How to Screenshot on Mac: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Want to take a screenshot on your Mac but don’t know How to Screenshot on Mac ? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re trying to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or just a selected area — macOS makes it super easy once you know the right shortcuts.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to screenshot on Mac — no fluff, just simple, clear instructions anyone can follow.

Let’s dive in.

Method 1: Capture the Entire Screen

✅ Keyboard Shortcut:

Command (⌘) + Shift + 3

Steps:

1. Go to the screen you want to capture.

2. Press Command + Shift + 3.

3. You’ll hear a shutter sound (if your volume is on).

4. The screenshot will automatically save to your desktop by default.

Result: Full screenshot of everything visible on your Mac screen.

Method 2: Capture a Selected Portion

✅ Keyboard Shortcut:

Command (⌘) + Shift + 4

Steps:

1. Press Command + Shift + 4.

2. Your cursor will change to a crosshair.

3. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.

4. Release the mouse or trackpad — done!

Tip: Hold Spacebar while dragging to move the selection box.

Method 3: How to Capture a Specific Window on Mac

✅ Keyboard Shortcut:

Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then Spacebar

Steps:

1. Press Command + Shift + 4.

2. Tap the Spacebar — your cursor becomes a camera icon.

3. Hover over the window you want to screenshot.

4. Click once — boom! Screenshot saved.

Note: This works great for capturing app windows, Finder, or dialog boxes.

Method 4: Use the Screenshot Toolbar (Best for Beginners)

✅ Keyboard Shortcut:

Command (⌘) + Shift + 5

Steps:

1. Press Command + Shift + 5.

2. A small toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen.

3. Choose from:

   • Capture Entire Screen

   • Capture Selected Window

   • Capture Selected Portion

   • Record Screen (video!)

4. Click “Options” to set timer, save location, and more.

5. Hit “Capture” when ready.

Perfect if you prefer using a visual interface.

Where Do Screenshots Go on Mac?

By default, screenshots are saved on your Desktop with the filename like:
Screen Shot [date] at [time].png

You can change the save location using the Screenshot Toolbar > Options, or using Terminal commands (advanced users).

Bonus: Copy Screenshot to Clipboard

Want to paste the screenshot directly into a document or message?

Just hold Control while using any of the shortcuts.

Example:
Command + Shift + Control + 4 – copies selected area to clipboard instead of saving it.

Then press Command + V to paste it.

⚙️ Using Preview or Third-Party Apps

• Preview App: Open Preview → File → Take Screenshot → Choose your option.

• Third-party tools: Apps like Snagit, CleanShot X, or Lightshot offer more editing and annotation features.

How to Screenshot on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

If your Mac has a Touch Bar:

Shortcut:

Command + Shift + 6 – Captures what’s currently on your Touch Bar!

Quick Recap – Mac Screenshot Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

❓ FAQs About Screenshots on Mac

Q: Can I change where screenshots are saved on my Mac?
Yes! Press ⌘ + Shift + 5, click “Options,” and select your preferred folder.

Q: Can I edit screenshots after taking them?
Absolutely. After you take a screenshot, click the thumbnail in the bottom-right to edit, crop, or annotate it right away.

Q: Why aren’t my screenshots saving?
Check if:

• You’ve changed the default save location.

• You’re pressing Control (which only copies to clipboard).

• Your disk has enough space.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to screenshot on Mac in multiple ways, you’re ready to capture anything — fast and easy.

Whether you’re snapping an entire screen, a single window, or just a small section, these Mac screenshot shortcuts will save you time and boost your productivity.

So go ahead — take that screenshot like a pro!