Easy Mac screenshot tutorial for beginners
Mastering the Art of Screenshotting on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Taking screenshots is an essential skill for any Mac user. Whether you want to capture a funny meme, save an important conversation, or demonstrate a software bug, knowing how to screenshot on your Mac can be a game-changer.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the various ways to take screenshots on your Mac, including built-in shortcuts, third-party apps, and advanced techniques. So, let’s dive right in!
Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
Mac offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that make taking screenshots a breeze. Here are the most popular ones:
- Capture the Entire Screen: Press Shift + Command + 3 simultaneously to capture the entire screen. The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
- Capture a Selected Portion: Press Shift + Command + 4, and your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the specific area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
- Capture a Specific Window: Press Shift + Command + 4, then press the Spacebar. The cursor will turn into a camera icon. Move the camera over the window you want to capture, and click to take the screenshot.

Using the Screenshot App:
If you prefer a more advanced screenshotting experience, the Screenshot app in Mac offers additional features and flexibility. To access the app, follow these steps:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot app.
- In the app’s toolbar, you’ll find options to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
- You can also choose to record the screen or capture an entire webpage.
- Customize the save location, timer, and other settings according to your preferences.
Third-Party Apps for Advanced Screenshotting:
While Mac’s built-in tools are powerful, third-party apps can take your screenshot game to the next level. Some popular options include:
- Snagit: Offering a plethora of annotation tools and advanced editing features, Snagit is perfect for professional use.
- Lightshot: If you frequently share screenshots and want an easy way to upload and share them, Lightshot is a great choice.
- Skitch: Developed by Evernote, Skitch allows you to annotate screenshots with ease, making it ideal for collaboration and feedback.

Advanced Techniques:
For Mac power users, here are a couple of lesser-known screenshotting tricks:
- Screenshots with a Delay: Press Shift + Command + 5, then click on Options in the Screenshot app’s toolbar. Set a delay of 5 or 10 seconds, allowing you to prepare the screen before the screenshot is taken.
- Change the Default Save Format: Open Terminal and enter the command “defaults write com.apple.screencapture type [format]”. Replace [format] with “jpg”, “gif”, or “pdf” to change the default format.
Notice:
Mastering the art of screenshotting on your Mac opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply an avid Mac user, knowing how to capture and share screenshots efficiently can save you time and enhance your productivity.
So, go ahead, try out these different methods, and find the one that suits your needs best. Happy screenshotting!