macOS has excellent in-built screenshot support. If you are in a hurry, let me tell you straight up that to take a screenshot on your Mac, press together Command + Shift + 3. However, if your job demands to take screenshots frequently, learn more options to become super productive at this.
Taking a screenshot requires the same process no matter if you own a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or another Mac model. Capturing the entire screen can be accomplished by using some of key combination. For example there is a combination key to click if you want to screen capture the whole window or portion of the window and just print screen. 'The shortcuts for the screenshot on my MacBook Pro are not working. I hear the camera shutter sound but they are not appearing on my desktop and when I search for any images created today on my Mac, they are not there. Macbook Pro Retina or MacBook Air hasn't been provided a 'Print Screen' key by Apple which is similar to the Windows PC keyboard. However, you can easily take screenshots when running Windows (Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10) on your MacBook. Here's on a detailed guide for taking a screenshot in Windows 10 with an Apple Keyboard.
Note: The keyboard shortcuts to do screenshots work the same way on MacBook Pro, Macbook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, or any other Mac.
4 Keyboard Shortcuts to Take Screenshots on Mac
Capture the Full Screen
To take a screenshot of the full Mac screen, including the Dock, top menu bar and everything else: Press together Command + Shift + 3.
Capture Selected Portion of Screen
To take a screenshot of a selected portion: Press together Command + Shift + 4. You may leave the keys when you see the crosshair. Next, drag it to select a portion of the screen. When you are done with the selection, release the mouse key or trackpad touch. The Mac captures a screenshot and saves it.
Pro Tip: Suppose you make a selection of the wrong portion. You do not press the esc button and restart. Press and hold the Space bar to move the selection. Press and hold Shift to change the selection area only in one direction. And, press the Option key to increase or decrease the sides in proportion. Try it! You will love these.
Capture Any Open Window
To capture only an open window on Mac: Press together Command + Shift + 4. Leave the keys when you get the selection cursor.
Now, press the Space bar once.
Next, take the camera icon on any open window and click. Using this, you can even do a screenshot of just the Dock or the menu bar and so on. These screenshot files have a nice grey shading on their edges that look great.
Using Screenshot Tools
One button for all: Can not remember all the above keys? Just remember one set, and then you can use the tools you see to take a screenshot or even screen recording on Mac running macOS Mojave or later. For this, press together Command + Shift + 5.
Latest version of safari for macbook. After you take a screenshot using any method, you might see its thumbnail in the lower right corner. It will automatically disappear after a few seconds and get saved. Or, you may also click on it to make edits like crop, markup, share, etc.
How to Use Preview App to Take a Screenshot on Mac
- Use Launchpad or go to Finder → Applications and open the Preview app.
- Click on File from the top menu bar.
- Choose Take Screenshot and then select one of the options.
Note: Suppose you want to take a screenshot of Chrome using Preview. For this, open the Preview app from the Dock or Launchpad. Then you will see the menu for Preview in the top bar. Do not click on the Chrome window. If you click on it or any other app window, its menu will take the place on the top bar.
How to Save Screenshots Directly to the Clipboard on Mac
When you do a screenshot, it is saved to the desktop or place decided by you. However, there is an additional throwaway method to grab a screenshot and get it copied automatically to the clipboard. This won't save the actual file. You can paste the screenshot in apps like Notes, Word, Google Docs, etc. or even paste it on your other Apple devices courtesy of Universal Clipboard.
For this, press and hold the Controlkey when you take a screenshot using the above methods. For example,
- To take a full-screen grab and have it copied to the clipboard: Command + Shift + Control + 3.
- To take a screenshot of a selected portion and have it copied to the clipboard: Command + Shift + Control + 4.
- You can also use Command + Shift + 5, then press the Control button, and take the screenshot.
How to Take a Screenshot on MacBook Pro Using Touch Bar
You can also print screenshots using the TouchBar on MacBook. But first, you need to add the screenshot button to it. For this:
- Click on the Apple logo → System Preferences.
- Next, click on Extensions → Touch Bar.
- Click on Customize Control Strip → drag the Screenshot icon down to the TouchBar. When you see the icon on the TouchBar, you may drag it left or right at the desired position. Finally, click on Done.
