How to screenshot on Mac
Quick answer
Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the whole screen, or Command + Shift + 4 and drag to capture part of it. Screenshots save to your Desktop by default.
Every Mac shortcut starts with the same two keys, Command + Shift, and the number decides what you capture.
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ + Shift + 3 | Captures the entire screen |
| ⌘ + Shift + 4 | Turns the pointer into crosshairs; drag to capture an area |
| ⌘ + Shift + 4, then Space | Turns the pointer into a camera; click a window to capture just that window |
| ⌘ + Shift + 5 | Opens the Screenshot toolbar with all options, including screen recording |
| ⌘ + Shift + 6 | Captures the Touch Bar on MacBook Pro models that have one |
How to copy a screenshot instead of saving it
Add Control to any of the shortcuts. Command + Control + Shift + 4, for example, puts the selection on your clipboard instead of creating a file, so you can paste it straight into a message or document with Command + V.
Where do screenshots go on Mac?
By default, screenshots land on the Desktop with names like “Screenshot 2026-11-05 at 10.14.32”. To change that:
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Click Options in the toolbar.
- Choose a new location under Save to, such as Documents or Clipboard.
The same Options menu lets you set a timer and hide the floating thumbnail.
How to edit a screenshot quickly
After you take one, a small thumbnail slides into the bottom-right corner for a few seconds. Click it to crop, draw, add text or sign before saving. Ignore it and the file saves normally.
Switching between computers? Here’s how to screenshot on Windows, and on a Mac you can record your screen too from the same ⌘ + Shift + 5 toolbar.
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