How to Take a Screenshot on Mac and MacBook to Copy or Save an Image?

To capture screenshots on Mac and MacBook, you can use specific keyboard shortcuts or specialized software. In this article, we will reveal all the secrets of capturing screenshots on Mac computers and MacBooks, whether there are any differences between the Air and Pro models, and what third-party applications can be used for screenshots on Mac.

Taking a Screenshot on Mac and MacBook

A screenshot is a snapshot of your screen. Unlike other operating systems, on MacBooks, you can capture not only the entire screen but also specific parts of it. Let’s discuss the keyboard shortcuts you need to know and the programs you can use to work with screen captures on Apple computers and laptops.

Capturing a Screen on Mac:

Keyboard Shortcuts To capture a screenshot on an iMac, there is a utility called “Screenshot.” With its help, you can do the following:

1. Capture the entire screen: Use the keyboard combination Command + Shift + the number “3”. You will know the screenshot is ready when you hear a sound signal. The captured screenshot will appear on your desktop with a name like “Screenshot, date, time” in PNG format.
2. Capture an area of the screen: Press the buttons Command + Shift + 4. The cursor will change to a crosshair. Use it to select the desired area for the screenshot. Press the spacebar to move while maintaining the selection.
3. Capture a window or menu: Press the combination Command + Shift + 4 + spacebar. The cursor icon will change to a camera. Press the Escape key to cancel the action.

If you want the Mac screenshot to be saved in the clipboard, hold down the Control key. Done! You can share the screenshot by pasting it into a conversation.

Please note that some programs may not allow taking screenshots, such as Apple TV.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Screen Capture on iMac Keyboard Shortcuts for Screen Capture on Mac

Where Are Screenshots Saved on Mac?

By default, Mac screen captures are saved on the desktop. However, if you take screenshots frequently, your desktop might become cluttered with too many files. To avoid this situation, you can change the screenshot storage location. For this, you need macOS Mojave or later. Create a folder where you plan to save your images, then go to the “Screenshot” program settings and select the desired folder.

Taking a Screenshot on MacBook

Screenshot on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

The principles of taking screenshots on these Apple laptops are the same. There are several ways to do it: using keyboard shortcuts or third-party software. Similarly to iMac, the keyboard combination on the MacBook allows you to capture three types of screenshots:

1. Capture the entire screen: Use the keyboard combination Command + Shift + the number “3”. When the screenshot is successfully taken, you will hear a sound similar to the shutter button of a camera.
2. Capture a specific window on a MacBook: When you need to capture a specific window, use the hotkeys Command + Shift + 4. Then, press the Spacebar, and the cursor will change to a camera icon. Use it to select the specific area for the screenshot.
3. Capture a portion of the display: Use the keyboard combination Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar. Use the crosshair cursor to outline the desired screenshot area. Release the mouse button, and the image will be saved.

Third-Party Programs for Screenshots on Mac OS

Why use third-party software to take screenshots on Mac when the keyboard shortcuts already work? Sometimes, you may need to edit the screen image immediately, highlight important elements, or emphasize errors. To avoid using photo editors after capturing the screen, you can use screenshot programs that offer editing capabilities. These applications are available for download from the App Store.

Skitch To take a screenshot on Mac, use the Skitch app. It is free software that allows you to edit screenshots by resizing, highlighting specific areas, adding text, and more. The only downside is that it does not allow capturing individual windows.

Skitch App

LittleSnapper Another excellent way to capture screenshots on MacBook is by using the free software called LittleSnapper, which can capture the entire screen or specific areas. The program also allows you to create collections of screenshots, add tags, leave comments, and annotate images with shapes, arrows, and text.

LittleSnapper App

Moonsnap Moonsnap is another free utility for screenshots on Mac that is perfect for those who like to edit images with precision and tag them. Although it may not match the functionality of Adobe Photoshop, it is more powerful than Apple’s built-in tools. The software offers customizable preferences, a convenient editor, and even an 8x magnification loupe.

Moonsnap App

Now you are familiar with all the tools for taking screenshots on iMac and MacBook: how to capture screens on Mac, where to store them, how to crop and highlight specific parts. Use these tips and tricks to simplify your work on Apple devices.