Now onwards, tap on the Camera icon in the TouchBar to open the screenshot tools and take a screen capture.
Pro Tip: Wondered how to take the screenshot of the TouchBar itself? Press Command + Shift + 6
How to Take a Screenshot of Login Screen on Mac
Just like any other full screenshot! Google xe software. That is, after you power on your Mac, or are at any login window, or locked user authentication screen, press Command + Shift + 3 to take a screenshot.
This method works if you are running OS X 10.10 (Yosemite, released in 2014) and above.
Note: The screenshot file starts with LWScreenshot if it is of the main login screen (after you just power on or log out of the current user). Rest other login screenshots have the normal file name (Screen Shot Year-Month-Date and Time)
Find Screenshot On Macbook Pro
Where to Find Screenshots on Mac?
By default, screenshots are saved on desktop. You will find all of them here.
Pro Tips:
- If you have several screenshots, select them all, right-click and then choose New Folder with Selection.
- You can also drag the screenshot thumbnail to any folder.
How to Change Default Location of Saved Screenshots on Mac
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Click on Options.
- From under Save to, choose a predefined location. Or click on Other Location.
All future screenshots will save on the selected location. This setting will stay in effect even if you restart the Mac.
How to Change Keyboard Shortcuts to Take Screenshots on Mac
The default keys are great. However, you may modify them to any key you like. For this:
- Click on the Apple logo from the Menu bar and choose System Preferences.
- Now, click on Keyboard → Shortcuts.
- Click on Screenshots.
- Select a shortcut and then press the enter key.
- Now, press the desired new key or multiple keys combination.
How to Print Screen on Mac Using Windows Keyboard
If you use a Windows keyboard with Mac, the steps to take a screenshot remains the same. However, you have to use Windows keyboard equivalents.
| Mac Key | Windows Key |
| Control | Ctrl |
| Option | Alt |
| Command | Windows |
| Delete | Backspace |
| Return | Enter |
So, to take a full screenshot on Mac using Windows Keyboard, press: Windows + Shift + 3.
To capture a selected part, press: Windows + Shift + 4 and so on…
How to Change Screenshot File Format on Mac
By default, the screenshots on Mac are taken in .PNG format. But, you can change it to JPG (or even TIFF/ PDF/ GIF). The process involves using the Terminal. But it is straightforward. We have an easy guide that tells you how to do this.
How to Disable Screenshot Thumbnail Preview on Mac
When you take a screenshot on modern Macs, you see its thumbnail for a few seconds. You can click on it to edit it or share it via AirDrop, Mail, Messages, etc. But, if you do not fancy this and think of it as an unnecessary intrusion, here is how to turn it off.
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Click on Options.
- Under Options, click on Show Floating Thumbnail to unselect it.
Signing off…
This is how you can master screenshots on Mac. I hope this guide is helpful. If you have any further related questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
You may also read here:
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
How To Do Screenshot On Macbook
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When it comes to owning a new computer, one of the best choices you can have right from the start is definitely purchasing a MacBook Pro. This laptop offers you not only a lot of portability, but also a lot of processing power that you can use in order to complete just about any type of task. If you want to make the most out of your MacBook Pro usage experience however you do need to ensure that you know how to Screenshot on MacBook Pro as this is an essential thing to do if you are at home or at the office and want to share your experience with others.
The following video will teach you how to make screenshot on Macbook Pro easily.
Alongside the aforementioned uses, a MacBook Pro screenshot can also be used for a wide range of other purposes, such as documenting a certain process, keeping track of changes or just monitoring your Retina MacBook Pro usage experience. No matter if you have a Retina MacBook Pro or a normal one, the screenshot taking process is pretty much the same. There are multiple methods you can use in order to get the job done, and in this article we are going to talk about the best ones!
- 1. Best Mac screenshot tool
- 2. Default way to take snapshot
- 3. Built-in Mac Grab way
- 4. Easy method with Jing
1. Best Way – Apowersoft Mac screenshot
If you want to take more than a screenshot during the day, then you need a professional tool to do the job right and Apowersoft Mac screenshot definitely fits the bill. This is a compact app that provides you with two different screenshot modes. With this tool you can capture the whole screen, or you can capture the content of web pages, webcams, app windows or just about anything you can on your screen.
