A Complete Guide: How to Screenshot on Mac

There comes a time when you will need to screenshot your desktop for one reason or another.

You can use them to demonstrate a process at work and share feedback with your team members. And who doesn’t like to send funny memes and gossip about the latest celebrity feuds?

Screenshots have become an essential part of our daily lives. 

Computers have built-in screenshotting functions that make it super easy to take a basic capture of your screen. Third-party applications take more advanced captures that you can edit and share quickly. 

There’s something out there for everyone’s screenshot needs. Now, let’s dive into how to screenshot on Mac.

What is a screenshot?

A screenshot, also called a screen capture or screengrab, is a still image that displays the exact contents of a computer display. They can be edited and are usually shared with others or stored away for future reference. 

With screenshots, you can capture exactly what you see on your screen. That makes it super convenient to share an error message with IT, showcase a mockup of your latest project, or even send funny memes to your coworkers.

They are helpful in many situations, which makes them an essential part of people’s workdays. In all, screenshots are an easy way to show something that would be incredibly difficult to put into words.

Different methods to screenshot on Mac:

Basic screen capture tools are usually built into mobile and desktop operating systems. However, there are downloadable software that are designed for advanced screen capture.

With a third-party tool like Snagit, you’ll quickly forget about your basic, bland screenshots and create visual masterpieces instead. In three easy steps, you can create a capture, edit it to fit your needs, and share it with anyone.

Whether you’re planning on using your built-in tool or downloading a third-party app, we’re here to help perfectly screenshot on Mac.

Using keyboard shortcuts

Shift Command 3 is the most straightforward option. This keyboard shortcut captures a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically saves it for you. This is a go-to choice for anyone wondering how to take a screenshot on a Mac without much effort.

Shift Command 4 turns your cursor into a crosshair. From there, you can either:

1. Press and release the spacebar. This will turn your mouse from a crosshair to a camera icon. Release the mouse button or trackpad on the window you’d like to capture. This option lets you capture specific windows as well.

2. Click and drag the crosshairs to the desired dimensions. Once you release your mouse button or trackpad, your Mac will instantly capture the selected area.

Once captured, your screenshot will be saved to your desktop, and multiple screenshots will be stored in a folder. 

Using the Screenshot app

Macs have a built-in screenshot app that allows you to take more precise and curated captures than the keyboard shortcuts above.

Shift Command 5 will pop up a small screen-capture window. This is the screenshot app. Three screenshot buttons will let you carry out these options:

• Capture the entire screen. 

• Capture a portion of the screen.

• Capture a single window.

• Record the entire screen

• Record a portion of the screen

Pick whichever fits your needs best and get to screenshotting! Again, your captures will be saved to your desktop for easy retrieval. It’s important to note that they will not be copied to your clipboard at that time.

Expert tip: By pressing the Control (Ctrl) button at the same time as your keyboard shortcuts (for example: Shift Command 3 Control), your screenshot will be copied to your clipboard. However, it will not be saved to your desktop.

Using third-party applications:

Do you use screenshots more than just a few times per year? If so, you would benefit from trying out an advanced screen capture and screen recording tool. 

Although built-in screenshotting functions can be useful, they are restricting.

That is why third-party applications have become a much-needed tool for a lot of professionals. An application like Snagit provides countless editing and sharing options. That makes it an essential tool for anyone who relies on screenshots to share information because the functionality can save you so much time.

Snagit provides users with advanced features that are easy to use, like scrolling capture. This allows users to take a screenshot of a full, scrolling web page without the hassle of stitching together multiple screenshots.

You can also create videos from images to explain processes quickly and easily. Record your screen, camera, and microphone audio to create quick, informative videos.

These, and countless other features, make Snagit an indispensable tool for visual communication

Snagit brings a lot more flexibility and creativity to your screenshots compared to built-in snipping tools.

How to edit and save screenshots

Add context and clarity to your screenshot by editing it. Incorporating text, marking up your screen, and cropping out what you don’t need, all make your screenshots easier to understand.

Once you take a screenshot on your Mac, a preview will pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on the icon to open Apple Preview with your screenshot inside. This is where you will be able to edit your capture. 

The expandable toolbar allows you to edit the screenshot. Add shapes, change color composition, incorporate text, draw on the screen, and more. When you’re done, save your screenshot by clicking “Save as” and filing it in the appropriate folder. 

Or, you can edit your screenshots in Apple’s presentation tool Keynote. This app has different features, like adding shadows and effects.

However, there is a good chance you will need to edit screenshots through a third-party app for the best results.

If you regularly need to edit screenshots, a tool like Snagit will save you a lot of time and get you more professional results. 

It’s full of helpful features like the Simplify tool that lets you block out unwanted text to keep information secure and your screenshots less cluttered.

You can even move elements of your screenshots around with the Smart Move tool. It makes it easy to rearrange information, show potential edits, and alter workflows. 

Organizing and managing screenshots

The first step in keeping your captures organized is to name them appropriately. By default, your Mac screenshots are saved with the name “ScreenShot” with the date and time attached. To make retrieval quicker, use file names you can easily remember!

All desktops have a file library. File your screenshots in a designated folder and rename it. Additionally, you can tag your screenshots by color. This will remind you what files belong together and where to find them.

All of these management tools are included in your Mac device. But if you don’t want to do all that work, third-party apps are your best bet.

Snagit’s library organizes screenshots like your Mac but also uses an advanced filing system. Your captures will automatically be managed by application, website, and month. 

This neat feature lets you find your screenshots in multiple places. Without any work on your part, your screenshots are organized and ready for you to refer to easily. 

And there you have it! It’s easy to create basic screenshots and screen recordings using Mac keyboard shortcuts and the Screenshot app. 

For more advanced screen capture, we advise you to look into third-party applications. They can take your screenshots to the next level. 

Snagit is a great tool and a leading screen capture and screen recording software. Look good, feel good, and communicate with clear intent using Snagit. The revolutionary capture powers, advanced editing features, and easy sharing options make it our go-to screenshotting software.

Well, you’ve learned how to take a screenshot on Mac using different built-in shortcuts and the best third-party app for your needs. 

So, get on to screenshotting and have fun looking better and working smarter!

To learn more about screenshot tips and tricks, explore our blog and subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter. 

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