Make Mac BetterHow to take a screenshot on a Mac
macOS has three keyboard shortcuts and a small toolbar for screenshots. Here is what each one does, where the files end up, and how to add arrows or text afterwards.
Step by step
Whole screen: ⇧⌘3
Press Shift-Command-3. A thumbnail appears in the bottom-right corner; click it to edit, or wait and the screenshot is saved to your desktop as a PNG.
An area: ⇧⌘4
Press Shift-Command-4 and drag over the part you want. Hold Space while dragging to move the selection, or press Esc to cancel.
A single window: ⇧⌘4, then Space
After Shift-Command-4, press Space: the pointer becomes a camera. Click a window to capture it with its shadow, or hold Option while you click to leave the shadow out.
The toolbar: ⇧⌘5
Shift-Command-5 shows buttons for screen, window or area, a timer and Options, where you choose to save to the desktop, Documents, the clipboard or another folder.
How do I copy a screenshot instead of saving a file?
Add Control to any shortcut: ⌃⇧⌘3 or ⌃⇧⌘4 copies the screenshot to the clipboard, ready to paste into a message or document with ⌘V.
Where are my screenshots saved?
On the desktop by default, named “Screenshot” with the date and time. To change it, press ⇧⌘5, open Options and choose another location.
How do I add arrows, text or blur?
Click the thumbnail that appears after capturing to use Markup: pen, shapes, text and crop. For more, Make Mac Better adds an editor that opens on its own with ⌃⇧4: curved arrows, numbered steps, pixelate, spotlight and a gradient background or your own image, ready to share.
Can I copy the text that appears in an image?
Yes. In Preview or Photos you can select text in many images. In Make Mac Better, ⌃⇧2 selects an area of the screen and copies its text directly, recognised on your Mac.