The Complete Guide to Mac Screenshots

macOS has one of the best built-in screenshot tools of any operating system — most people just never change its defaults. This guide covers the shortcuts worth memorizing and every setting worth adjusting, from where captures save to how big the files are, each with a full how-to.

The shortcuts

Three combinations cover almost everything: Shift-Cmd-3 for the whole screen, Shift-Cmd-4 for a selection, and Shift-Cmd-5 for the capture toolbar with options. From that toolbar you can also record your screen.

Stop cluttering your Desktop

By default every screenshot lands on the Desktop. Point them at a dedicated folder instead — one of the highest-value changes you can make if you capture a lot.

Fix the file format and size

macOS saves huge PNGs by default. For anything you email or upload, switch to JPG — it cuts file size dramatically and makes them far easier to share.

Clean up the look

Window screenshots come with a big drop shadow and a timestamped name. Remove the shadow for tighter images and drop the date from the filename. Turn off the floating thumbnail if it gets in your way.

Capture more than the screen

Need a whole long page? Here's how to take a scrolling screenshot that captures everything below the fold, and how to make lightweight screenshots for bug reports.

Every setting here is a one-click, reversible toggle in Mainspring — no Terminal, no guesswork, and an undo button for all of it.