Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to capture your Mac’s screen. Whether you need to document a bug, share a screenshot with a colleague, or simply preserve a memory, this article has got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of Mac screenshots and learn all the tricks and techniques you’ll ever need.
Capture the Entire Screen
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to capture your entire screen is to press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
You can also use the Screenshot Toolbar to capture the entire screen. To access it, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5. In the toolbar, choose "Capture Entire Screen" and click "Capture." The screenshot will be saved to your chosen location.
Capture a Portion of the Screen
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
To capture a portion of your screen, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4. Your cursor will change into a crosshair. Drag the crosshair to select the area you want to capture, then release the mouse button. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
You can also use the Screenshot Toolbar to capture a portion of your screen. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 and choose "Capture Selected Window" or "Capture Selected Portion." Select the area you want to capture and click "Capture." The screenshot will be saved to your chosen location.
Capture a Specific Window or Menu
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
To capture a specific window, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 and then press the Spacebar. Your cursor will change into a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
You can also use the Screenshot Toolbar to capture a specific window or menu. Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 and choose "Capture Active Window" or "Capture Specific Window." Select the window or menu you want to capture and click "Capture." The screenshot will be saved to your chosen location.
Capture a Screenshot with a Delay
Using the Screenshot Toolbar, you can set a delay before the screenshot is taken. This can be useful if you need to get your mouse or keyboard out of the way before capturing the screenshot. To set a delay, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 and choose "Options." Select the delay you want and click "Done." Then, click "Capture Entire Screen" or "Capture Selected Window/Portion" to take the screenshot.
Markdown Table Breakdown
| Method | Keyboard Shortcut | Capture Type |
|---|---|---|
| Entire Screen | Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 | Full-screen screenshot |
| Portion of Screen | Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, drag cursor | User-defined portion of screen |
| Specific Window | Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, press Spacebar, click window | Active window or menu |
| Screenshot with Delay | Command (⌘) + Shift + 5, Options, set delay | Screenshot with adjustable delay |
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! Now you have a solid understanding of how to print screen on Mac. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a portion of it, or a specific window, you’ve got the tools and techniques you need. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
Before you go, check out our other articles on Mac tips and tricks:
- [How to Customize the Mac Dock](link to article)
- [How to Speed Up a Slow Mac](link to article)
- [How to Use the Mac Terminal](link to article)
FAQ about How to Print Screen on Mac
How do I take a screenshot of the entire screen?
Answer: Press Command + Shift + 3.
How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?
Answer: Press Command + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar and choose the window you want to screenshot.
How do I take a screenshot of a selected area?
Answer: Press Command + Shift + 4, then drag to select the area you want to screenshot.
How do I record a portion of the screen as a video?
Answer: Press Command + Shift + 5, then choose "Record Selected Portion".
How do I edit a screenshot or video recording?
Answer: After taking a screenshot or video recording, a thumbnail will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on it to edit or share the file.
Where are screenshots and video recordings saved?
Answer: Screenshots are saved as PNG files on your desktop. Video recordings are saved as MOV files in your Movies folder.
How do I take a screenshot that includes the mouse pointer?
Answer: Press Command + Shift + Control + 3.
How do I take a "scrolling screenshot" to capture an entire web page?
Answer: Use the macOS Mojave or later feature Command + Shift + 5, then click the "Capture Full Page" button.
Can I set a custom keyboard shortcut for taking screenshots?
Answer: Yes, by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Screenshots.
How do I disable the screenshot sound?
Answer: Go to System Preferences > Sound > Sound Effects and uncheck "Play sound when screenshots are taken".
