The Simplest and Most Effective Way to Capture Screenshots on Your MacBook

Similar to other laptop models, Mac machines also feature shortcuts for users to quickly and conveniently capture screenshots. This applies to both desktop and laptop Macs but does not apply to Windows devices running macOS.

How to Capture Screenshots on Mac

Easiest Guide to Capture Screenshots on MacBook.

Method 1: Using Command + Shift + 4 Shortcut

Similar to PCs, the simplest way to take screenshots on Mac is by using shortcuts. All you need to do is press Command + Shift + 4 simultaneously, then drag the cursor over the area you want to capture, and press Enter or click the mouse to complete.

Screenshots will be saved in the Macintosh HD =>Pictures

=>Screenshots directory. Additionally, you can customize the location, folder for image storage, such as saving them on the desktop.

Method 2: Capturing Screenshots on MacBook Pro

This method of capturing screenshots on Mac applies only to Apple's MacBook Pro models. With macOS Mojave, Apple introduced a completely new screenshot tool, allowing users to add text, shapes, and emoji directly onto the captured screenshot.

Press the Command + Shift + 5 key combination to open the Mac screenshot tool.

Now, the screen will display a toolbar with various screenshot modes and editing functions. These include:

- The three icons on the far left are options for capturing screenshots on Mac.

- The next two icons are options for recording screen videos.

- The Options menu contains advanced screenshot capture settings.

- Capture function allows capturing screenshots of specific areas.

With this MacBook screenshot method, the screen image will include a thumbnail displayed for a few seconds to confirm successful operation.

Method 3: Taking Screenshots on Mac using Preview App

Besides the aforementioned methods of taking screenshots on Mac, you can also use the Preview app to perform similar actions quickly and easily.

Step 1: Access the Preview app, then find and click on File =>Take Screenshot From Selection / Window / Entire Screen, to capture screenshots on Mac, depending on your purpose.

Step 2: The captured screenshots will be saved in the folder or location you selected. Additionally, you can use the Preview feature to edit the images.

Method 4: Using Command + Shift + 3 Shortcut

When users press the Command + Shift + 3 combination, the device will automatically capture the screen and save it on the main screen as a png file.

Use this Mac screenshot method if you want to capture the entire screen. All you need to do is press the Command + Shift + 3 key combination simultaneously.

The captured screenshots will immediately appear as .png files. To rename or open and view the images, simply double-click on them.

Method 5: Capturing Screenshots on Mac with QuickTime

To capture screenshots of the currently open and active application, aside from using the Command + Shift + 5 shortcut, you can also use QuickTime.

Note: This Mac screenshot method applies to older macOS versions prior to macOS Mojave.

Step 1: Open the QuickTime Player application on your Mac by searching in Spotlight or in the Applications folder.
Step 2: In the application window, find and select File from the menu bar.
Step 3: Click on the Screen Recording button and wait for the screen recording window to appear.

Step 4: Click the red recording button, then click on any position, window, or area on the screen to start capturing the entire screen, or drag the mouse to capture a specific area.

Above are some ways to capture screenshots on Mac. Additionally, you can also refer to some other methods of capturing screenshots on Windows computers available on Mytour.