Taking screenshots, also known as "print screen," is a useful skill for anyone using a computer. In this guide, we'll cover various methods and techniques for print screen on Mac computers, making it easy for you to capture, edit, and share your screenshots.
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Basic Print Screen Commands for Mac
Full Print Screen
Photo courtesy of Gadgetsphere |
To take a full-screen print screen, on a Mac, press the Command
+ Shift
+ 3
keys simultaneously. This will capture the entire screen and save it as a PNG file on your desktop. "Upgrade your Mac experience with a customizable keyboard mouse combo – perfect for print screen shortcuts! Shop now on Amazon."
Selected Area Print Screen
If you want to capture a specific area print screen on your Mac, press Command
+ Shift
+ 4
. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair, allowing you to click and drag to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to take the print screen, which will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Window Print Screen
Command
+ Shift
+ 4
, then press the Spacebar
. Your cursor will change into a camera icon. Hover over the desired window and click to take the print screen. The resulting image will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.Master Mac shortcuts in no time with the SYNERLOGIC Keyboard Shortcut Sticker! Transform your MacBook into a productivity powerhouse! Tap here to view!
Advanced Print Screen Techniques on Mac
Timed Print Screen
For timed screenshots, open the "Screenshot" app by pressing Command
+ Shift
+ 5
. A toolbar will appear, allowing you to select the print screen type and set a timer for 5 or 10 seconds. After the timer runs out, your print screen will be captured and saved on your desktop.
Touch Bar Print Screen
MacBook Pro users with a Touch Bar can capture it by pressing Command
+ Shift
+ 6
. The Touch Bar screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Customizing Print Screen Settings
To customize screenshot settings, press Command
+ Shift
+ 5
to open the "Print Screen" app. From the toolbar, you can choose your print screen type, set a timer, and select a save location. You can also access additional settings by clicking on "Options."
Editing and Annotating Print Screen Images
Preview App
The built-in Preview app on your Mac allows you to edit and annotate your print screen images. To open a print screen image in Preview, double-click the file. From the toolbar, you can crop, rotate, resize, and add annotations like text, shapes, and arrows.
Skitch
Skitch is a free app from Evernote that allows you to easily edit and annotate screenshots. To use Skitch, download it from the Mac App Store, open your print screen image in the app, and make your desired edits.
Snagit
Snagit is a premium screenshot and screen recording tool with powerful editing features. Download Snagit from the TechSmith website, open your screenshot in the app, and utilize various editing tools to create professional-looking images.
Saving and Sharing Print Screen Images
Changing Save Location
To change the default save location for your print screen image, open the "Screenshot" app by pressing Command
+ Shift
+ 5
. Click on "Options" in the toolbar and select a new save location from the dropdown menu.
Sharing Options
To share a print screen image directly from your Mac, right-click on the image file, hover over "Share," and choose your preferred sharing method, such as Mail, Messages, or social media platforms.
Conclusion
Taking print screen images on a Mac is simple and versatile, with various commands and tools available to suit your needs. By mastering the different techniques, you can easily capture, edit, annotate, save, and share your Mac print screen images. Keep your MacBook and gadgets spotless with the Laptop Screen Keyboard Cleaner Kit – the ultimate cleaning tool for all your electronics. Grab yours here!