Greetings, Challenger! Everything You Need to Know About Screenshotting on Your MacBook
Whether you’re a pro user or a newbie, the process of taking screenshots on your MacBook can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you get the perfect screenshot every time. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from finding the right keys to using different techniques to achieve your desired result. Ready to take your screenshot game to the next level? Let’s get started!
Understanding The Basics
Before diving into the different ways to take screenshots on your MacBook, let’s first gain a better understanding of the basics.
What exactly is a screenshot?
A screenshot is an image captured on your MacBook which displays whatever is currently on your screen, from an open file or application to your desktop background. You can use screenshots to share images, save them for reference, or as a simple way to capture a moment from your laptop.
What are the different types of screenshots?
There are two main types of screenshots you can take on your MacBook:
- Full-screen screenshot – captures your entire screen content.
- Partial or selection screenshot – captures only a selected area of your screen content.
Now that we have a better understanding of the basics, let’s move on to the different methods you can use to take screenshots on your MacBook.
Methods to Take Screenshots on MacBook
There are three main methods you can use to take screenshots on your MacBook:
- Using keyboard shortcuts
- Using the Touch Bar
- Using the Preview app
1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
This is the easiest and quickest way to take screenshots on your MacBook. By pressing a combination of keys on your keyboard, you can quickly capture either a full-screen or partial screenshot without needing any external tools.
To take a full-screen screenshot:
Press Shift-Command-3. You will hear a camera sound confirming that the screenshot has been taken. You can then find the resulting screenshot as a PNG file saved on your desktop.
To take a partial or selection screenshot:
Press Shift-Command-4, drag the cursor over the area of your screen you would like to capture, and release. You will hear a camera sound confirming that the screenshot has been taken. You can then find the resulting screenshot as a PNG file saved on your desktop.
2. Using The Touch Bar
If you have a MacBook that comes with a Touch Bar, you can use this feature to quickly access the screenshot function.
To take a full-screen screenshot:
Press Shift-Command-6. You will hear a camera sound confirming that the screenshot has been taken. You can then find the resulting screenshot as a PNG file saved on your desktop.
To take a partial or selection screenshot:
Tap on the Capture button in the Control Strip and select the desired area of your screen. You will hear a camera sound confirming that the screenshot has been taken. You can then find the resulting screenshot as a PNG file saved on your desktop.
3. Using The Preview App
The Preview app is a default application on your MacBook, and it can be used to capture screenshots as well. You can use Preview to take screenshots of specific areas, windows or your entire screen.
To take a full-screen screenshot:
- Open the Preview app from the Applications folder.
- Click on File, then select ‘Take Screenshot’ and finally ‘From Entire Screen’.
- The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
To take a partial or selection screenshot:
- Open the Preview app from the Applications folder.
- Click on File, then select ‘Take Screenshot’ and finally ‘From Selection’.
- Select the desired area of your screen.
- The screenshot will be saved as a PNG file on your desktop.
Screenshot on MacBook – Quick Tips & Tricks
Now that you know the different methods to take screenshots on your MacBook, here are some quick tips and tricks to help you get the perfect screenshot every time:
- Adding annotations: Use the ‘Markup’ feature in the Preview app to add annotations, shapes, and text to your screenshot.
- Changing file format: Change the default format for your screenshots (PNG) to another format like JPEG or TIFF. Use the command to do so: defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -format.
- Taking screenshots of windows: Use the command Shift-Command-4, then, press the space bar to shift to window or object mode. Click on the window or dialogue box to take a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I take screenshots of different file formats on MacBook?
Yes, you can change the default screenshot format from PNG to another format like JPEG or TIFF by using the default write command defaults write com.apple.screencapture type -format.
2. How can I annotate my screenshots on MacBook?
You can use the ‘Markup’ feature in the Preview app to add annotations, shapes, and text to your screenshot.
3. Can I take screenshots of windows or selected areas on MacBook?
Yes, use the command Shift-Command-4 to select the area of your screen that you would like to capture, or tap on the capture button in the Control Strip to take a screenshot of the active window.
4. How do I change the screenshot folder location on MacBook?
You can use the ‘terminal’ application to change your screenshot folder’s location on your MacBook. Use the command: defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /path/to/folder/.
5. How can I take a screenshot and save it directly to my clipboard on MacBook?
You can use the command Control-Command-Shift-3 to capture a full-screen screenshot and copy it directly to your clipboard. Use Control-Command-Shift-4 to do the same for selection screenshots.
6. How can I take a timed screenshot on MacBook?
Use the command Control-Shift-Command-5. This will open the ‘Screenshot’ app where you can choose the desired delay time before the screenshot is taken.
7. How do I take a screenshot of the Touch Bar on my MacBook?
Use the command Command-Shift-6 to take a screenshot of the Touch Bar.
Conclusion
That’s it – you are now equipped with all the knowledge you need to take perfect screenshots on your MacBook! Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the Touch Bar, or the Preview app, you can now take full-screen, partial or selection screenshots with ease. We hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you’ll put this newfound knowledge to good use! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about how to take screenshots on a MacBook. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the guide or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the guide for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is, therefore, strictly at your own risk.