How to Take a Screenshot on Mac? It’s easier than ever in 2025. Just press Command + Shift + 3 and your entire screen is instantly saved as a PNG file—no extra software needed. Whether you’re using macOS Sequoia, Monterey, or Ventura, this guide shows you every available method, keyboard shortcut, pro tip, and editing trick.
From MacBook Air to Mac Studio, the screenshot process remains the same. Here’s the complete walkthrough.
Índice
Method 1: Command + Shift + 3 (Full Screen Screenshot)
This shortcut captures the entire screen instantly and saves it by default on your desktop.
Key Info:
- File Format: PNG
- Default Location: Desktop
- Filename: Screenshot [date] at [time].png
Method 2: Command + Shift + 4 (Selected Area Screenshot)
This allows you to select a portion of your screen with the cursor.
Variants:
- Press Space: Captures a specific window
- Hold Space (after selection): Moves the selection box
- Hold Shift: Locks bottom/right edge while resizing
Method 3: Command + Shift + 5 (Screenshot Panel)
Introduced with macOS Mojave, este shortcut opens the screenshot toolbar.
Features:
- Capture full screen
- Capture a window
- Capture a selection
- Record screen (entire or partial)
- Choose destination: Desktop, Documents, Mail, Messages, etc.
- Delay: 5s or 10s countdown
Method 4: Command + Shift + 6 (Touch Bar Screenshot)
Exclusively for MacBook Pros with Touch Bar: captures exactly what’s displayed on it.
Editing and Sharing Screenshots on macOS
A. Floating Thumbnail
After taking a screenshot, a floating preview appears bottom-right.
- Click to annotate via Markup
- Add shapes, text, arrows, highlights
- Share directly via Mail, Messages, AirDrop
B. Using Preview for Editing
- Resize via Tools > Adjust Size
- Modify colors: exposure, saturation, contrast
- Export as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or PDF
Automating Screenshots with Automator & AppleScript
Using Automator:
- Open Automator > New Document > Application
- Add “Run Shell Script”
- Paste:
screencapture ~/Desktop/capture-automator.png - Save and double-click to run
AppleScript Example:
Utilice do shell script to trigger screencapture commands programmatically.
Best Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Mac
1. CleanShot X (Paid)
- Screenshot + screen recording
- Cloud storage + auto-annotation
2. Snagit (TechSmith)
- Advanced markup, auto-scrolling capture
- Ideal for tutorials y documentation
3. Lightshot (Free)
- Simple, fast, and efficient
4. Skitch (Evernote)
- Quick markup and annotation
5. Monosnap
- Record, screenshot, and upload to the cloud
Screenshot Comparison: Mac vs Windows
| Function | macOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen | Cmd + Shift + 3 | PrtScn |
| Selected area | Cmd + Shift + 4 | Win + Shift + S |
| Window capture | Cmd + Shift + 4 + Space | Alt + PrtScn |
| Markup tools | Markup / Preview | Snipping Tool / Paint |
| Video recording | Cmd + Shift + 5 | Xbox Game Bar |
macOS offers superior editing out-of-the-box, while Windows often relies on third-party tools.
Pro Tips for Professionals
- Name files contextually: e.g., client-name-date.png
- Use 5-second delay to prep windows
- Sync to cloud: Store in Dropbox/Google Drive
- Schedule captures for reporting/workflows
- Use CleanShot or Snagit for advanced productivity
FAQ – Mac Screenshot Guide 2025
How to screenshot a specific window on Mac?
Cmd + Shift + 4, then press Space and click the window.
Can I save screenshots to a custom folder?
Yes. Use Cmd + Shift + 5 > Options > Choose location.
Can I annotate without Preview?
Yes. Use the Floating Thumbnail and tap Markup.
Can I do scrolling screenshots natively on macOS?
No. Use third-party tools like CleanShot or Snagit.
