Computers

How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

To take a screenshot on a Mac, you can use keyboard shortcuts to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected portion.

Mac users can easily capture screenshots using built-in keyboard shortcuts, offering flexibility in what to capture.

Steps

  1. 1

    Capture the Entire Screen

    Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

  2. 2

    Capture a Selected Area

    Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then click and drag to select the area you want to capture.

  3. 3

    Capture a Specific Window

    Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press the Spacebar. Click on the window you want to capture.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots

Mac provides several keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen, Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 to capture a selected area, and Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 followed by the Spacebar to capture a specific window.

Saving and Editing Screenshots

By default, screenshots are saved to your desktop. You can edit them using Preview or other image editing software after taking the screenshot.

Watch out for

  • Screenshots may not capture certain content like video playback or protected media.

FAQ

Can I change where my screenshots are saved?

Yes, you can change the default save location by using the Screenshot app (Command + Shift + 5) and selecting 'Options'.

How do I take a screenshot of a menu?

Open the menu, then press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, followed by the Spacebar, and click the menu to capture it.

What if my keyboard shortcuts aren't working?

Check your System Preferences under Keyboard > Shortcuts to ensure the screenshot shortcuts are enabled.