Mac Screenshot Shortcuts: Full Screen, Window, Selection, and Recording

Quick answer

Your Mac can capture screenshots and recordings without an extra app. Learn three shortcuts, then use the Screenshot toolbar for options.

Step-by-step guide

1. Press Shift+Command+3 to capture every display; a thumbnail briefly appears in the corner.

Press Shift+Command+3 to capture every display; a thumbnail briefly appears in the corner.

2. Press Shift+Command+4 and drag around an area. Press Escape to cancel.

Press Shift+Command+4 and drag around an area. Press Escape to cancel.

3. After Shift+Command+4, press Space and click a window to capture only that window.

After Shift+Command+4, press Space and click a window to capture only that window.

4. Press Shift+Command+5 and choose a screenshot, full-screen recording, or selected-area recording.

Press Shift+Command+5 and choose a screenshot, full-screen recording, or selected-area recording.

5. Open Options to choose a save location, timer, microphone, and pointer-click display.

Open Options to choose a save location, timer, microphone, and pointer-click display.

6. To finish recording, click Stop in the menu bar, then use the thumbnail to preview or trim.

To finish recording, click Stop in the menu bar, then use the thumbnail to preview or trim.

Practical tips

• Add Control to a screenshot shortcut to copy the result to the clipboard.
• Screenshots usually save to the desktop by default; change this under Shift+Command+5 → Options.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Mac screenshots saved?

Usually on the desktop by default. Press Shift+Command+5 and open Options to check or change it.

Does screen recording capture system audio?

The built-in tool can select a microphone, but direct system-audio capture depends on available features and settings; make a short test first.

How do I cancel a selected screenshot?

Press Escape before completing the selection.

Summary

Complete the essential steps first and test with a small amount of data when possible. Keep the original data or old device until the result is verified; this makes “Mac Screenshot Shortcuts: Full Screen, Window, Selection, and Recording” much safer for beginners.