Have you ever wondered how to screenshot on Mac? Whether you're explaining a complex process to a colleague or sharing a funny meme with friends, taking a screenshot is often the quickest way to get your point across. But what if you want to do more than just capture a static image? Maybe you want to annotate it, edit it, or even turn it into a dynamic presentation. In this article, we'll show you not only how to use Mac's built-in screenshot tools like Command + Shift + 3 and Command + Shift + 5, but also how to elevate your screenshots with advanced editing techniques using third-party tools like Wondershare DemoCreator.
In this article
Screenshot on Mac with the built-in screenshot tool
Full-Screen Capture: Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen and save it as a file.To save the screenshot to the clipboard instead of a file, use Command + Control + Shift + 3.
Partial Screen Capture: Press Command + Shift + 4 to turn your cursor into a crosshair, then click and drag to select the desired area. Releasing the mouse or trackpad will capture the selected area.To copy a selected area to the clipboard, press Command + Control + Shift + 4, then drag the crosshair to select the area.
Window or Menu Capture: Press Command + Shift + 4, then press the Space bar. The crosshair will turn into a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture.
For a screenshot without shadows, press Alt/Option alongside the space key.Alternatively, use the screenshot toolbar by pressing Command + Shift + 5, then select the "Capture a specific window" option.Screenshot Toolbar: Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar, which provides options to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
Touch Bar Capture: For Macs with a Touch Bar, press Command + Shift + 6 to capture the Touch Bar.
How to edit and save screenshots on Mac
Once you've taken a screenshot on your Mac, a preview will pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on the icon to open Apple Preview with your screenshot inside. The expandable toolbar allows you to edit the screenshot by adding shapes, changing color composition, incorporating text, and drawing on the screen.
However, for more advanced editing needs, third-party apps can help you achieve professional results. While they might not manage screenshots directly, they can enhance your visual content creation.
If you're looking to turn your screenshots into dynamic presentations or videos, consider using Wondershare DemoCreator. This powerful tool allows you to record your screen, edit videos, and add annotations, making it ideal for creating engaging tutorials, presentations, and more. DemoCreator's features include:
Screen Recording: Capture full screen, specific windows, or selected regions.
Video Editing: Trim, split, merge clips, and add transitions.
Annotations: Add text, arrows, shapes, and highlights to emphasize key points.
By combining your edited screenshots with DemoCreator's video creation capabilities, you can create compelling visual content that communicates your ideas effectively.
How to Change the Default Save Location for Screenshots
Follow these simple steps to change the save location for your screenshots.
- Open the Screenshot App: Do this by pressing Command + Shift + 5 or locating the Screenshot app in your Launchpad.
- Click Options: In the floating menu bar, click "Options".
- Choose a Save Location: Under the "Save to" option, select the folder to save your screenshots.
If your preferred folder isn't listed, click "Other Location" and save it wherever you need. Now, the system will save your screenshot in your selected location!
How to Make Annotation on the Screenshot
You can use the built-in macOS tools to annotate your screenshots easily. Here's how to do it.
- Take a screenshot on Mac: The screenshot could be either full or partial.
- Click on the thumbnail immediately: The Markup tools will open, allowing you to annotate and edit the screenshot.
- To edit the macOS screenshot: Click the Pen icon in the top toolbar. You’ll see a range of tools. Select the one you want and edit as you wish.
- Save the project: Save or share the edited or annotated screenshot to complete the process.
How to Change MacOS Screenshot Shortcuts
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences".
- Click the "Keyboard" icon and navigate to the "Shortcuts" tab.
- Check the left pane to find and choose "Screenshots".
- Double-click on the keystroke combination you want to change (e.g., Shift + Command + 3) and type a new one. Ensure your custom shortcut starts with a modifier key (like Shift, Option, Command, Control, Caps Lock, or Fn).
- Click the “Done” to save your changes and exit. Your new keyboard shortcut for taking screenshots on MacBook is good to go.
How to Record Screen on MAC
Using Mac's Built-in Tool: Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot utility, then select the record option. You can record the entire screen or select an area to record.To stop recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
Here is a quick guide on how to use either of these methods.
This feature is available on macOS Mojave or later versions.
Step1 Open the Utility Menu
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot utility. There, you'll see onscreen recording controls. Please don’t confuse the Capture button with the Record button because they look alike.
Step2 Begin Recording
Click the Record button or tap on any part of the screen to record the entire screen. Alternatively, you can drag the crosshair to select an area to record, then click the Record button.
Step3 Stop Recording
When you are ready to stop recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
You can add narration by choosing “Microphone” in the recording settings.
Using Third-Party Software (DemoCreator)
If you can't get the screen recording quality you want using Mac's screenshot toolbar, we have something even better for you!
It’s the only tool you need to learn how to screenshot on a Mac and record your screen. Take advantage of the power of an advanced recorder like
This lightweight screen recorder was designed for Mac and Windows, so you don’t have to worry about your operating system. It’s the most convenient way to capture screenshots on Mac, record screens, and share screens!
Features:
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Multi-track recording allows you to simultaneously record the webcam and screen (YouTubers will love this feature!).
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Easily select any area of the screen to record or take a macOS screenshot.
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Smooth and clear recording of screens up to 120 frames per second!
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Free on-screen annotations to enhance recordings and take screenshots on Mac.
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Cloud storage compatibility and secure link sharing.
The tool to take screenshots on a MacBook also ensures effortless video recording and editing. Here's how to record your screen in simple and easy steps:
Step1 Install and Launch DemoCreator
To begin, download and install DemoCreator. Open and grant it access in your Mac’s System Settings. Once you do, click “Yes.” Then click “New Recording.”
Step2 Record Screen
The DemoCreator recorder offers options like Zone Capture to take screenshots on Mac, Microphone, Webcam, etc., but we’re only interested in screen recording now.
Next, drag the edges of the rectangular screen selection tool to cover the region of the screen you want to record, similar to what you did earlier when you wanted to take a macOS screenshot.
You can also use the circular button in the middle to move the entire tool, not just the edges. Next, click the big red REC button to record the screen.
Step3 Locate Recording
DemoCreator will start recording the screen. Click the Stop button when you’re done, and the tool will automatically save the video to the default download directory or the folder you set as default.
Conclusion
Well, that was quite exhaustive! If you've been wondering how to take a screenshot on Mac, we have given you all the answers you need today.
So, what’s your biggest takeaway from this? Taking a screenshot on a Mac is easy once you know the proper shortcuts, right?
Whether you want to capture the whole screen, just one part, or even make annotations, following a few simple steps will get you your macOS screenshot.
And if MacOS’s native screen recorder doesn’t live up to your expectations, Wondershare DemoCreator is more than a worthy substitute for recording your screen or taking screenshots on Mac!
