Knowing how to take a screenshot on your Mac and how to send a screenshot to your colleagues or friends is critical. It can make your life much easier, especially if you’re trying to explain how to use an application or product. Kindly note that all screenshots get saved on the desktop unless you have changed the save location. So, look at the different ways to take screenshots on a MacBook.
Uses of Screenshots
Screenshots can help get your work done quicker. They are extremely helpful when you need to demonstrate something that is challenging to describe in words. Some of the ways you can use screenshots are:
- You can collaborate with others using screenshots. If you have feedback for your team regarding the new webpage they have designed or the brochure they have created, you don’t have to write lengthy emails with edits. Take a screenshot, point out the errors and send it to the team.
- Screenshots are used to demonstrate how to perform a function or how to use an application. When you explain using screenshots, you can use fewer words, and you don’t have to waste your time clearing confusion.
- If you have encountered an issue with your computer, you can send a screenshot to your IT team to help them understand what’s ailing you. They can offer prompt assistance, even if you are working remotely.
Different Methods to Take Screenshots on a Mac
- Command + Shift + 3 (full screen)
The keyboard shortcut allows users to capture a screenshot of the entire screen.
- Command + Shift + 4 (a specific part of the screen)
The keyboard combination is used to turn the cursor into a crosshair. You can drag the crosshair to choose a portion of the screen and capture it. Then, release the trackpad or mouse button to confirm your selection and take the shot.
After pressing Command + Shift + 4, there are several options.
For instance, you can press and release the spacebar. The crosshair will turn into the camera icon, and you can move it over any open window. To take the screenshot, click on the desired window. The screenshot captured using this method will feature a white border with a hint of a drop shadow.
If you hold the spacebar after dragging to highlight an area, but before releasing the trackpad or mouse, the selection area’s size and shape will be locked. However, you can reposition it on your screen. So, if you need to reposition it, press the spacebar before releasing the trackpad.
You can hold down the Shift key before releasing the trackpad or mouse to lock each side of the selected area. This will allow you to correctly move the cursor up or down to position the bottom edge.
To reposition the right edge of the selected area, you must release the Shift key without releasing the mouse or trackpad. You can toggle between moving the right edge and bottom edge by keeping the cursor engaged. Also, keep pressing the Shift key.
- Command + Shift + 5 (different screenshot options)
Command + Shift + 5 is a screenshot shortcut introduced in macOS Mojave. This keyboard combination calls up a small panel at the display’s bottom with screen capture options. You’ll see three screenshot buttons allowing you to capture a window, the entire screen, or a screen selection.
Video-recording buttons allow users to record the entire screen or only a portion of it. If you want to close the screenshot panel, press the X button, or you can hit the Escape key.
The Options button is on the right side, letting users select where they want to save the screenshot – Messages, Clipboard, Desktop, Preview, Mail, or other location.
The Show Floating Thumbnail option is also enabled by default, giving a preview thumbnail of the captured screenshot. So you can see what you’ve captured and easily find the screenshot you need when you have to send it to your team or friends.
On your Mac, it is possible to turn off the preview thumbnail. Moreover, you can choose whether the mouse pointer will be visible in the video or screenshot.
- Command + Shift + 6
Are you using an older 15 or 16 inch MacBook Pro? Even if you are using a 13 inch MacBook Pro, you will get the option of capturing a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 6 keyboard combination. These models are the last with the Touch Bar, and you can capture what’s showing on it. You’ll capture a skinny and wide screenshot of the Touch Bar when you press the keyboard combination.
Final Thoughts
These are the best methods to capture a screenshot on your Mac. Memorize the keyboard shortcuts to finish your tasks and make your life easier quickly.
Once you have captured the screenshot, you can send it via email or other messaging applications.
