Screenshot on Mac.
Capture exactly what you need with the shortcuts already on your Mac.
A screenshot on Mac can be saved as a file or copied directly into a conversation. Pick the method that matches what you want to capture.
Reference checked September 2026 · MacBook, iMac & Mac miniPress the three keys together. Drag the crosshair over your selection and release to capture it.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + 4 — capture part of your screen.
- Press the three keys together. Drag the crosshair over your selection and release to capture it.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Screenshots normally appear on your desktop. To choose another destination, open Shift + Command + 5, then Options.
Screenshot on Mac: more methods
Capture the entire screen
Save an image of the entire screen.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + 3 — capture the entire screen.
- Save an image of the entire screen.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Capture a single window
Press the first three keys, release them, then press Space and click a window.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + 4 + Space — capture a single window.
- Press the first three keys, release them, then press Space and click a window.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Use the Screenshot toolbar
Choose a screen, window, or selection. Open Options to choose a timer or save location, then capture.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + 5 — use the screenshot toolbar.
- Choose a screen, window, or selection. Open Options to choose a timer or save location, then capture.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
MacBook keyboards and macOS options
MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini use the same macOS shortcuts. On supported macOS versions, Shift + Command + 5 opens Screenshot with capture, timer, and destination options. A non-Apple keyboard may label the Command-equivalent key differently; check the modifier-key settings.
Edit and share your screenshot
Open the saved image to crop or annotate a copy. Add Control to a screenshot shortcut when your next action is pasting into a message instead of saving a file.
Screenshot on Mac: common questions
How do I copy a screenshot instead of saving it?+
Hold Control along with a screenshot shortcut to send the image to the clipboard.
How do I cancel a screenshot?+
Press Escape before you finish selecting. Some apps restrict captures of their content.
Can I capture a menu?+
Open the menu, then use the selection shortcut. Cancel with Escape if you need to try again.
Why is there no image on my desktop?+
Check the destination in Screenshot → Options. If you held Control, the image went to the clipboard instead.
More official instructions ↗
Controls can change between versions. This independent guide links to the manufacturer’s documentation.