How to Print Screen with Mac

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

    Macbook pro 2020 keyboard with command shift and 3 buttons highlighted
    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

    Crosshair tool on the macbook pro 2020 home 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

    To capture a specific window, press 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.

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    Advanced Print Screen Techniques on Mac

    Timed Print Screen

    Macbook screenshot tool bar

    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!

    FAQs

    Can I change the file format of my Mac print screen images?
    Yes, you can change the default format by using a Terminal command. See this guide for more information.
    Why are my Mac print screen images blurry or pixelated?
    This may occur due to a low-resolution display or scaling issues. To fix this, try adjusting your display settings or use a third-party app for higher-quality screenshots.
    How do I take a print screen on a Mac without a keyboard?
    You can use the built-in "Screenshot" app, located in the Applications > Utilities folder, or download a third-party app like Lightshot, which offers additional screenshot features.
    Can I take a scrolling print screen on a Mac?
    Yes, by using a third-party app like Snagit or Capto, you can capture scrolling print screen images on your Mac.
    How can I quickly access my recent print screen images on a Mac?
    Your most recent print screen images can be accessed through Finder by navigating to the Desktop folder, or by using Spotlight search to locate the screenshot file.
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