Take a Screenshot on Mac? Screenshot on Mac?
Here's how to Take a Screenshot on Mac.
i. Here are the steps to change the default screenshot save location using the command line in macOS:
1. Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/ or via Spotlight search).
2. Type `defaults write com.apple.screencapture location` and hit space.
3. Drag the folder you want screenshots saved into and drop it in Terminal. This will input the full path.
4. Press Enter to set the new location.
For example, to save screenshots to your Desktop:
```
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/Desktop
```
5. Restart SystemUIServer by typing:
```
killall SystemUIServer
```
Now screenshots taken using keyboard shortcuts (Command-Shift-3 or Command-Shift-4) will be saved to the specified location.
You can revert back to the default Downloads folder with:
```
defaults delete com.apple.screencapture location
```
And restarting SystemUIServer again.
The full screenshot save path is now easily customizable via the command line!
ii. Here are some of the best third party apps to capture screenshots on Mac:
- **CleanShot X** - Very full-featured, lets you annotate, edit, and share screenshots quickly. Has scrolling capture, webcam capture, and gif creation.
- **Lightshot** - Lightweight and easy to use. Adds customizable annotations to screenshots. Has built-in sharing options.
- **Shutter** - Allows capturing specific regions, windows, or full screens. Organizes with tags and editing tools.
- **SnapNDrag** - Drag a crosshair to select screenshot region. Has basic annotation functions.
- **Greenshot** - Open source tool that is customizable with plugins. Imports directly into image editors.
- **Skitch** - Made by Evernote, integrates with their note taking app. Focused on arrow annotations.
- **CloudApp** - Doubles as screenshot tool and cloud sharing platform. Makes inline image embedding easy.
- **Dropbox Screenshots** - Auto-saves screenshots to Dropbox folder. Simple but easy access and sharing.
Many paid options like Screenflow and Snagit also offer great screenshot capture beyond the built-in Mac tools. The best one depends on your specific annotation and sharing needs.
iii. Here are some troubleshooting tips if screenshots are not working on your Mac:
- Check if keyboard shortcuts are disabled - Go to System Preferences - Keyboard and ensure screenshot shortcuts like Command-Shift-3 are enabled.
- Try alternative shortcut sets - Some Mac keyboards use Control-Shift-3 or Fn-Shift-3 for screenshots.
- Restart your Mac - A simple restart can clear any temporary glitches that prevent capturing screenshots.
- Reset NVRAM/PRAM - Shut down and restart Mac, then press Command-Option-P-R during reboot until you hear the startup chime a second time.
- Allow access to relevant apps - Make sure Screenshot, Grab, and any screenshot apps have access to recording the screen in Security & Privacy settings.
- Check for OS updates - Make sure your Mac is on the latest supported macOS version and all updates are installed.
- Disable screenshot blocking apps - Some anti-malware or privacy apps can block screenshots, so disable them temporarily as a test.
- Try alternate programs - If built-in tools don't work, test taking screenshots with another app like CleanShot to isolate the issue.
- Create a new user account - Take a test screenshot as a freshly created user to determine if it's a profile-specific problem.
- Back up and reinstall OS - A clean install of your Mac's operating system can reset any underlying issues causing screenshot failures.
Hopefully one of these troubleshooting tips will get screenshots working again on your Mac. If not, contact Apple support for further assistance.