If you want to make MacBook Pro screenshot in a professional manner, then this is the best tool you can choose since it brings you ease of use, a stellar interface as well as a simple method of taking pictures. You just need to enter the app, select the desired screenshot mode and the region you want to grab, and that's it. This not only provides a stellar experience right from the start but it's also capable of editing your screenshots as well. In details, you can change the color of the background, add annotations, modify some of the content to make it funny and so on because of that you are bound to like it for sure.
What makes Apowersoft Mac screenshot different is the fact that you get all the tools you need for a complete and professional screenshot taking experience right under your fingertips. Working with this app is not only simple, but it's something that can easily integrate into your daily workflow. So, if you want a reliable MacBook Pro screenshot maker, then this application is the best choices in the whole list.
2. The normal way to take screenshot on MacBook Pro
If you want to take screenshot on MacBook Pro then you need to know that you an easily do that with the help of those tools integrated right into the operating system. If you want to take a full-screen screenshot all you need to do is to hold down both the 'Command' and 'Shift' keys, then gently press '3'. You will hear a shutter sound when you take the picture, something that will tell you the shot has been taken and it will be saved on your screen to be shared, published or edited at you see fit. By default, this is saved as PNG but with a few clicks you can change that to other formats such as JPEG for example.
If you want to take a screenshot of a selection rather than full-screen, then you still need to press and hold 'Command' and 'Shift', but this time you have to press '4' and then select the region you want to take a shot for. In addition, the OS also provides you with the ability to take a sceenshot for a window, and in order to do that you need to use the same key combination above, and at the same time press Space.
3. The dedicated Mac Grab way
Grab is a tool that has been created specifically by Apple in order to help you take screenshots. Included within it you can find a marquee selection, as well as tools to perform full-screen, region or even timed screen captures. This particular tool can be found in the Applications folder and it comes preinstalled with the operating system which is very useful! In order to use this app, all you need to do is to open it then select the capture options which can be selection, window, screen or timed. The problem here is that there aren't that many extra features, such as rendering for example.
4. A lightweight method with Jing
All future screenshots will save on the selected location. This setting will stay in effect even if you restart the Mac.
How to Change Keyboard Shortcuts to Take Screenshots on Mac
The default keys are great. However, you may modify them to any key you like. For this:
- Click on the Apple logo from the Menu bar and choose System Preferences.
- Now, click on Keyboard → Shortcuts.
- Click on Screenshots.
- Select a shortcut and then press the enter key.
- Now, press the desired new key or multiple keys combination.
How to Print Screen on Mac Using Windows Keyboard
If you use a Windows keyboard with Mac, the steps to take a screenshot remains the same. However, you have to use Windows keyboard equivalents.
| Mac Key | Windows Key |
| Control | Ctrl |
| Option | Alt |
| Command | Windows |
| Delete | Backspace |
| Return | Enter |
So, to take a full screenshot on Mac using Windows Keyboard, press: Windows + Shift + 3.
To capture a selected part, press: Windows + Shift + 4 and so on…
How to Change Screenshot File Format on Mac
By default, the screenshots on Mac are taken in .PNG format. But, you can change it to JPG (or even TIFF/ PDF/ GIF). The process involves using the Terminal. But it is straightforward. We have an easy guide that tells you how to do this.
How to Disable Screenshot Thumbnail Preview on Mac
When you take a screenshot on modern Macs, you see its thumbnail for a few seconds. You can click on it to edit it or share it via AirDrop, Mail, Messages, etc. But, if you do not fancy this and think of it as an unnecessary intrusion, here is how to turn it off.
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Click on Options.
- Under Options, click on Show Floating Thumbnail to unselect it.
