5 Ways to Take a Screen Shot on a Mac
From keyboard combos to built-in apps, here are the top 5 methods to capture anything on your macOS screen.
Mac users have powerful tools at their fingertips. Whether you are on an iMac or a MacBook Pro, these 5 methods cover everything.
1. Cmd + Shift + 3: The Full Screen
Takes a snapshot of everything visible on your monitor immediately.
2. Cmd + Shift + 4: The Selection
Turns your cursor into a crosshair. Drag to select a specific area. Pro Tip: Press Spacebar after hitting this shortcut to capture a specific window with professional-looking transparency.
3. Cmd + Shift + 5: The Interface
Opens the Screenshot utility bar. This is the best way to record your screen or set a timer for a 5 or 10-second delay.
4. Cmd + Shift + 6: The Touch Bar
If you have a MacBook with a Touch Bar, this shortcut captures exactly what is showing on that skinny OLED strip!
5. Copy to Clipboard Directly
For any of the shortcuts above, hold down the Control (Ctrl) key while you press the others. For example: Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + 4. This skips saving a file to the desktop and puts the image directly into your clipboard for pasting.
ScreenShotHow Team
Expert Guide Author