Looking for the easiest way to take a screenshot on Mac? Whether you’re capturing your entire screen, a specific window, or just part of it, macOS has powerful built-in screenshot tools — no third-party app needed.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to screenshot on Mac using simple keyboard shortcuts and advanced tools. Let’s dive in!
1. Screenshot the Entire Screen on Mac
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
This shortcut instantly takes a screenshot of your entire Mac screen. The image will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Perfect for:
- Capturing full webpages
- Saving Zoom meetings
- Documenting system errors
2. Screenshot a Portion of the Screen
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 4
Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Just click and drag to select the area you want to capture. Release to take the screenshot.
Use this when:
- You want to screenshot a specific section on your Mac
- You don’t want the entire screen
3. Screenshot a Window on Mac
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar
After pressing the shortcut, your cursor changes to a camera icon. Click any open window to capture it.
Great for:
- Screenshotting app windows (Safari, Finder, etc.)
- Clean, shadowed window captures
4. Use the Screenshot Toolbar on Mac
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
This opens the screenshot toolbar — a flexible tool that lets you:
- Take a full screenshot
- Capture a window or selected portion
- Record your screen
- Set a timer
- Choose a save location
If you’re new to Mac, this is the most user-friendly way to take a screenshot.
5. Screenshot the Touch Bar on Mac
Shortcut: Command (⌘) + Shift + 6
If your MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, this shortcut will screenshot it — handy for developers, testers, and tutorials.
Where Do Mac Screenshots Go?
By default, screenshots on Mac are saved to your desktop with a name like:Screen Shot 2025-06-29 at 10.45.00 AM.pngTo change the save location:
- Press
Command + Shift + 5 - Click Options
- Select a folder or create a new one (e.g., “Screenshots”)
How to Edit a Screenshot on Mac
Right after you take a screenshot, a small thumbnail preview appears in the bottom-right corner. Click it to:
- Crop or resize
- Draw, annotate, or highlight
- Add text or shapes
- Share via Mail, Messages, or AirDrop
You can also open screenshots in Preview or the Photos app for deeper editing.
Bonus Tip: Copy Screenshot to Clipboard
Want to paste the screenshot directly into a document or message?
Just hold Control while taking the screenshot:
Control + Command + Shift + 3→ Copy entire screenControl + Command + Shift + 4→ Copy selected area
Then just paste (Command + V) where you want it.
📈 Final Thoughts: Mastering Screenshot on Mac
Knowing how to screenshot on Mac can save you time and boost your productivity. From full-screen captures to custom selections and screen recordings, macOS gives you all the tools you need.
Whether you’re a student, designer, content creator, or business owner — mastering screenshots on Mac is a must.
Keywords naturally included:
- screenshot on Mac
- how to screenshot on Mac
- take a screenshot on Mac
- Mac screenshot shortcut
- screenshot toolbar Mac