Signing off…
This is how you can master screenshots on Mac. I hope this guide is helpful. If you have any further related questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
You may also read here:
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
How To Do Screenshot On Macbook
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- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/ankur/How to Reset Hosts File to Default on Mac and Windows PC
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- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/ankur/How to Turn off Unread Mail Count in Mail App on iPhone
When it comes to owning a new computer, one of the best choices you can have right from the start is definitely purchasing a MacBook Pro. This laptop offers you not only a lot of portability, but also a lot of processing power that you can use in order to complete just about any type of task. If you want to make the most out of your MacBook Pro usage experience however you do need to ensure that you know how to Screenshot on MacBook Pro as this is an essential thing to do if you are at home or at the office and want to share your experience with others.
The following video will teach you how to make screenshot on Macbook Pro easily.
Alongside the aforementioned uses, a MacBook Pro screenshot can also be used for a wide range of other purposes, such as documenting a certain process, keeping track of changes or just monitoring your Retina MacBook Pro usage experience. No matter if you have a Retina MacBook Pro or a normal one, the screenshot taking process is pretty much the same. There are multiple methods you can use in order to get the job done, and in this article we are going to talk about the best ones!
- 1. Best Mac screenshot tool
- 2. Default way to take snapshot
- 3. Built-in Mac Grab way
- 4. Easy method with Jing
1. Best Way – Apowersoft Mac screenshot
If you want to take more than a screenshot during the day, then you need a professional tool to do the job right and Apowersoft Mac screenshot definitely fits the bill. This is a compact app that provides you with two different screenshot modes. With this tool you can capture the whole screen, or you can capture the content of web pages, webcams, app windows or just about anything you can on your screen.
If you want to make MacBook Pro screenshot in a professional manner, then this is the best tool you can choose since it brings you ease of use, a stellar interface as well as a simple method of taking pictures. You just need to enter the app, select the desired screenshot mode and the region you want to grab, and that's it. This not only provides a stellar experience right from the start but it's also capable of editing your screenshots as well. In details, you can change the color of the background, add annotations, modify some of the content to make it funny and so on because of that you are bound to like it for sure.
What makes Apowersoft Mac screenshot different is the fact that you get all the tools you need for a complete and professional screenshot taking experience right under your fingertips. Working with this app is not only simple, but it's something that can easily integrate into your daily workflow. So, if you want a reliable MacBook Pro screenshot maker, then this application is the best choices in the whole list.
2. The normal way to take screenshot on MacBook Pro
If you want to take screenshot on MacBook Pro then you need to know that you an easily do that with the help of those tools integrated right into the operating system. If you want to take a full-screen screenshot all you need to do is to hold down both the 'Command' and 'Shift' keys, then gently press '3'. You will hear a shutter sound when you take the picture, something that will tell you the shot has been taken and it will be saved on your screen to be shared, published or edited at you see fit. By default, this is saved as PNG but with a few clicks you can change that to other formats such as JPEG for example.
If you want to take a screenshot of a selection rather than full-screen, then you still need to press and hold 'Command' and 'Shift', but this time you have to press '4' and then select the region you want to take a shot for. In addition, the OS also provides you with the ability to take a sceenshot for a window, and in order to do that you need to use the same key combination above, and at the same time press Space.
3. The dedicated Mac Grab way
Grab is a tool that has been created specifically by Apple in order to help you take screenshots. Included within it you can find a marquee selection, as well as tools to perform full-screen, region or even timed screen captures. This particular tool can be found in the Applications folder and it comes preinstalled with the operating system which is very useful! In order to use this app, all you need to do is to open it then select the capture options which can be selection, window, screen or timed. The problem here is that there aren't that many extra features, such as rendering for example.
4. A lightweight method with Jing
Jing is a tool that was created with the idea of taking images and sharing them with others. Unfortunately, it doesn't manage to go well beyond that scope, but it still is a good alternative if you want to capture what you see on the screen right now or if you want to record it. Sure, Jing doesn't offer any editing and not even annotation support, but for the barebones experience of capturing a screenshot this tool might be worth a shot.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are multiple tools you can use in order to do the screenshot task. You should peruse all of them to see which one suits your needs, but if you want to perform screenshots quickly and with complete reliability, aided by a wide range of editing tools that are always at your disposal, we recommend you to check out Apowersoft Mac screenshot. This is by far the most impressive and useful tool you can use for all those situations when you want to screenshot on MacBook Pro!
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