How to Take a Screenshot on Mac (Full Screen, Window, or Area)

On a Mac, the screenshot shortcuts are: Shift + Command + 3 for the full screen, Shift + Command + 4 to select an area, and Shift + Command + 4 then Space to capture a single window. Screenshots save to your desktop as PNG files by default. On Windows? See how to screenshot on Windows instead.

The three shortcuts

Hold Control while pressing any shortcut to copy to the clipboard instead of saving a file.

Method: the Screenshot toolbar (more options)

Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the capture toolbar with extra controls:

1. Choose Capture Entire Screen, Capture Selected Window, or Capture Selected Portion.
2. For screen recording, pick the Record options instead — see how to screen record on Mac.
3. Click Options to change where screenshots save, set a timer, or show the mouse pointer.

Changing where screenshots save

1. Press Shift + Cmd + 5 to open the toolbar.
2. Click Options.
3. Under “Save to,” pick a folder (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, or a custom location).

FAQ

Where do Mac screenshots go?

By default they save to the Desktop as PNG files named “Screenshot [date] at [time].png”. You can change this in the toolbar’s Options menu.

How do I copy a screenshot to the clipboard on Mac?

Hold the Control key while taking the screenshot — it copies instead of saving a file.

Can I screenshot a single window on Mac?

Yes. Press Shift + Cmd + 4, then tap Space. The pointer turns into a camera; click the window you want.