The main mac screenshot shortcut is Command + Shift + 4: the pointer turns into crosshairs, you drag over an area, and the picture is saved on the desktop. For the whole screen press Command + Shift + 3, and for a toolbar with a timer and screen recording press Command + Shift + 5.
Apple keyboards come without a PrtSc key, so these three combinations take its place. Add the Control key to any of them to copy the picture instead of saving a file.
Quick facts
Whole screen
Command + Shift + 3Selected area
Command + Shift + 4Window
Command + Shift + 4, then SpaceToolbar, timer, video
Command + Shift + 5Copy instead of save
Add ControlSaved to
Desktop, by default
Every mac screenshot shortcut at a glance
| What you want | Keys | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Whole screen | Command + Shift + 3 | PNG file on the desktop |
| Part of the screen | Command + Shift + 4 | Drag a box; file on the desktop |
| One window | Command + Shift + 4, then Space | Click a window; it is saved with a shadow |
| Capture toolbar | Command + Shift + 5 | Choose screen, window, area or video |
| Copy area to clipboard | Command + Control + Shift + 4 | Paste with Command + V |
| Cancel | Esc | Nothing is saved |
How to take a screenshot of an area on Mac
- Press Command + Shift + 4. The pointer changes to crosshairs with numbers showing the position.
- Drag over the part you want. Hold Shift while dragging to change only one side, or Option to grow from the centre.
- Let go of the mouse or trackpad. You hear a camera sound and a thumbnail appears in the corner.
- Click the thumbnail to mark up or crop it, or leave it and it saves to the desktop.
The file is named Screenshot followed by the date and time, so the newest is easy to find.
Mac snipping tool shortcut: the Command + Shift + 5 toolbar
People coming from Windows often look for a snipping tool shortcut on a Mac. The closest match is Command + Shift + 5. A small bar appears at the bottom of the screen with buttons for the whole screen, a window or a selected area, plus two video buttons. Its Options menu lets you set a 5 or 10 second timer, show the pointer, and choose where pictures are saved, such as Documents or the clipboard.
Windows users can compare with the Windows Snipping Tool shortcut.
Mac screen recorder shortcut
The same Command + Shift + 5 bar records video. Its two video buttons film either everything or just a box you draw; pick a microphone under Options for sound, then click Record. A small stop icon appears at the top right of the screen, and Command + Control + Esc also ends the clip. The video is saved as a MOV file on the desktop.
Mac screenshot keyboard shortcut problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No file on the desktop | Check Options in Command + Shift + 5; the save location may have been changed |
| Shortcut does nothing | Look in System Settings, then Keyboard, then Keyboard Shortcuts, then Screenshots, and turn the keys back on |
| Picture is blank in some apps | Some video apps block screen capture |
| Too many files on the desktop | Set the save location to a Screenshots folder in Options |
Mac ss shortcut versus Windows
On Windows the same jobs use Win + Shift + S and PrtSc; see the Windows screenshot shortcut key page. If you use both systems at work, remember that the Mac never needs Fn for screenshots because it uses number keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for screenshot in Mac?
Use Command + Shift + 4 to pick an area, or Command + Shift + 3 to grab everything on screen.
Where do Mac screenshots go?
To the desktop by default. You can change it in the Options menu of Command + Shift + 5.
How do I screenshot one window on a Mac?
Press Command + Shift + 4, then Space, then click the window.
How do I copy a screenshot instead of saving it?
Add Control: Command + Control + Shift + 4, then paste.
Is there a snipping tool on Mac?
The Command + Shift + 5 toolbar does the same job.
How do I record my screen on a Mac?
Press Command + Shift + 5 and choose a record button.