On your Mac, capturing screenshots or recordings of your screen is possible using either Screenshots or keyboard shortcuts. The screenshot comes with a set of tools that allow you to capture screenshots and screen recordings effortlessly, and provides options to customize what you capture.
This includes setting a timer delay or choosing to include the pointer or clicks. First things first, find the “Command ⌘” key, located near the space bar.
You can take the following different types of screenshots:
- For the entire screen press Command + Shift +3.
- For a selective portion of the screen, press Command + Shift + 4 followed by dragging the cursor to select the area.
- Press Command + Shift + 4 and the Space Bar to capture a specific window.
- Once the cursor transforms into a camera icon, you may select the window you wish to capture by clicking on it.
- Release the keys and allow the screenshot to be captured. A camera shutter sound will be audible, and the screenshot will be saved to your desktop with the name “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png”
- Press the Escape key to cancel the screenshot.
You can also take screenshots in different file formats such as PDF, JPG or TIFF.
Simply hold down the “Control” key while you take the screenshot.
Using the ‘Screenshot’ option to take screen recordings and pictures
- Press the Shift-Command-5 to display the available tools and access the ‘Screenshot’ option.
- From the displayed tools, select the preferred tool to pick what you want to capture or record.
- Select the size of the area on the screen that you want to capture.
- Click Options. Available options include ‘taking a screenshot’ or a ‘screen-recording’. You may also opt for a time delay.
- Look for the Show-Floating-Thumbnail option. It floats to the bottom-right corner of the screen. Drag it, mark it and share it before saving at the preferred location.
- Start the screenshot or screen recording:
- Click Capture for the entire screen or a selective portion.
- Move the pointer to the window, and then click for a particular window.
- Click Record for recordings. Click on the ‘Stop’ button to disable.
The “Show Floating Thumbnail” feature allows you to perform a variety of tasks, such as:
- Swiping right to save the file instantly and make it disappear.
- Dragging the thumbnail into a document, email, note, or Finder window.
- Clicking the thumbnail to access a window where you can mark up the screenshot or trim the recording, or share it.
Depending on where you chose to save the screenshot or recording, an app may open.
Some Additional Essential Tips
- By default, the screen-capture tool stores files as PNG files on the desktop. If you have MacOS Mojave or a later version, you can modify the default location using the Screenshot app. Click on the Options menu in the app to adjust the location where screenshots are stored.
- Instead of saving a Grab file as a TIFF formatted file, another option is to copy it and open Preview. Once in Preview, select File – New from Clipboard, and the image will appear, which can then be exported to a folder of your preference as a jpg or png file.
- Furthermore, if you choose to Select All and copy the image, you can directly import it into Microsoft Excel, for example, via Paste or Paste Picture while pressing the Shift key.
Conclusion
In this guide, we shared different ways of taking screenshots on MacOS. Drop in all your questions in the comments box below.
Outline of the Article
I. Introduction
- Importance of taking screenshots and screen recordings for various purposes
- Overview of the built-in tools available on Mac for capturing screen content
II. How to Take Screenshots on Mac
- Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Capturing the entire screen (Command + Shift + 3)
- Selecting a specific portion (Command + Shift + 4)
- Taking a screenshot of a specific window (Command + Shift + 4, then Spacebar)
- Utilizing the Grab Tool:
- Accessing the Grab application for advanced screenshot options
III. How to Record the Screen on Mac
- Using QuickTime Player:
- Recording the entire screen or a specific portion
- Editing and exporting the recorded video
IV. An Overview of macOS’s Screenshot and Recording Preferences
- Exploring macOS settings for customizing screenshot and recording behavior
- Adjusting formats, save locations, and timer options
V. Using Third-Party Applications for Advanced Features
- Introducing third-party screenshot and screen recording applications
- Highlighting features such as annotation, editing, and cloud integration
VI. Tips and Tricks for Efficient Screenshots and Recordings
- Shortcuts for immediate editing or sharing after capture
- Organizing and managing screenshot files effectively
VII. Conclusion
- Recap of the various methods and tools for taking screenshots and screen recordings on Mac
- Encouragement for readers to explore different options and find what works best for their needs
How to Take Screenshots or Screen Recordings on Mac: Capturing Your Screen Effortlessly
I. Introduction
In the digital age, visual communication is paramount. Whether you’re showcasing a software bug, creating a tutorial, or simply preserving a moment, taking screenshots and screen recordings is essential. Fortunately, Mac offers built-in tools and shortcuts to make this process seamless and efficient.
II. How to Take Screenshots on Mac
Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Capturing the Entire Screen: Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture everything on your screen instantly.
- Selecting a Specific Portion: Use Command + Shift + 4 to select the area you want to capture.
- Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Window: Press Command + Shift + 4, then hit Spacebar, and click on the window you want to capture.
Utilizing the Grab Tool:
- For more control, open the Grab application. It allows you to capture specific sections, entire windows, and even timed screenshots.
III. How to Record the Screen on Mac
Using QuickTime Player:
- Launch QuickTime Player.
- Go to File > New Screen Recording.
- Select the recording area and click Record.
- After recording, edit your video and export it in your desired format.
IV. An Overview of macOS’s Screenshot and Recording Preferences
Customization is key. Explore macOS settings:
- Screenshot Preferences: Adjust formats (PNG, JPG, or others) and choose where your screenshots are saved.
- Recording Preferences: Fine-tune your recording settings, including timer options for delayed captures.
V. Using Third-Party Applications for Advanced Features
While Mac’s built-in tools are robust, third-party applications offer additional features:
- Annotation Tools: Annotate screenshots with text, arrows, and shapes for clearer communication.
- Editing Features: Edit and enhance your screenshots or recordings directly within the application.
- Cloud Integration: Instantly upload your captures to cloud services for easy sharing and access.
VI. Tips and Tricks for Efficient Screenshots and Recordings
- Immediate Actions: Press Control along with any screenshot shortcut to copy the capture to your clipboard, allowing instant sharing or editing.
- Organizing Files: Create specific folders for different types of captures, keeping your files neatly organized.
VII. Conclusion
Capturing your screen on a Mac is now a breeze. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, built-in applications, or third-party tools, finding the right method enhances your productivity and communication. So, explore these options, find your preference, and start effortlessly capturing your screen today.
FAQs About Taking Screenshots and Screen Recordings on Mac
Q1: Can I record my screen and audio simultaneously on Mac? A: Yes, you can. When using QuickTime Player, select the desired microphone source in the recording settings to capture audio along with your screen.
Q2: Are there any limitations to the length of a screen recording on Mac? A: The duration of a screen recording is limited by available storage space. Longer recordings require more space, so ensure you have enough storage before recording lengthy sessions.
Q3: Can I capture a specific section of the screen without using keyboard shortcuts? A: Yes, you can use the Grab application, which allows you to select specific areas on your screen for capture without relying on keyboard shortcuts.
Q4: Are there any recommended third-party applications for advanced screen capturing and recording on Mac? A: Yes, some popular third-party applications include Snagit, Camtasia, and Capto, which offer advanced editing, annotation, and cloud integration features for professional screen capturing needs.
Q5: Is there a way to capture a scrolling window or webpage as a screenshot on Mac? A: Yes, you can use specialized tools like Snagit or browser extensions that allow capturing entire webpages, even the parts not visible on the screen, as screenshots. These tools automatically scroll and capture the entire content for you.
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Capture and save your screen effortlessly with our helpful guide on taking screenshots. Learn how to utilize this powerful tool to capture information, share content, and troubleshoot issues with ease.