your storage. If your system does not have enough available storage space, it can cause many errors, including the inability to capture screenshots.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Tip\"><\/span>Bonus Tip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To speed up the process of saving a screenshot, you can customize the location where the screenshots are saved.<\/p>\n<h4>Customizing Screenshot Storage Location<\/h4>\n<p>Step 1: Launch Terminal located in the Utilities folder.<br \/>\nStep 2: Type the following command defaults write com.apple.screencapture location and Add your desired capturing location.<br \/>\nStep 3: Hit Enter. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_FAQs\"><\/span>5 FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4>Q1: How do I Change the Screenshots File type to JPG or GIF?<\/h4>\n<p>A: By default, the screenshots created on a Mac is a PNG file. However, you can change it to JPG or GIF using Terminal. Type in the following command into the Terminal defaults write com.apple.screencapture type image_format. Replace the \u2018image format\u2019 value with your desired file type (i.e., PNG, JPG, GIF). <\/p>\n<h4>Q2: Can macOS Screenshot Scrollable Windows?<\/h4>\n<p>A: Screenshots, by default, can&#8217;t capture and extend to a scrollable window. However, some third-party apps like Snagit allows capturing scrollable windows. <\/p>\n<h4>Q3: Can I Take Screenshots Without a Keyboard in MacOS?<\/h4>\n<p>A: Yes, using the Screenshot app, you can capture screenshots without using a keyboard. However, for third-party apps like Lightshot, you will require a keyboard shortcut.<\/p>\n<h4>Q4: Where are screenshots saved on a Mac?<\/h4>\n<p>A: Screenshots taken through various methods are saved on the desktop, except when you&#8217;ve changed the settings. <\/p>\n<h4>Q5: Can I edit screenshots on a Mac?<\/h4>\n<p>A: Yes. By default, the Preview app on a mac can edit and modify screenshots by using the editing tools on the toolbar. Other third-party apps like GIMP and Photoshop provides more advanced options for editing screenshots. <\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>MacOS provides different ways to carry out different computer tasks, and taking screenshots is not an exception. The three methods discussed in this guide offer flexibility, convenience, and reliability when creating screenshots. By following the steps provided, you will be able to take high-quality screenshots and make workflows easier and more comfortable. Remember, if one method does not work, you can always rely on the other two over time, and with practice, you will be able to fine-tune your technique.{&#8220;@context&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/schema.org&#8221;,&#8221;@type&#8221;:&#8221;FAQPage&#8221;,&#8221;mainEntity&#8221;:[{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221; How do I Change the Screenshots File type to JPG or GIF?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221; By default, the screenshots created on a Mac is a PNG file. However, you can change it to JPG or GIF using Terminal. Type in the following command into the Terminal defaults write com.apple.screencapture type image_format. Replace the u2018image formatu2019 value with your desired file type (i.e., PNG, JPG, GIF). &#8220;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221; Can macOS Screenshot Scrollable Windows?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221; Screenshots, by default, can&#8217;t capture and extend to a scrollable window. However, some third-party apps like Snagit allows capturing scrollable windows. &#8220;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221; Can I Take Screenshots Without a Keyboard in MacOS?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221; Yes, using the Screenshot app, you can capture screenshots without using a keyboard. However, for third-party apps like Lightshot, you will require a keyboard shortcut.&#8221;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221; Where are screenshots saved on a Mac?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221; Screenshots taken through various methods are saved on the desktop, except when you&#8217;ve changed the settings. &#8220;}},{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Question&#8221;,&#8221;name&#8221;:&#8221; Can I edit screenshots on a Mac?&#8221;,&#8221;acceptedAnswer&#8221;:{&#8220;@type&#8221;:&#8221;Answer&#8221;,&#8221;text&#8221;:&#8221; Yes. By default, the Preview app on a mac can edit and modify screenshots by using the editing tools on the toolbar. Other third-party apps like GIMP and Photoshop provides more advanced options for editing screenshots. &#8220;}}]}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apple&#8217;s MacOS has a plethora of built-in tools and features that enable users to accomplish many computing tasks with ease. One of these features is the screenshot tool. Screenshots are illustrative and straightforward ways to explain and share computer tasks and issues. Whether you&#8217;re a graphic designer, a social media manager or just an everyday [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mac-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5501","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5501"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5501\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10303,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5501\/revisions\/10303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iseepassword.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}